United Kingdom Grading System (2024)

FAQs

Is the UK grading system easy? ›

It is difficult to compare grading systems across different countries as they may have different objectives and criteria for assessment. However, the UK grading system is generally considered rigorous and challenging, and students must demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skills to achieve the top grades.

UK degree classifications are as follows: First-Class Honours (First or 1st) (70% and above) Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1, 2.i) (60-70%)

The UK equivalent of A+ is the 75% to 100% grade range. A 3.0 GPA is the equivalent of the 60–69% range in the UK grading system, which is the upper second-class distinction. A “P” refers to a pass, meaning you have been given a passing grade.

It's difficult to say whether the British education system is harder than the American education system because both systems have their own unique challenges and strengths. In the UK, there is a strong emphasis on independent learning and critical thinking, with a heavier focus on exams and a more narrow subject focus.

As a rough example, in a higher-tier maths exam, you can expect to gain a grade 6 with a 50-70 per cent overall mark, and an 8 if you achieve 86 per cent or more. Grade 9 is reserved for the upper half of the old-style A* (over 90 per cent in the paper overall).

The apparent failure of students can be attributed to pressure, excessive workload, unsafe environments, and more. America's grading system is a lot harsher than other countries. For example, the lowest passing grade in the US is typically 70%, while in Canada it's 55%.

Singapore is ranked as having the most challenging education system, although it may not necessarily be the best system. Singapore epitomises a system where academic excellence is of utmost importance.

Based on national average statistics, most children educated in a British style are a year or more ahead of their US counterparts in math and language.

In the UK they grade on what amounts to a seven-point scale. 70% or above is the top band of marks. It is still relatively rare for a student to receive higher than an 80%, though it does happen. Anything in the 60% range—what is known as a 2:1—is considered a “good” grade.

Overall, the average grade awarded to 16-year-olds in England this year was 4.78. This is a fall of about a third of a grade compared with 2022 but very similar to the average grade awarded in 2019.

How is the UK education system grades? ›

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, schools assess study results as follows: GCSE England: 9 to 1, where 9 is the highest and 4 to 6 are good passes. GCSE Wales: A * to G, where A * is the highest and A, B and C are good passes. GCSE Northern Ireland: both systems are used (numbers and letter grades).