Grade Boundaries for GCSE Exams Released for 2024

With the arrival of GCSE results day in both England and Wales, many students are eager to learn about the grade boundaries set for their examinations in 2024. The relevant grade boundaries can be found on the respective exam board’s website, which each student must refer to according to the board they undertook their tests in.

This year, grade expectations across Wales are anticipated to be lower compared to the previous year. This adjustment is part of an effort by exam authorities to return grading levels to those seen prior to the pandemic’s interventions.

Pupils in Wales, who are taking exams from the WJEC exam board, will receive grades based on the traditional A* to G scale. In contrast, students in England are graded on a numerical scale ranging from 1 to 9. Notably, a grade 3 in this numerical system corresponds with an A grade, while the highest end of A* is classified as a grade 1.

To aid students in understanding the requirements for specific grades, the WJEC has made its full list of GCSE grade boundaries available. Grade boundaries for other major exam boards such as Edexcel, AQA, and OCR are also accessible online, each outlining the minimum marks needed to achieve various grades.

Subjects under the AQA board include areas such as Art & Design, Computer Science, and History. Pearson Edexcel covers topics such as Mathematics, Drama, and Economics, while OCR provides boundaries for subjects like Media Studies and Physical Education.

WJEC oversees a range of subjects including Biology, Chemistry, and Languages. For students in England, the grading system comprises levels nine through one, with grade four regarded as the standard pass mark.

This year, the examination environment reflects a shift back toward pre-pandemic grading standards. As students await their results, knowing the grade boundaries can significantly impact their next educational steps, whether that be further studies or vocational training.