GCSE grades: How the numbers relate to the old letters

If you're used to the old A* to G system for GCSEs, you might not be 100% sure what the 9 to 1 numbers are equivalent to.

The Department for Education started introducing the numbers system in 2017 with English and maths, and it now applies to all subjects.

The Government said it did it to "better differentiate between the highest performing students and distinguish clearly between the old and new qualifications."

Here's how the two systems compare:

Grade 9 is equivalent to above an A*

Grade 8 is equivalent to in between grades A* and A

Grade 7 is equivalent to grade A

Grade 6 is equivalent to just above a grade B

Grade 5 is equivalent to in between grades B and C

Grade 4 is equivalent to grade C

Grade 3 is equivalent to in between grades D and E

Grade 2 is equivalent to in between grades E and F

Grade 1 is equivalent to in between grades F and G

The table below also shows this:.

GCSE grades - new numbers and old letters (Ofqual)

While the old and new GCSE grading scales do not directly match up, there are three points where they do align:

The bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of grade A

The bottom of grade 4 is aligned with the bottom of grade C

The bottom of grade 1 is aligned with the bottom of grade G

The ungraded 'U' grade, meaning a student has failed to meet the minimum requirements to be given a pass at any grade, remains in place.