Learn how Cambridge grades work and what you need to achieve your target grade
Grade boundaries are the minimum number of marks you need to achieve a particular grade in your exam. They are set after each exam session based on how students performed and ensure fairness across different exam sessions.
Unlike a fixed percentage system, grade boundaries can change from one exam session to another. This is because Cambridge uses a process called grade awarding to maintain consistent standards over time.
Key Point: Grade boundaries are published after results are released, so you can't know the exact boundaries before taking your exam. However, historical data gives you a good estimate.
All exam papers are marked according to the marking scheme. Your raw marks are totaled for each component.
Cambridge analyzes the overall performance of all students and compares it to previous exam sessions.
Senior examiners review sample scripts at different performance levels to judge standards.
Grade boundaries are set to ensure students achieving similar standards get the same grades across different sessions.
Important: If an exam is particularly difficult, the grade boundaries will be lower. If it's easier, they'll be higher. This maintains fairness.
| Grade | Description | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|
| A* | Outstanding performance | Exceptional understanding and application |
| A | Excellent performance | Thorough understanding with strong skills |
| B | Very good performance | Good understanding with consistent application |
| C | Good performance | Sound understanding of key concepts |
| D | Satisfactory performance | Basic understanding with some gaps |
| E | Acceptable performance | Limited understanding of basic concepts |
| F/G | Foundation level | Minimal understanding (Core tier only) |
| U | Ungraded | Performance below minimum standard |
| Grade | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| A* | Outstanding | Top university entry |
| A | Excellent | Strong university entry |
| B | Very good | Good university entry |
| C | Good | Acceptable for most courses |
| D | Satisfactory | Pass level |
| E | Acceptable | Minimum pass |
| U | Ungraded | Below pass standard |
Components:
Total Possible: 160 marks
Your Total: 127 marks (79.4%)
Grade Boundaries for this session:
Your Grade: A (just 1 mark below A*!)
Pro Tip: Use past grade boundaries as a guide while practicing. Aim to score above the typical A* boundary to give yourself a safety margin.
These are approximate percentages based on recent exam sessions. Actual boundaries vary by subject and session.
| Grade | Sciences (Physics/Chemistry/Biology) | Mathematics | Computer Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| A* | 78-82% | 75-80% | 80-85% |
| A | 68-72% | 65-70% | 70-75% |
| B | 58-62% | 55-60% | 60-65% |
| C | 48-52% | 45-50% | 50-55% |
| D | 38-42% | 35-40% | 40-45% |
| E | 28-32% | 25-30% | 30-35% |
| Grade | Sciences | Mathematics |
|---|---|---|
| A* | 80-85% | 75-80% |
| A | 70-75% | 65-70% |
| B | 60-65% | 55-60% |
| C | 50-55% | 45-50% |
| D | 40-45% | 35-40% |
| E | 30-35% | 25-30% |
Remember: These are estimates only. Always check the official grade boundaries for your specific exam session after results are released.
If an exam is harder than usual, boundaries drop to compensate. If it's easier, they rise.
Overall student performance is analyzed and compared to previous sessions for consistency.
New syllabuses or significant changes can affect grade boundaries temporarily.
Cambridge uses statistical analysis to maintain standards across different exam sessions.
Grade boundaries for a particular grade typically vary by 2-5% between exam sessions. Major changes (10%+) are rare and usually indicate significant changes to the exam structure or difficulty.
Variation: 5 marks (3.1%) across three sessions
Use grade boundaries to set realistic targets and focus your revision on areas that will maximize your marks.
Set Your Target: Decide which grade you're aiming for and check the typical boundary
Calculate the Gap: When practicing past papers, see how close you are to your target boundary
Identify Weak Areas: Focus on topics where you consistently lose marks
Build a Safety Net: Aim to score 5-10 marks above your target boundary for confidence
Track Progress: Keep a record of your practice paper scores and watch your improvement
Smart Strategy: Look at the last 3-4 sessions' boundaries for your subject. Take the average as your realistic target, then aim for the highest boundary you've seen as your stretch goal.
Cambridge Checkpoint uses a different grading system from IGCSE and A Levels. Instead of letter grades, students receive a score from 0-6.
| Score | Typical Percentage Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 80-100% | Excellent understanding, consistently applying knowledge |
| 5 | 65-79% | Good understanding with strong application |
| 4 | 50-64% | Sound understanding of most concepts |
| 3 | 35-49% | Basic understanding with some gaps |
| 2 | 20-34% | Limited understanding of key concepts |
| 1 | 10-19% | Minimal understanding |
| 0 | 0-9% | Below minimum standard |
Note: Checkpoint tests are designed for Stage 7, 8, and 9 students (typically ages 11-14) and serve as progress checks rather than final qualifications.
Enhance your exam preparation with these valuable resources:
Access our comprehensive collection of Cambridge past papers for IGCSE, A-Level, and O-Level.
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