Thresholds for A* IGCSE: What Marks You Need and How to Reach Them
Thresholds for A* are among the most searched IGCSE topics because students want to know what percentage or mark they need for an A*. Thresholds are set after each exam series and vary by subject, paper, and session – but you can use past thresholds as a guide and aim to score above the typical A* range.
How IGCSE Thresholds Work
- Component thresholds – Each paper has a raw mark total; the board publishes the minimum mark needed for each grade (e.g. A* might be 85% of the total for that paper).
- Syllabus grade – Your component marks are combined (using the weighting in the syllabus); the combined threshold for A* is then set.
- They change every series – So “thresholds for 2026” will only be known after the 2026 exams. Use 2024 and 2025 as a rough guide.
How to Aim for A*
- Past thresholds – Check recent grade boundaries for your subject (e.g. on Cambridge or your school); aim for a buffer above the previous A* (e.g. 2–5% extra) so a small shift doesn’t push you down.
- Mark your past papers strictly with the mark scheme so you know your current percentage.
- Focus on weak components – Improve the papers or topics where you lose the most marks.
- Exam technique – Command words, working in maths/sciences, and time management all help you reach and stay above the A* threshold.
Tutopiya’s tutors and auto-marked questions help you track your level and target the marks that push you into A*.
How to Use Past Boundaries and What to Do If You Are Just Below
Use past boundaries: Check the last 2–3 years for your subject; aim for a buffer above the previous A* (e.g. 88–90% if last year was 85%). If you are just below: Identify which questions or topics cost you the missing marks; focus revision on those; consider a re-mark if you are one or two marks off. Exam technique: Showing working, giving units, and using command words correctly can recover marks.
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