AQA GCSE (UK) uses the 9–1 grading scale. Grade boundaries are the minimum raw marks needed to achieve each grade. They are set after all scripts are marked, by senior examiners and assessment experts, and published at 8:00 am on results day—not before. This keeps standards consistent so you are not disadvantaged if your paper was harder than in a previous year.
AQA GCSE 9–1 Grading Scale
Same scale for all English GCSEs
Grades 9 to 1
AQA GCSE qualifications are graded 9 to 1, where 9 is the highest. Grade 4 is a “standard pass” and Grade 5 a “strong pass.” Grade boundaries are published for each exam series (e.g. June) on results day. AQA also publishes notional component grade boundaries for individual papers (for illustrative purposes only)—the official qualification grade is based on the overall subject boundary.
AQA GCSE Grade Boundaries: Cut-Offs Explained
Minimum raw marks per grade—published on results day for each series
| Grade | Minimum raw mark (typical meaning) |
|---|---|
| 9 | Highest achievement |
| 8 | Very strong pass |
| 7 | Strong pass (broadly A equivalent) |
| 6 | Good pass (broadly B equivalent) |
| 5 | Strong pass (broadly C+ equivalent) |
| 4 | Standard pass (broadly C equivalent) |
| 3 | Below standard pass |
| 2 | Limited achievement |
| 1 | Minimal achievement |
Example (illustrative): For AQA GCSE English Language (June 2025 series, max mark 160), the published grade boundaries were: Grade 9 = 131, Grade 8 = 121, Grade 7 = 111, Grade 6 = 100, Grade 5 = 95, Grade 4 = 86. Exact 2026 cut-offs are published at 8:00 am on results day.
When Are AQA GCSE Grade Boundaries Published?
Results day only
8:00 am on results day
AQA publishes grade boundaries at 8:00 am on results day for that series. For June exams, that is typically in August. Boundaries are not released in advance—any “predictions” are speculative. Past boundaries are available in the AQA grade boundaries archive for comparison.
How AQA Sets Grade Boundaries
Statistical evidence and expert judgement
Fair grading
After marking, senior examiners and assessment experts set grade boundaries using a mix of statistical evidence and expert judgement. If the papers are harder than in a previous year, boundaries are adjusted so that candidates are not unfairly penalised. AQA’s standards over time information explains how consistency is maintained.
Official AQA Resources
Grade boundaries and results
AQA Grade Boundaries (GCSE)
Official grade boundaries for current and past series. PDF and Excel available.
AQA GCSE Grade BoundariesExcel in AQA GCSE with Tutopiya
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