Oxford AQA International GCSE uses the same 9–1 grading scale as UK GCSEs. Grade boundaries are the minimum raw marks needed for each grade. They are set after each exam series (e.g. June, November) and published on the Oxford AQA results page. Subject and component boundaries are both published so you can see how each paper contributes to your final grade.
Oxford AQA International GCSE 9–1 Scale
Same structure as UK GCSE
Grades 9–1
Oxford AQA International 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 released for each exam series on the official Oxford AQA results page. Maximum marks and boundaries vary by subject and option (e.g. coursework vs exam-only).
Example Grade Boundaries (Illustrative)
From recent Oxford AQA International GCSE sessions—exact 2026 boundaries are published after each series
| Subject (example) | Max mark | Grade 9 | Grade 5 | Grade 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology (9201) | 180 | ~126 | ~79 | ~17 |
| Chemistry (9202) | 180 | ~139 | ~81 | ~19 |
| Physics (9203) | 180 | ~140 | ~88 | ~29 |
| Mathematics Core (9260C) | 160 | — | ~103 | ~22 |
| English Language (9270) | 200 | ~164–169 | ~95–97 | — |
Subject and component boundaries
Oxford AQA publishes subject grade boundaries (overall qualification) and component grade boundaries (individual papers). Combined Science uses a double grade (e.g. 9-9 to 1-1). Always use the latest PDF for your exam series (June/November) from oxfordaqa.com/exams-admin/results.
How Oxford AQA Sets Grade Boundaries
Fair and consistent standards
After each series
As with AQA (UK) and other boards, boundaries are set after marking, using statistical evidence and senior examiner judgement. This keeps standards consistent so candidates are not disadvantaged if a paper is harder than in a previous year. Boundaries are not fixed in advance.
Official Oxford AQA Resources
Grade boundaries and results
Oxford AQA Results & Grade Boundaries
Download the latest grade boundaries for your exam series (June/November).
Oxford AQA ResultsExcel in Oxford AQA International GCSE with Tutopiya
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