Tell parents three things: which scale their child is graded on, which grades their tier makes possible, and what universities accept. Cambridge IGCSE grades A* (highest) to G, or 9 to 1 in some regions. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE grades 9 to 1. Core entry in Cambridge Mathematics caps the grade at C, and Extended opens A*.
What grading scales do IGCSEs use?
Two scales, depending on the board and region:
| Qualification | Scale | Who uses it |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge IGCSE | A*–G | All Cambridge schools can use it |
| Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) | 9–1 | Only “schools in administrative zone 3 have the choice of A*–G or 9–1 graded Cambridge IGCSEs” |
| Pearson Edexcel International GCSE | 9–1 | All Pearson centres |
Sources: Cambridge grading choice; Pearson 9–1 grading scale.
On Cambridge’s A*–G scale, “A* is the highest and G is the lowest”. “‘Ungraded’ means that the candidate’s performance did not meet the standard required for grade G”, and it “is reported on the statement of results but not on the certificate” (0580 syllabus).
How does 9–1 line up with A*–G?
At three anchor points, not grade for grade. Pearson says “the bottom of the grade 7 broadly aligns with the bottom of the grade A”, “the bottom of the grade 4 broadly aligns with the bottom of the grade C” and “the bottom of the grade 1 broadly aligns with the bottom of the grade G”. It adds that “the new grade 9 represents a new level of attainment … to differentiate your top performing students”.
| 9–1 anchor (Pearson) | A*–G equivalent |
|---|---|
| Grade 9 | ”A new level of attainment” above the old grades, for “top performing students” |
| Bottom of grade 7 | Bottom of grade A |
| Bottom of grade 4 | Bottom of grade C |
| Bottom of grade 1 | Bottom of grade G |
Between the anchors there is “greater differentiation in the middle of the scale, with three new grades 6, 5 and 4 rather than two grades (B and C)”. There is no exact grade-for-grade conversion, so avoid tables that claim one.
What counts as a pass?
It depends on who is asking. In England, the DfE “recognises grade 4 and above as a ‘standard pass’”, and grade 5 as a “strong pass” in English or maths for school performance measures (DfE factsheet). Those labels describe UK GCSEs, but C or 4 is also a common threshold for IGCSE. Every grade from A* to G, or 9 to 1, is a pass in the sense of being certificated. Universities and sixth forms set their own minimums, often C/4 or higher in named subjects.
What do Core and Extended mean for grades?
They set the grades available, so the entry decision matters. In Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580, “the Core subject content is intended for learners targeting grades C–G”. Core candidates “will be eligible for grades C to G”. Extended candidates “will be eligible for grades A* to E”. On the 9–1 version, 0980, Core candidates are “eligible for grades 5 to 1” and Extended “for grades 9 to 3”.
| Cambridge Mathematics | Grades available |
|---|---|
| 0580 Core | C to G |
| 0580 Extended | A* to E |
| 0980 Core | 5 to 1 |
| 0980 Extended | 9 to 3 |
Parents need to know that a Core entry caps the grade at C (or 5), however well the student performs. An Extended entry risks a lower grade, or an ungraded result, for a student who is not ready. See Core vs Extended entry decisions. Pearson tiers only Mathematics A, into Foundation and Higher. See Edexcel Foundation vs Higher.
What do universities see?
A grade per subject, which most UK universities treat like GCSE. Pearson says International GCSEs “are accepted as GCSE equivalents on a grade for grade basis in universities and colleges around the world including: All UK universities (including Oxford and Cambridge)” (Pearson, 2019). Cambridge reports that “UK NARIC finds the Cambridge IGCSE (A*–G and 9–1) comparable to GCSE standards” (Cambridge). For university entry, A Level or equivalent grades usually matter most; IGCSE grades show breadth and meet minimum requirements such as English and Mathematics. Local universities may convert grades; see country guides.
How should a school explain grades to parents?
Our recommendations:
- One page per scale, showing the grades and anchor points, in plain language.
- Say which scale each subject uses, especially in schools mixing Cambridge and Pearson.
- Explain tier caps before entries close, not after results.
- Show what the next stage needs, such as the grades your sixth form or target universities ask for.
- Explain predicted and forecast grades separately from final results. See predicted grades.
How schools do this with AI Buddy
Parents understand grades best alongside progress. AI Buddy’s student reports show performance by topic, and its mock exams give predicted-grade insights. Schools can use them in parent meetings to explain where a student stands and what would move them up a grade.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between IGCSE 9–1 and A*–G?
They are two grading scales. A*–G is Cambridge’s standard scale; 9–1 is used by Pearson and by Cambridge schools in administrative zone 3 that choose it. The bottom of 7 broadly aligns with the bottom of A, and the bottom of 4 with the bottom of C.
What is a pass in IGCSE?
Every grade from A* to G (or 9 to 1) is certificated. Grade C or 4 is the common benchmark, and in England the DfE calls grade 4 a “standard pass”.
What is the highest grade in IGCSE Core?
In Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580, Core candidates are eligible for grades C to G, so C is the highest. On 0980, it is grade 5.
Do universities accept IGCSE?
Yes. Pearson says International GCSEs are accepted as GCSE equivalents grade for grade by all UK universities, and Cambridge reports that UK NARIC finds Cambridge IGCSE comparable to GCSE standards.
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Sources
- Cambridge International, IGCSE Mathematics 0580 syllabus 2025–2027, IGCSE (9–1) Mathematics 0980 syllabus 2025–2027 and Grading choice
- Cambridge International, Cambridge IGCSE: a guide for universities
- Pearson, International GCSE 9–1 grading scale and International GCSE and GCSE: guidance for universities (2019)
- Department for Education, GCSE factsheet for employers, FE and HE providers (2019)