A Level Grades: Explained

Understanding A Level grades is crucial, as they determine university admissions and future career paths. However, they can be confusing. What counts as a pass? Are grades only determined by exams? And why do A Level grades look so different to GCSE grades?

In my ten years as a teacher and careers advisor, I have helped thousands of students make sense of the A Level grading system. Understanding how A Levels are graded, and what to do with those grades, can genuinely give you the edge in getting the place at your ideal university, or landing the job of your dreams.

This guide explains how the A Level grading system works, what each grade means, how results are calculated, and what to do next once you receive your results.

Key Takeaways

• A Levels use a letter grading system from A* to E, with U meaning ungraded

• Grades are based on total marks from exams and coursework, with boundaries changing each year

• A pass is any grade from A* to E, but many universities expect at least a C

• A Level grades can be converted into UCAS Tariff points for university applications

How the A Level Grading System Works

A Levels (Advanced Level qualifications) follow a letter grading system. The highest grade is an A*, and the lowest passing grade is an E. Unlike GCSEs, where grades 9–1 are used, A Levels grade students from A* to E. The A* grade is awarded for outstanding performance.

What Is a Pass at A Level?

A pass at A Level is considered to be any grade from A* to E. If a student receives a U (ungraded), they have not met the minimum requirements to pass.

Many universities and employers require at least a C or above for certain subjects, particularly in competitive fields. However, achieving a D or E still means a student has passed the course.

It’s always worth giving your all to each of your A Level courses, even if you are finding it tricky. I always said to students that every UCAS Tariff point counts. I have had many students who struggled with a particular course, but ending up with a Grade D, or even a Grade E, made the difference between them achieving a place at university or not going at all.

How A Level Grades Are Calculated

A Level grades are based on the total number of marks a student achieves in their exams and coursework, if applicable. However, there isn’t a fixed score for each grade. Grade boundaries change every year.

After all students have taken their exams, exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, and OCR review the overall performance. If an exam was particularly difficult, the boundary for an A or B might be lowered to ensure fairness. Likewise, if most students performed very well, the boundary for top grades might be raised.

For each A Level subject, examiners decide how the raw marks you actually scored translate into final A Level grades such as A* or B. These boundaries are published on results day so students can see how their marks compare.

All of this means that there is no fixed example of A* or C grade work at A Level in a particular subject. It can change from year to year. This system ensures that grades reflect both individual performance and the overall performance of the year group.

Exams

Most courses are assessed using written exams taken at the end of Year 13. Your A Level predicted grades are a guide only. Your final grade is based on your performance in these exams.

Coursework

Some subjects, such as English, History, and Art, include coursework that counts towards the final grade. The weighting varies depending on the subject and exam board.

Practical Endorsement (Science)

Science A Levels, such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, include practical assessments. In many cases, these do not contribute directly to your final A Level grade. Instead, they are graded separately as a pass or fail through the Practical Endorsement.

For example, in AQA A Level Chemistry, the practical work does not count towards the final grade. However, at least 15% of the marks in the written exams assess practical knowledge and understanding. This means the skills you develop in practical lessons are still important for achieving a high grade.

Some universities may also require a pass in the Practical Endorsement for certain science courses, so it is important to take this seriously.

How Grade Boundaries Work

Grade boundaries are determined by exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, and OCR after exams have been marked.

The boundaries can change each year depending on:

• Overall student performance: If exams are harder than expected, grade boundaries may be lowered

• Statistical analysis: Exam boards compare results with previous years to maintain standards

• Exam difficulty: If a paper is more difficult than usual, adjustments may be made so students are not unfairly penalised

Grade boundaries are released on or just before results day, depending on board. This allows students to see how many marks were needed for each grade and how close they were to the next boundary.

I would always advise speaking to your teacher or careers staff at your school if you want help understanding how your marks translate into your final grade.

A Level Grades and UCAS Points

For students applying to UK universities, A Level grades are often converted into UCAS Tariff points.

Some universities require specific grades for particular courses, while others use Tariff points to set entry requirements.

For example, a university might ask for 120 UCAS Tariff points. This could be achieved with three B grades, but it could also be made up of a different combination, such as A, B, and C.

What To Do With Your A Level Results

In my experience, A Level Results Day can be an emotional whirlwind. My advice to students was always to be as prepared as you can be for all possible scenarios, because acting quickly on the day can make a real difference.

Before Results Day, make sure you have written down, or saved in your phone:

• The phone numbers of the admissions offices for all of your UCAS choices, not just your firm and insurance

• The phone numbers for any other universities you may be interested in

• The course codes for all your choices, as well as any backup options

Once you receive your results, you may need to take further action depending on your grades:

If you meet your offer

Congratulations. You can proceed with your university or career plans as expected.

If you miss your offer

You may still be accepted, so it is always worth contacting the university directly. If not, you can enter Clearing to find alternative courses.

If you are considering a resit

If you are unhappy with your grade, you can retake your A Level exams, usually in the following year.

If you want to appeal your grade

If you believe your grade is incorrect, you can request a review through your school or college. They will guide you through the appeals process.

Understanding your grades helps you make informed decisions about your next steps after your A Levels, whether that means progressing to university, seeking employment, or improving your results through resits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are A Level grade boundaries the same every year?

No. Grade boundaries change every year depending on how students perform and how difficult the exam papers are.

This means the number of marks needed for an A or B can go up or down. Your grade always reflects your performance compared to the national standard for that year.

Do coursework marks affect your final A Level grade?

In some subjects, yes.

Subjects such as English Literature, History, and Art include coursework that counts towards your final grade. However, many A Levels, such as Maths, are assessed entirely through exams.

The exact weighting depends on the subject and exam board.

What happens if you get a U in an A Level?

A U means ungraded. It shows that the minimum standard for a pass was not met.

You can choose to resit the exam if you want to improve your result.

Can you resit A Levels to improve your grade?

Yes. You can usually retake A Level exams the following year.

Many students choose to resit if they narrowly missed a university offer or believe they can achieve a higher grade.

Do universities prefer grades or UCAS points?

It depends on the university and course. Some universities make offers based on specific grades, such as ABB. Others may use UCAS Tariff points, especially for less competitive courses.

It is always important to check the exact entry requirements for each course.

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To get the best A Level grades possible, it’s important to revise in a way that is focused on how exams actually work.

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Using structured, exam-focused resources can help you understand what examiners are looking for and avoid common mistakes. This can make a real difference when you are aiming for the highest grades.

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