What Are ‘Bad’ IGCSE Grades? What They Mean & What to Do

Worried you’ve got ‘bad’ IGCSE grades? Unsure whether you have failed or if your grades are too low? Don’t panic, the truth is, many students don’t get the grades they were hoping for. But that doesn’t mean your future is over. A so-called ‘bad’ grade isn’t the end and doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t move forward with your plans.

This guide breaks down exactly what’s considered a bad or failing grade in the IGCSE system, how these grades affect your next steps (like A Levels or IB), and what you can do if things don't go to plan.

What Grades Are Considered ‘Bad’ in IGCSEs?

Whether a grade is ‘bad’ depends on your goals and future plans. But generally, we’re talking about grades that are considered ‘below standard pass’ or a ‘fail’, meaning they might limit your options for future study and work.

9–1 Grading Scale

In the newer 9–1 system used by Cambridge (CIE), Oxford AQA and Pearson Edexcel:

• Grade 6 and above = Very good passing grades

• Grade 5 = Strong pass

• Grade 4 = Standard pass

• Grades 3-1 = Below standard pass/fail

• U = Ungraded

The A*–G Grading Scale

In the older scale used by Cambridge (CIE):

• Grades A*–C = Good/passing grades

• Grades D–G = Below standard pass/fail

• U = Ungraded

A Grade 3 or D and below are typically considered ‘bad’ as they may not meet many school, college, and university entry requirements. A U means you didn’t achieve a grade at all.

Need more information about the IGCSE grading system? Check out our IGCSE grade comparison table in this guide.

Do Bad Grades Mean You’ve Failed?

Not necessarily.

A Grade 4 or C is a good start, as it means you have passed your IGCSE and demonstrated a strong understanding of foundational ideas and concepts. With these results, you will likely be able to choose from a range of post-16 routes, like A Levels, IB and apprenticeships. Unfortunately though, these grades may not be enough for some more competitive courses at sixth form, college or university. 

With a Grade 3 or D and below, you won’t have met the minimum standards for a pass, but do still have some other options. If your grade is in English or Maths you may want to retake your IGCSE as a pass in these ‘core’ subjects is often required for post-16 qualifications and some sixth form, college and university applications. 

If you don’t want to retake your IGCSEs, there are other options too. For example, you can look at taking alternative courses, like BTECs or foundation programmes.

How Do Bad Grades Affect Your Options?

Let’s break it down by next steps. Even if your grades were lower than expected, you still have pathways forward.

Sixth Form and College Entry Requirements

Most sixth forms and colleges ask for:

• At least 4 subjects at Grade 4 or C or above

• A minimum of Grade 4 or C in English and Maths

• Grade 5 or B or above in subjects you want to take at A Level

If your grades don’t meet these requirements, you have some other routes you can follow. For example, you could retake your IGCSE exams to gain a better grade. This may require you to delay your application to post-16 study, but it may give you a better chance of studying your preferred subject and/or attending your preferred sixth form, college or university. You could also look into taking alternative post-16 courses, such as BTECs or foundation programmes, which often have lower grade requirements than A Level or IB.

Impact on A Level Subjects

Passing your IGCSE exams gives you a better chance of being able to take this subject at A Level. However, unfortunately, even if you pass, some sixth forms or colleges may not let you take this subject at A Level if your IGCSE grade was low. If this is the case, you still have other options. For example, there may be other similar A Level subjects you can take, or you may be able to study an alternative qualification, such as a BTEC or foundation programme, in this subject or a similar one.

International Considerations

Although generally post-16 qualifications are more important than IGCSEs for university applications, if you’re applying to study abroad, your IGCSEs may carry more weight. 

Many international universities expect a Grade 6 or above in all or most subjects and they often look closely at grades in ‘core’ subjects, like English and Maths, and at Science if you are applying for a science-related degree. 

If your grades do not meet the university’s requirements, they may ask you to retake your exams, provide alternative proof of academic performance post-16 or offer you an alternative course, such as a foundation degree or course for another subject.

What Can You Do If You Get Bad IGCSE Grades?

Option 1 – Retake Exams

If a ‘bad’ grade is preventing you from pursuing the path you want, you may want to retake your IGCSE exams to try for a better grade.

Option 2 – Switch Courses or Colleges

If A Levels aren’t an option right now, don’t panic. There are other routes, including:

• BTECs, foundation courses, or vocational qualifications may have lower grade requirements

• Some colleges accept Grade 3s for certain programmes

Option 3 – Reapply with Improved Grades Later

If you’re set on a certain course or school, consider retaking your IGCSE exams to try for an improved grade. You may need to take some extra time to study for your retakes and might need to delay your application for post-16 study by one academic year. Get revision notes and tips for IGCSE exams to help you prepare for your retakes.

Don’t Panic – Bad Grades Aren’t the End

One bad grade doesn’t define you. Every year, students bounce back from results they didn’t expect. What matters more than your grades is how you respond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Grade 3 a fail in IGCSE?

Grade 3 is a fail as it is below the standard pass mark of Grade 4. While it is still a graded result, it does not meet the minimum pass requirement needed for most schools, colleges, and universities.

Can I still go to college if I get bad grades?

Yes, but it will depend on the college and course. Some more competitive colleges and courses require higher grades. You may choose to retake your exams to have the best chance of achieving your goal, or look into alternative courses and/or colleges that accept your grades.

Can I retake one IGCSE subject?

Absolutely. You can retake just one or all of your subjects if needed. 

Want high quality, teacher-written revision resources to ace your retakes? Check out our range of IGCSE revision tools to help you boost your grades.

What if I fail more than one subject?

Don’t panic, there are multiple options available if you fail more than one subject. For example, you can retake multiple IGCSE subjects to improve your grades, switch to another IGCSE course or exam board, or look into alternative post-16 options, such as BTECs or foundation programmes which may not require a pass in all subjects.  

Final Thoughts

A ‘bad’ IGCSE grade is just a detour, not a dead end. If you’ve received a grade you aren’t happy with, there are alternative routes you can pursue to work towards your goals and future plans.