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

You've got your results and your stomach has dropped. Maybe the grades staring back at you aren't what you were expecting or hoping for.

It's a horrible feeling. Does a Grade 3 count as a fail? Will a bad IGCSE grade stop you getting into sixth form? Does it matter for university?

This guide answers all of those questions. We'll explain what bad IGCSE grades are, what impact low grades have on your next steps, and what you can do about it.

Key Takeaways

• A Grade 3 (or D in the A*–G system) and below is generally considered a bad IGCSE grade.

• A Grade 4/C is the standard pass mark for most IGCSE subjects.

• Low grades in core subjects like English and Maths are more significant than low grades in optional subjects.

• You can retake IGCSE exams, and there are also alternative pathways available if A Levels aren't the right fit.

What Is Considered a Bad IGCSE Grade?

Whether a grade is "bad" depends partly on your goals and what you want to do next. However, there are some general benchmarks used by schools, colleges, and universities.

9–1 Grading Scale

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

• 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) (opens in a new tab):

• Grades A*–C = Good/passing grades

• Grades D–G = Below standard pass/fail

• U = Ungraded

A Grade 3 or D and below is 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.

Does a Bad IGCSE Grade Matter for Sixth Form or College?

It depends on the subject and the institution.

Most sixth forms and colleges set minimum IGCSE entry requirements, usually asking for a Grade 4/C or above across a set number of subjects. Competitive sixth forms or selective colleges may require a Grade 5 or 6 in certain subjects.

Low grades in English and Maths carry the most weight. A pass in both of these subjects is a mandatory entry requirement for most post-16 programmes, including:

• A Levels

• The IB Diploma

• Vocational qualifications

If you didn't achieve a Grade 4 in English or Maths, retaking those subjects to try and achieve a passing grade is an option that many students take.

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.

For other subjects, a low grade is less likely to block your entry unless you're applying for a course directly related to that subject (for example, a low grade in Biology will affect your options if you want to study A Level Biology).

Does a Bad IGCSE Grade Matter for University?

For most UK universities, A Level or IB results matter far more than IGCSE grades. By the time you apply through UCAS, your IGCSEs are several years behind you, and admissions teams tend to focus on your predicted and achieved A Level grades.

However, some competitive UK universities and courses, particularly for medicine, dentistry, and law, do look at IGCSE results as part of the admissions process. 

For example, if you want to study Medicine at Manchester University (opens in a new tab), you’ll need a grade 6/B in your English Language and Science IGCSEs. 

Many universities in Europe, the US, and Asia consider IGCSE results as part of a holistic admissions process. The more competitive the course or institution, the more important IGCSEs become.

What to Do If You Got Bad IGCSE Grades

1. Don't panic - assess the situation first

Look at your grades subject by subject. 

• Which ones are below the standard pass? 

• Are any of them in English or Maths? 

• Do any of them directly affect the course or school you're applying to?

Not every low grade will have a major impact on your plans. A Grade 3 in a subject you weren't intending to study further is far less significant than a Grade 3 in a subject required for your next qualification.

2. Talk to your school or college

Contact your school or the sixth form or college you're applying to. Explain the situation and ask what your options are. Many institutions are flexible and may be able to accommodate you while you retake a subject, or suggest an alternative route.

3. Check whether you can resit

You can retake IGCSE exams. Resit sessions are typically available in the following November and June exam series. 

If you're planning to retake, use the time wisely. Boost your chances of improving your grades with our IGCSE Exam Checklist.

4. Explore alternative pathways

A Levels aren't the only route forward. If your IGCSE grades mean A Levels aren't available right now, there are other options worth considering:

• BTECs or vocational qualifications - these often have more flexible entry requirements and lead to university or employment.

• Apprenticeships - depending on your interests, an apprenticeship offers a strong career pathway without requiring high IGCSE grades. 

• International Baccalaureate (IB) Career-related Programme - some international schools offer this as an alternative to the full IB Diploma, with potentially different entry requirements.

Can You Retake IGCSE Exams?

Yes, though you should check the specific resit policy with your exam board and school. 

If you're retaking as a private candidate (i.e. not through a school), you'll need to register through an approved exam centre. This typically involves a registration fee.

Timing matters. If you need improved grades to secure a sixth form or college place, check whether the November resit session will return results in time for your application.

Explore our comprehensive guide to resitting your IGCSE exams to give yourself the best chance of improving your grades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Grade 3 a pass or fail in IGCSE? 

A Grade 3 is a fail. The standard pass grade is Grade 4 (or C in the A*–G system). A Grade 3 means you received a graded result, but it doesn’t quite meet the minimum pass threshold used by most schools, colleges, and universities.

What is the lowest passing grade in IGCSE? 

The lowest passing grade is Grade 4 in the 9–1 system, or a C in the A*–G system. Anything below this is considered a fail.

Can I retake one IGCSE subject?

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

One Bad Grade Doesn't Define You

Every year, students receive results they didn't expect, and many of them successfully continue their studies. Sometimes through retakes, sometimes through alternative routes, and sometimes by discovering a different path that suits them even better.

If you're preparing for retakes, Save My Exams has everything you need: revision notes, past papers, topic questions, and flashcards - all organised by subject and exam board, so you only revise what you need.

If you're feeling worried about your IGCSE grades, take a breath, look at your options, and remember that there’s always a way forward.

References

Cambridge International - A guide to A*–G and 9–1 grades (opens in a new tab)

Oxford AQA - IGCSE Grades Guide for Parents (opens in a new tab)

Pearson Grading Structure (opens in a new tab)

University of Manchester - MBChB Medicine (opens in a new tab)