IGCSE Grade Boundaries: How the 9-1 Scale Works

17th September, 2026 | Abhishek Malani | 08 Min Read
Introduction
To better prepare for your IGCSE exams, it helps to understand how exactly your grades are calculated, and how grade boundaries work. Using these grade boundaries as a reference point you can set personal targets, and ensure your study plans align with the grade you want to achieve. Here, you will find all that you need to know about the two grading scales used across IGCSE qualifications, and how grade boundaries are determined every year.
IGCSE 9-1 grading scale and grade boundaries explained

Table of Contents

IGCSE Grading: The 9-1 Scale vs Letter Grades

The grading system that most students will be familiar with is the letter grades, which range from A* to G, with A* being the highest. The 9–1 grading scale has become increasingly common in international secondary qualifications. This system allows for more precise differentiation between higher-scoring students. Each grade on the 9-1 scale corresponds to a letter on the A*-G scale:
  • 9 = A*
  • 8 = A
  • 7 = A
  • 6 = B
  • 5 = C
  • 4 = C
  • 3 = D
  • 2 = E
  • 1 = F
  • U remains ‘Ungraded’ in both grading scales
The 9–1 and A–G scales also have three anchor points. Grades 7, 4 and 1 are benchmarked against the standards represented by the thresholds for A, C and G respectively. These anchor points help maintain comparable standards between the two grading systems.
Universities generally recognise both grading scales, and Cambridge has reported that students using either grading scale should not be disadvantaged. However, individual universities may set their own entry requirements, so students should always check the requirements for their chosen course.
Cambridge IGCSE is predominantly graded A–G, while selected Cambridge IGCSE subjects are also available with a 9–1 grading option. Availability depends on the syllabus and administrative zone. Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs use the 9–1 grading scale.
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What are grade boundaries?

Grade boundaries are the minimum number of raw marks required to achieve a specific grade in a paper/subject. These thresholds vary based on the subject, exam session, and even the cohort of students taking the exam. For example, the mark required for a particular grade can change between exam series if the assessment demand changes.
Examiners set these boundaries to make sure it is not easier or more difficult to obtain a certain grade. As a general principle, if an assessment is judged to be more demanding, the threshold may be lower; if it is less demanding, the threshold may be higher.
Cambridge refers to these as “grade thresholds”, while Pearson uses “grade boundaries”.
Remember that a grade boundary is not a target score. Historical boundaries can help you understand the approximate mark range associated with a grade, but they can change between exam series. Aim to build a margin above previous boundaries rather than studying only to the minimum mark.

How do Cambridge and Pearson set IGCSE grade boundaries?

After the exams are marked, Cambridge and Pearson use statistical evidence and expert judgement to establish grade thresholds or boundaries. The process considers the demand and difficulty of the assessment and the level of performance required for each grade. Pearson uses a comparable-outcomes approach, while Cambridge considers evidence such as the performance of comparable groups of candidates and examiners’ judgements about question-paper difficulty. The aim is to ensure that students are not advantaged or disadvantaged simply because one exam paper was easier or harder than another.
Along with providing grade thresholds for each individual component, Cambridge also provides the grade thresholds for all possible combinations of components. For some qualifications, the component thresholds can be added to determine the threshold for a particular combination. Where components have different weightings, Cambridge applies the relevant weighting factors before calculating the overall threshold.

How can Quest For Success help?

If you are struggling to meet your target grade boundaries, and would like some additional support, Quest For Success is here to help! We provide expert-led IGCSE coaching classes, and work closely with students to create a personalized study plan that targets all aspects of your syllabus, and ensures that you thoroughly understand each concept. Reach out to us today, and book a free demo class.

Summary

There are two different grading scales used to evaluate IGCSE exams: the 9-1 scale, and the A*-G scale. Cambridge IGCSEs are generally graded A–G, while selected syllabi are also available with a 9–1 grading option. Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs use the 9–1 grading scale.. Grade boundaries are the minimum raw marks required to achieve a specific grade. These are set by examiners after they review the answer scripts and determine the difficulty of the exam.
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FAQs

The A*-G scale assigns grades A*, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, with A* being the highest. It is the IGCSE grading system that most students and schools are familiar with.
The 9–1 scale uses numbers instead of letter grades, with 9 as the highest grade. The two systems have established comparison points, but they are not a simple one-to-one conversion. For Cambridge IGCSE, Grades 7, 4 and 1 correspond to the established A, C and G standards respectively.
No, neither scale is inherently better than the other. Universities generally recognise both, but specific entry requirements vary, so students should check the requirements of the university and course they are applying to.
Cambridge IGCSEs are generally graded A*–G. Selected Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses are also available with a 9–1 grading option.
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE only uses the 9-1 scale.
Grade boundaries can change from one exam series to another because the assessment demand, qualification structure or other awarding considerations may differ.
After marking the answer scripts, examiners use statistical evidence and expert judgement to evaluate the exam’s level of difficulty, and set the boundaries accordingly. The process considers factors such as the demand of the assessment and evidence from comparable exam series, with the aim of maintaining consistent standards.
If you are looking for extra support and guidance during your IGCSE journey, reach out to Quest For Success, and book a free demo call today.
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