Last updated: April 2026
Understanding the A-Level grading system is essential for tracking your progress and planning your university applications. This guide breaks down how grades are awarded, what they mean, and how they translate to UCAS points.
A-Levels are graded on a scale of A*, A, B, C, D, E, and U (Ungraded). Your final grade is determined by combining marks from all assessment components, typically a mix of written exams and sometimes coursework or practical assessments. Each exam board has specific percentage thresholds for each grade.
A-Level grade boundaries are not fixed percentages—they vary significantly by exam board (AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR) and subject based on paper difficulty and cohort performance. However, here are the typical ranges observed across subjects:
Important: These are approximate ranges. Some subjects have higher grade boundaries (e.g., Mathematics often requires 80%+ for A*), while others are lower (e.g., humanities subjects may see A* at 75%). See the official exam board PDFs below for exact boundaries for your specific subject.
Each exam board (AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR) sets their own grade boundaries based on the difficulty of papers and cohort performance. These are published annually after exams. Here are links to the official 2025 grade boundaries:
Download AQA A-Level Grade Boundaries PDF →
Complete grade boundaries for all AQA A-Level subjects, showing raw marks for each grade across different examination series.
Download Pearson Edexcel A-Level Grade Boundaries PDF →
Pearson's official grade boundaries for all A-Level qualifications, detailing the exact marks needed for each grade band.
Grade boundaries vary significantly by subject. Here are typical examples from recent examination sessions:
Note: These are representative examples based on recent exam sessions. Actual boundaries fluctuate based on question difficulty and cohort performance. Always check the official exam board PDFs for your specific subject and examination session.
Your A-Level grades are converted into UCAS Tariff points, which universities use to assess your application. The UCAS Tariff system replaced the previous points system, and different grades earn different points:
If you achieve A*, A, and B in three A-Levels, your total UCAS points would be: 56 + 48 + 40 = 144 points. Most universities state their entry requirements in UCAS points, making this calculation crucial for understanding whether you meet their criteria.
You may wonder how A-Levels compare to GCSEs. An A* at A-Level is generally considered equivalent to achieving a Grade 8-9 at GCSE, reflecting a higher standard of achievement. However, these are different qualification levels with different assessment methods.
Yes, you can resit A-Levels multiple times. Many students resit to improve their grades for university applications or career prospects. Resit entries are available in summer examination sessions, and you only need to sit the final exams—no retaking of coursework or practicals if already completed.
When you resit, exam boards retain the highest grade you've achieved. If your resit is lower, the better grade remains on your record. Universities see all attempts when checking transcripts, but they prioritise your top grade when making decisions.
While most universities accept A-Level resits, some selective institutions—particularly Oxford, Cambridge, and top medicine programmes—may have restrictions or additional considerations regarding retaken qualifications.
Always check directly with your target university and specific course programme before deciding to resit. Contact their admissions office to understand their stance on retaken A-Levels. This conversation should happen before you sit your first exams if possible.
A "good" grade depends on your university and course aspirations. For top-tier universities and competitive courses, A* and A grades are typically required. For most universities, B grades are very respectable, whilst C grades are generally considered a strong pass. Grade D and E are passing grades but limit university options.
No. Whilst the overall scale (A* to U) is standardised, individual exam boards set their own grade boundaries based on the cohort's performance. This means identical raw marks might result in different grades depending on your exam board.
The gap between A* and A is typically 10% difference in raw marks. A* represents the top tier of achievement and is more difficult to attain, which is why it attracts the highest UCAS points.
A grade E is a pass, but many universities have minimum grade requirements. Some may reject applications with grades below C. However, strong performance in other A-Levels can sometimes compensate. Always check your target university's entry requirements.
Coursework is marked out of a set amount and contributes a percentage to your overall grade. It's assessed on the same grading scale as exams and counted equally in your final A-Level grade.
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