Grade Conversion Made Simple – Your Quick Reference for GCSE, A‑Level and International Scores
If you’ve ever stared at a report card and wondered how it stacks up against the UK system, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a student applying to university, a parent helping with college applications, or an employer reviewing a resume, knowing how to read and convert grades is essential. This guide breaks down the most common conversions, gives you easy‑to‑read tables, and explains the what‑ifs you might face.
GCSE Grade Conversion: Numbers to Letters and Vice‑versa
GCSEs switched from letters (A*–G) to numbers (9–1) a few years back. The conversion isn’t a straight 1‑to‑1 swap, but most schools use a rough equivalence that most universities recognise.
- 9 = A*
- 8 = A*
- 7 = A
- 6 = B
- 5 = B/C (sometimes called a strong C)
- 4 = C (the minimum ‘standard‑grade’ pass)
- 3 = D
- 2 = E
- 1 = F/G (fail)
When you see a 5, think of a solid C that can still get you into most sixth‑forms. A 7 is an A‑level‑ready grade, while a 4 is the baseline most colleges accept.
A‑Level Grade Conversion and International Equivalents
A‑levels still use the classic A*–E scale. If you’re comparing them to US grades, the general rule of thumb is:
- A* ≈ A (top 5% of US high‑school seniors)
- A ≈ A‑ (around 90‑95% percentile)
- B ≈ B+ (80‑89% percentile)
- C ≈ B‑ (70‑79% percentile)
- D ≈ C+ (60‑69% percentile)
- E ≈ C (50‑59% percentile)
For other systems – like the International Baccalaureate (IB) – you can roughly match an A‑level grade to an IB score by adding 3. So an A* lines up with a 7, an A with a 6, and so on. This isn’t official, but most admissions offices use it as a quick sanity check.
Keep in mind that many universities publish their own conversion tables. Always double‑check the specific institution’s guidelines before you assume a direct match.
Now that you’ve got the basics, here are three practical tips to avoid common pitfalls:
- Don’t rely on a single source. Grade equivalency can vary between schools, colleges and employers. Use the official conversion chart from the exam board or the university you’re targeting.
- Look beyond the number. A 4 in GCSE maths might be a pass, but if you need a strong math background, aim for a 6 or 7.
- Consider the subject weight. Some courses heavily weigh certain subjects. A high grade in a core subject (like English or Science) can offset a lower grade elsewhere.
Understanding grade conversion helps you plan better, whether you’re choosing courses, applying for scholarships, or figuring out which jobs you qualify for. Use this guide as a starting point, then tailor your strategy to the specific requirements of the institutions you care about.
Got more questions? Drop a comment below and we’ll help you sort out the details.
