Year 10 Exams Information

GCSE Grading System

Please see here for a breakdown of the new GCSE grading system and how it compares to the previous A*–G system. All students should be aiming for at least a Grade 4 (a ‘standard pass’) in every subject.

Foundation vs Higher Tiers

• In some subjects, students sit either a Foundation paper (covering grades 1–5) or a Higher paper (covering grades 4–9).

• Your teacher will guide you towards the tier that best matches your ability and helps you reach your potential.
  
  

Vocational Subjects
Vocational courses are not graded in the same way as GCSEs. Instead, they follow a system of:

• Pass (equivalent to around a Grade 4/5)

• Merit (equivalent to around a Grade 6)

• Distinction (equivalent to around a Grade 7/8)

• Distinction* (equivalent to a Grade 8/9)
  
  

This allows vocational qualifications to be compared with GCSEs while recognising the different style of learning and assessment.