Our new Performance Indicator scale for KS3 uses the same numeric scale as GCSE grades. We know many parents are more familiar with the A* to G grading system so it pays to know how the new 1-9 scale works.
Firstly all 9 grades at GCSE are technically a pass. A Grade 4 equates to an old "C" grade and is classed as a "Standard pass". A Grade 5 is the equivalent of an old C+/B and is a "Strong Pass". It is now the Grade 5 which is the key grade which opens up access to the vast majority of college and sixth form courses.This is particularly important to achieve a 5 in both English and Maths.
A Grade 7 relates to a an A grade and is a key requirement for the most severly graded subjects. When the grades system was reformed there was a specific intention to distinguish between the top grades. Both 8 and 9 are equivalent to the old A* grade with 9 representing the very top percentage of students in that band.