Is a Grade 4 in GCSE Maths a Pass?

Short answer: Yes. Grade 4 is a “standard pass” in GCSE Mathematics. Grade 5 is a “strong pass”. A grade 4 broadly maps to the bottom of the old C, while grade 5 sits around high C/low B. (GOV. UK) Article fact checked and updated - 15 September 2025 (data for England, UK)

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How GCSE Maths is graded

The 9–1 scale at a glanceGCSEs in England are graded 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest), replacing A*–G. Government guidance equates the bottom of grade 4 with the bottom of the old grade C. If a course or employer used to ask for a C, today that usually means a 4. (GOV. UK)

Foundation vs Higher tiers

• Foundation tier awards grades 1–5 (maximum 5).
• Higher tier awards grades 4–9, with a “safety-net” grade 3 available if a student narrowly misses a 4.Tier choice should be made with school/college advice based on prior attainment and targets. (Ofqual Blog)

Grade boundaries change annuallyAfter marking, exam boards set boundaries to reflect paper difficulty so it isn’t easier or harder to gain a grade from one year to the next. The raw mark needed for a 4 therefore varies each year. (GOV. UK)

What a Grade 4 means for progression

Sixth form/college entryEntry rules are set locally. Many sixth forms ask for 5–6 in subjects you intend to study at A level (and often at least a 4–5 in maths and English overall), but requirements vary by school/college and by course—always check the provider’s published criteria. (UCAS)

University applicationsUniversities typically specify GCSE requirements per course (for example, GCSE Maths 4/C or 5 for some degrees; higher for others such as Economics or Medicine). Check each course page; there is no single national threshold. (UCAS)

If you do not achieve a Grade 4 in Maths

You must continue with maths post-16Funding rules require students aged 16–19 without GCSE grade 4+ in maths and/or English to continue studying these subjects as part of their programme, aiming to reach Level 2 (GCSE or an approved stepping-stone such as Functional Skills, depending on prior grade). (GOV. UK)

Resit opportunitiesGCSE Maths and English have a November series (mainly for post-16 learners), plus the usual summer series. Your school/college will advise the right route and timing. (Ofqual Blog)

Reviews of marking (appeals)If you believe there’s been a marking error, your school/college can request a review of marking with the exam board. About 5% of grades are queried each summer and roughly 1% change following review (figures vary year to year). (GOV. UK)

Key points educators often clarify

• “Pass” terminology: Grade 4 = standard pass, Grade 5 = strong pass (used in some accountability measures and reporting). (Schools Week)
• Comparability to old grades: Bottom of 4 ≈ C; bottom of 7 ≈ A. This helps employers and colleges interpret results. (Ofqual Blog)
• Tier design: Foundation papers target grades 1–5; Higher papers target 4–9, with mark distributions aimed at those grade ranges. (Ofqual Blog)

Practical advice for families

• Check entry criteria early for your intended sixth form/college and for university courses of interest; plan whether you’ll need a 5 or 6 for specific pathways. (UCAS)
• Talk tiers with your teacher: choose Foundation if a 4–5 is the realistic goal; Higher can open 6–9 but carries different risk/reward. (Ofqual Blog)
• Know your timelines: if close to a boundary, discuss review of marking promptly; if resitting, register early for November (post-16) or the summer series. (JCQ Joint Council for Qualifications)
• Aim for mastery, not shortcuts: boundaries move and papers vary—strong core skills travel better than exam hacks. (Boundaries are set after each cohort sits the paper.) (GOV. UK)

Sources to read more

• GCSE 9–1 grade scale explained (DfE). (GOV. UK)
• Standard vs strong pass announced (DfE/Justine Greening coverage). ( (DfE/Justine Greening coverage). (Schools Week)
• Choosing the right maths tier (Ofqual). (Ofqual Blog)
• How grade boundaries are set (DfE). (GOV. UK)
• Post-16 condition of funding: maths & English (ESFA). (GOV. UK)
• November resit series (JCQ) and Ofqual update. (JCQ Joint Council for Qualifications)
• UCAS: entry requirements (course-by-course guidance). (UCAS)

Quick summary to reuse

• Yes, a 4 is a pass for GCSE maths (standard pass). 5 is a strong pass.
• Progression depends on the destination: some sixth forms/courses ask for 5 or 6.
• Below a 4? You’ll continue maths post-16 and can resit (often in November).
• Boundaries move each year—focus on core skills and good exam technique. (GOV. UK)