Is Grade 4 in Mathematics from GCSE a Pass?

The new grading system for GCSEs has two passing ratings: a standard pass is 4 and a strong pass is 5.This means that students who score 4 in all modules will pass their exams. However, many of the sixth forms will require a minimum of 5 and 6 as a condition of entry. Before the change, a grade C was considered approved in GCSE, which translates into a fourth grade in the new system, which is considered a “standard pass”. It is expected that, where a C grade was previously accepted as a requirement for entry into higher education or employment, a grade 4 will now be accepted.

Students need a 4 for a standard pass and 5 for a strong pass. The DoFe initially said that a grade 5 will be seen as a good pass, but that students who get a fourth grade wouldn't have to go back to studying mathematics. Earlier this year, Secretary of Education Justine Greening announced that grade 4 will be the Standard Pass qualification. If students do not reach fourth grade in mathematics and English, they will have to continue studying these subjects.

The higher level has always had a lower passing grade than the basic level, since the questions in the top role are more challenging, making it more difficult for students to access higher grades. While some students may be very pleased with their GCSE results, it is inevitable that others will be disappointed with what they have received. This means that if a year's work is more difficult than that of the previous year, the qualification limits are reduced to reflect this, depending on the maximum and minimum grades. The consultation gathered more than 6,000 responses, with almost a quarter of the students, and showed that more than 90 percent of students and parents were in favor of giving advance information about the approach to exams next summer to support students with the review, and about 80 percent or more were in favor of agreement with offering theme options in some GCSE subjects.

Advance information will be implemented for both subjects in July, and a formula sheet will be available for mathematics. No doubt, more students will question their results in mathematics and English, because there are now more degree limits. For the highest article, the difference in ratings is smaller, so it stands out how much harder it is to achieve the highest grades since the questions are more difficult. A grade 5 is what is considered a good pass; however, a grade 4 is the technical approval rating for all GCSE subjects.

Government school leaderboards are based on the percentage of students who achieved 5% or higher in GCSE for English and Math. In my opinion, it is easier to get a passing grade in the base document because the questions are easier; so although more grades are needed, they are easier to obtain. However, the state school my children attend is applying for grade 5 in Math and English to stay in the Sixth Form. A new grading system for three GCSEs will be introduced for the first time in England this summer: Mathematics, English Language and English Literature. The percentage of students who reach grades 9-4 in mathematics is lower than the percentage who receive grades 9-4 in all subjects. The decision to appeal a GCSE score must always be made in conjunction with the school; they will have information on how close the results were to a grade limit.

The results of the GCSE English language are similar to those in mathematics; one factor in this could be that each student has to take math and English while they choose other subjects. GCSE courses now include far fewer courses than before and grades in almost every subject depend on exams.

Shahid Lakha
Shahid Lakha

Shahid Lakha is a seasoned educational consultant with a rich history in the independent education sector and EdTech. With a solid background in Physics, Shahid has cultivated a career that spans tutoring, consulting, and entrepreneurship. As an Educational Consultant at Spires Online Tutoring since October 2016, he has been instrumental in fostering educational excellence in the online tutoring space. Shahid is also the founder and director of Specialist Science Tutors, a tutoring agency based in West London, where he has successfully managed various facets of the business, including marketing, web design, and client relationships. His dedication to education is further evidenced by his role as a self-employed tutor, where he has been teaching Maths, Physics, and Engineering to students up to university level since September 2011. Shahid holds a Master of Science in Photon Science from the University of Manchester and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Bath.