GCSE grade boundaries 2017: What is the new GCSE grade system and what are the boundaries?

Half a million 16-year-olds will pick up their GCSE results this morning, the first to use a new 9 to 1 grading system.

The changes are the result of a massive exams shake-up designed to better identify the most able students.

As well as the new grades, the revised GCSEs have a great emphasis on final exams with little or no consideration of coursework.

For students and parents collecting results today, here is everything you need to know about the new grading system and grade boundaries.

What is the new GCSE grade system?

This year GCSE students will be marked using a new 9 to 1 grade system in English language, English literature and maths.

The numbers replace the old A*-G system, with grade 9 being the highest mark attainable and grade 1 the lowest.

It is harder to get a grade 9 than it was to get an A*, meaning that fewer students will achieve the highest mark.

Grades 9, 8 and 7 replace the old A* and A, with 6, 5 and 4 equivalent to B or C.

Grades 3, 2 and 1 are equivalent to D, E, F or G.

An ungraded mark remains a U.

The changes will only affect students in England, and will not be applicable in Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Other subjects will roll out the new system over the next two years.

Why have GCSE grades been changed?

The new system has two extra grades to differentiate students, with nine opposed to seven (A to G).

It will allow exam boards to show greater divisions between high achieving pupils, as those who would have been marked an A or A* will now receive a 7, 8 or 9.

Fewer pupils will achieve a grade 9 than would have received an A*.

What are the GCSE grade boundaries 2017?

Grade boundaries from the following exam boards are now available:

OCR 

Edexcel/Pearson 

AQA

CCEA