IGCSE grading system explained: what is a good grade?

If you have ever asked what percentage is an A, or what counts as a good IGCSE grade, this guide explains the grading system in plain terms so you can set realistic targets.

The IGCSE grade scale

Cambridge IGCSE uses letter grades. From the top they run A star, A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Below G is U, which means ungraded. The same scale applies across subjects, so once you understand it you can read any result sheet.

What each grade roughly means in percentage

Exact thresholds are set each session, but as a working guide the bands look like this:

• A star is about 90 percent and above.
• A is about 80 percent.
• B is about 70 percent.
• C is about 60 percent.
• D is about 50 percent, E about 40, F about 30 and G about 20.

What is a good IGCSE grade?

For most pathways, a C and above is treated as a strong pass and meets the entry requirements of common pre-university programmes. A and A star show high mastery and open more competitive courses. What counts as good for your child depends on the course and university they are aiming for, so check the specific entry requirements.

How IGCSE points work

Many schools convert grades into points to compare results and track an average. A common scale gives A star 8 points, A 7, B 6, C 5, D 4, E 3, F 2 and G 1. Adding points across subjects gives a single number you can watch improve over time.

How to lift a grade

Grades move when you fix the topics that cost the most marks, not when you reread notes you already know. Measure where the marks slip, practise those topics with past papers, then mark your work against the scheme. Small, targeted gains add up to a full grade.

Common questions