Cambridge A Level Grading Boundaries & Thresholds
The Cambridge International A Level grading system is designed to evaluate students on an international standard with complete fairness and transparency. Grading boundaries (also called thresholds ) define the minimum marks required to achieve a specific grade in each subject. These thresholds can vary each year depending on the overall performance of candidates worldwide and the difficulty level of the paper .
A Level Grading Scale
Cambridge A Level results are awarded on a six-point scale :
- A* – Highest grade, showing exceptional performance.
- A – Excellent performance.
- B – Very good grasp of the subject.
- C – Satisfactory performance. (Also widely accepted as meeting English proficiency requirements for admission in UK and other Anglophone universities.)
- D – Below average but passable.
- E – Minimum pass grade.
- U (Unclassified) – Awarded when a student does not meet the minimum requirement for grade E.
Grading Boundaries (Thresholds) Explained
Every year, after the examination session, Cambridge International releases the grade threshold tables . These thresholds indicate the minimum raw marks required for each grade (A*, A, B, C, D, E).
Thresholds may vary across subjects and sessions because:
- Some papers may be slightly more difficult than others.
- The performance of candidates worldwide can affect grade boundaries.
Example: In Physics, the raw mark needed for an A might be higher in one session than in another, depending on the overall difficulty level of the exam.
Exam Structure and Assessment
Each subject usually consists of 2 to 5 papers .
Courses such as Economics, Physics, and Accounting include:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): To test knowledge and core understanding.
- Structured questions / Case Studies: To assess analytical skills, application of knowledge, and evaluation.
This combination ensures that students are tested both on conceptual clarity and practical problem-solving abilities .
Marking and Evaluation Process
To ensure fairness, Cambridge follows a strict and standardized process:
- Marking Schemes: Each examiner is given a marking scheme, which is a reference guide outlining the specific points that need to be included in an answer.
- Uniformity Worldwide: The marking scheme is the same for all candidates globally, ensuring no student has an unfair advantage.
- Qualified Examiners: Papers are marked by subject experts, professors, and researchers who are highly experienced in their fields.
- No Bias: The marking system eliminates cultural, racial, or geographical biases, making the results internationally reliable.
Importance of A Level Grades
- A Level results hold global recognition and are considered a benchmark for university admissions worldwide.
- Universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and many other countries use A Level results as a primary criterion for undergraduate entry.
- Good grades, especially A* and A, open doors to top-ranking universities and competitive programs.
- Even a Grade C is considered a strong achievement and meets the English language requirement for many universities.
Failing Grade (U – Unclassified)
- Students who do not achieve the minimum threshold for Grade E are given a U grade .
- "Unclassified" means the performance was not sufficient to be recognized as a pass .
- While disappointing, students can reappear in the next exam session to improve their grades.
