A Level Grade Boundaries & Threshold – CIE & Edexcel Grading Boundaries

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Updated August, 2025

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:

1. A* – Highest grade, showing exceptional performance.
2. A – Excellent performance.
3. B – Very good grasp of the subject.
4. C – Satisfactory performance. (Also widely accepted as meeting English proficiency requirements for admission in UK and other Anglophone universities.)
5. D – Below average but passable.
6. E – Minimum pass grade.
7. U (Unclassified) – Awarded when a student does not meet the minimum requirement for grade E.

See Also

Study Abroad Prepration Tips Choosing Subjects FAQs 

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:

1. Some papers may be slightly more difficult than others.
2. 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:

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): To test knowledge and core understanding.
2. 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:

1. 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.
2. Uniformity Worldwide: The marking scheme is the same for all candidates globally, ensuring no student has an unfair advantage.
3. Qualified Examiners: Papers are marked by subject experts, professors, and researchers who are highly experienced in their fields.
4. No Bias: The marking system eliminates cultural, racial, or geographical biases, making the results internationally reliable.

Importance of A Level Grades

1. A Level results hold global recognition and are considered a benchmark for university admissions worldwide.
2. Universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and many other countries use A Level results as a primary criterion for undergraduate entry.
3. Good grades, especially A* and A, open doors to top-ranking universities and competitive programs.
4. Even a Grade C is considered a strong achievement and meets the English language requirement for many universities.

Failing Grade (U – Unclassified)

1. Students who do not achieve the minimum threshold for Grade E are given a U grade.
2. "Unclassified" means the performance was not sufficient to be recognized as a pass.
3. While disappointing, students can reappear in the next exam session to improve their grades.