Collection

Understanding grading: toolkit for schools and colleges

Useful information on how qualifications are graded, produced with headteachers and teachers in mind but helpful for anyone with an interest in learning more. 

Resources for explaining qualification grading

This grading toolkit is designed for headteachers and teachers to effectively explain how GCSE and A level qualifications are graded. These resources will also help parents, students, and anyone interested in understanding the examination and assessment process in England.

Headteachers and teachers play an important role in helping students and parents to understand how grading works, from exam marking to the setting of grade boundaries. But even if you understand, it can still be a hard process to explain to someone else.  

Key topics covered in the grading toolkit

Our toolkit provides clear explanations and resources addressing common questions about:

  • how exam papers are marked 

  • how grade boundaries are set 

  • how the quality of a student’s work in their exams determines the grade they get 

Video resources

GCSE and A level grading explained

Our video guide How GCSE and A level grading works provides a visual explanation of the entire grading process, including:

  • what happens to papers after exams are taken 
  • how exam papers are marked to ensure they are fair   
  • how grade boundaries are set 
  • why grade boundaries vary, while standards are maintained 

Expert discussion on grading standards

We’ve partnered with the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) to record a conversation between Sir Ian Bauckham CBE, Chief Regulator, and Pepe Di’Iasio, ASCL General Secretary, discussing marking, grading standards, and Ofqual’s role in maintaining qualification standards across England.

National reference test explained

For those interested in how we monitor standards over time, our video The National Reference Test explained explains the importance of this annual assessment taken by a representative sample of Year 11 students across England.

Documents

Updates to this page

Published 7 April 2025
Last updated 30 June 2025 show all updates
  1. Added links to 'GCSE 9 to 1 grade scale explained' and 'Message to headteachers: understanding GCSE, AS and A level grading'

  2. Added a video about the National Reference Test.

  3. Added 'How GCSE and A level grading works – teachers’ and headteachers’ guide' and 'GCSE and A level grading: what you need to know' to the collection page.

  4. First published.