Understanding grading: toolkit for schools and colleges
Useful information and resources on how GCSE and A level exams are graded, produced with headteachers and teachers in mind
Resources for explaining GCSE and A level 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 answering common questions about:
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how exam papers are marked
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how grade boundaries are set
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how the quality of a student’s work in their exams determines the grade they get
Classroom and assembly resources
Our teaching resources give teachers, headteachers and their senior leadership teams (SLT) key information they can share with students, in formats they can use.
Using our lesson plan, in under 20 minutes a teacher can help GCSE or A level students understand – and feel more confident about – how their exams are marked and graded.
The assembly presentation is for headteachers or members of SLT to deliver in just 5 minutes and includes suggested speaking notes.
Both resources cover:
- how marking works
- how grade boundaries are set
- why grade boundaries change from year to year
- how to bust some common myths
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.
The National Reference Test explained
Our National Reference Test explainer video sets out the role and importance of this annual assessment of GCSE English language and maths standards . You can also read this short guide, which gives some more detail.
Documents
Updates to this page
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Section describing new teacher resources (assembly presentation and lesson plan) added, and National Reference Test video link updated.
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Page updated to include new National Reference Test teachers' guide and video.
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Added links to 'GCSE 9 to 1 grade scale explained' and 'Message to headteachers: understanding GCSE, AS and A level grading'
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Added a video about the National Reference Test.
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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.
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First published.