📊 Grading Scale Explained

The A Level grading system used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland includes the following grades:

• ✅ A* – Outstanding performance, typically requires 90%+ in A2 units
• ✅ A to E – Standard pass grades, with A being the highest
• ❌ U – Ungraded (did not achieve a passing mark)

The U grade stands for “unclassified” and means the student didn’t meet the minimum standard required for a pass. This typically happens when overall marks fall below 40%.

📝 What Marks Do You Need for Each Grade?

Although grade boundaries can vary slightly each year depending on exam difficulty and cohort performance, here is a typical guide to how marks convert into A Level grades:

• ⭐ A* – ~80% overall with 90% in A2 modules
• ⭐ A – ~80% overall
• ⭐ B – ~70%
• ⭐ C – ~60%
• ⭐ D – ~50%
• ⭐ E – ~40%

These boundaries are set by each individual exam board and published after exams are marked each year — including:

• AQA
• Edexcel (Pearson)
• OCR

🎯 How UCAS Points Are Calculated

Universities use UCAS points to assess A Level results during the admissions process. Each grade is worth a specific number of points, as follows:

• 🌟 A* = 56 points
• 🌟 A = 48 points
• 🌟 B = 40 points
• 🌟 C = 32 points
• 🌟 D = 24 points
• 🌟 E = 16 points

The more A Levels you complete — and the higher your grades — the more UCAS points you’ll accumulate, improving your chances of meeting university entry requirements.

Tip: Some university courses have fixed minimum point requirements (e.g. 112 points), while others may require specific grades in specific subjects.

📘 What Happens If You Fail an A Level?

If you receive a U grade, you have not achieved a pass and will not be awarded UCAS points for that subject. However, all is not lost:

• ✅ You can retake the subject the following year
• ✅ You may still apply to some universities depending on your other results
• ✅ You can explore career or vocational routes alongside academic study

At Study from Home, we support many students who are retaking A Levels or switching subjects after disappointing results.

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum grade to pass an A Level?

The minimum pass grade is an E, which usually requires around 40% overall.

What happens if I get a U in one subject?

You won’t receive UCAS points for that subject, but you can still pass your other A Levels and reapply or retake as needed.

Do universities accept D or E grades?

Some universities and courses do, especially for foundation degrees or less competitive courses. However, most will ask for higher grades.

Can I get into university with just one A Level?

It’s rare — most universities require at least two or three A Levels. Some access courses may offer alternative routes.

Do all exam boards use the same grading system?

Yes — AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and others all use the A* to E system for A Levels, though individual exam difficulty and grade boundaries may differ slightly.