What Is the Pass Mark for A Level History?

Created:
Updated: 13-August-2025

Wondering what percentage you need to pass A Level History?

Many students—and parents—want to know what mark will get them that all-important “E” grade or higher.

How Are A Level History Grades Set?

A Level History, like all A Levels, is graded from A* to E.

To pass, you must achieve at least an E grade.

The actual percentage required to pass can vary each year and depends on grade boundaries set by the exam board—Edexcel in this case.

As a general rule, the pass mark (grade E) is usually set between 40% and 45% of the total available marks.

This can vary depending on the difficulty of the papers each year and how students perform nationally.

Exam boards adjust grade boundaries after the exams are marked to ensure fairness.

Grade boundaries show the minimum mark needed for each grade.

For example, if the grade boundary for an E is set at 42%, then scoring 42% or higher will earn you a pass.

These are published each year by Edexcel and can change slightly from year to year.

Do universities care about my percentage or my grade?

Universities are interested in your final grade, not the percentage you achieved.

Are grade boundaries the same for every exam board?

No—they can differ between Edexcel, AQA, and OCR, and are set after exams are marked each year.

Can grade boundaries change?

Yes—grade boundaries are reviewed and adjusted annually to reflect the national standard and ensure fairness.