What Does a Grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics Mean?

Grade 4 is the official “pass” of the GCSE rating system, and is the equivalent of a grade C in the old system. This is an important rating, as it is required for entry into higher education or employment. Before the system changed, a grade C was accepted as a requirement for entry into higher education or employment, and now a grade 4 is accepted. The lower end of the GCSE rating system has also changed.

Previously, grades D, E, F, and G were suspended, with U being 'Not Classified'. Now, GCSE's failed ratings come in 3, 2 and 1, with U being the only constant in the GCSE rating system. A grade 3 is not fully equivalent to a GCSE degree. Today, GCSE's new grade equivalents range from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest a student can achieve.

It can be difficult to understand this concept when studying an online GCSE English course, a gcse online math course, or GCSE science courses. To continue studying at school or university, a grade 4 or higher is required in exams such as English and mathematics. Higher-level papers now contain more demanding questions and only about one-sixth of the grades in those papers are designed for students working in grade 4.All examinations are set at the end of Year 11 and are assessed using the 9-1 scoring system. This means that only about 20% of the questions on the paper are designed for grade 4.The Department of Education recognizes a GCSE of grade 4 or higher as a “standard pass”.

Grade limits are now only released to students on the day of results, whereas they were previously published in advance. With learndirect, you can study both GCSE courses and equivalent qualifications from the comfort of your own home. You'll also find many learnings, except certain degrees in GCSE, with advanced learnings looking for five GCSEs in grades 9-4, including English and mathematics.

Leo Evans
Leo Evans

Dr Leo Evans is a distinguished EdTech Founder and Group CEO, currently steering the helm at Spires Online Tutors & The Profs, both renowned educational platforms. With a profound background in financial economics, Leo has transitioned from a successful tenure as a Vice President at J.P. Morgan to becoming a pivotal figure in the e-learning industry. His academic journey, crowned with a PhD from the Imperial College Business School, laid a solid foundation for his ventures in the educational sector. Leo's passion for education is mirrored in his role as a co-founder at Spires Online Tutoring, where he has been instrumental in leveraging machine learning algorithms to facilitate seamless tutor-student interactions across the globe. His innovative spirit also led to the creation of BitPaper, a collaborative online whiteboard that has revolutionised online teaching and learning. Leo's commitment to excellence is reflected in the numerous accolades and recognitions his initiatives have garnered over the years, including making it to the Forbes 30 under 30 in 2019. As a former lecturer at the Imperial College Business School, Leo has a rich history of imparting knowledge in various financial domains.