How the 9-1 grades work
- Grade 9 is the very top grade, awarded to fewer students than the old A*.
- Grade 4 is a standard pass, grade 5 is a strong pass.
- Most sixth forms ask for a mix of grade 4s to 6s, with 6s or 7s for A-Level subjects like Maths and the sciences.
- English and Maths at grade 4 or above matter most for post-16 options.
On the day
Collect your results in person if you can, your teachers are there to help you read them and to sort out any problems immediately.
Confirm your sixth form or college place straight away. If you have narrowly missed a subject requirement, ask whether they will still accept you, departments often have flexibility.
If you did not get what you needed
- Ask about a review of marking if you are within a mark or two of a boundary.
- November resits are available for English Language and Maths.
- Look at alternative pathways: BTEC, T-Levels and apprenticeships are real, respected routes.
- Talk to a careers adviser before making a final decision, do not decide in the first hour.
Starting your next step well
Whatever the results, the students who settle fastest are the ones who set a routine early. Pick your subjects, set target grades and log one short revision session a week from the first term.