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Your complete guide to A-Level grade boundaries for Summer 2026. Understand A*-E boundaries, how they are calculated, and use AI marking to predict your grades before results day.
A-Level grade boundaries are the minimum raw marks needed to achieve each grade (A* to E) in an A-Level exam. Unlike GCSEs which use a 9-1 scale, A-Levels retain the traditional letter grades from A* down to E.
Boundaries are set after marking is complete each summer. The process ensures that if a paper was harder than in previous years, the boundaries are lowered, and vice versa. This maintains fairness across exam sessions.
The A* grade has a special requirement: candidates must achieve an A grade overall and meet a separate, higher boundary on their A2-level papers (the second year of the course). This distinguishes the very top performers.
These are approximate percentage ranges based on recent years. Actual boundaries vary significantly by subject, exam board, and year.
| Grade | Typical % | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A* | ~90%+ | Exceptional. Requires A overall plus ~90% on A2 papers. Top ~8% of candidates. |
| A | ~80% | Excellent. Demonstrates thorough subject knowledge and analytical skill. |
| B | ~70% | Very good. Strong understanding with mostly accurate and well-developed responses. |
| C | ~60% | Good. Competent work with reasonable knowledge and some analytical depth. |
| D | ~50% | Satisfactory. Basic understanding demonstrated with limited development. |
| E | ~40% | Minimum pass. Shows some relevant knowledge but lacks depth and accuracy. |
Note: These percentages are indicative only. Actual grade boundaries are set by each exam board after marking is complete and may differ significantly from these ranges.
Universities use UCAS tariff points to compare qualifications. Here is how A-Level grades convert.
All exam papers are marked by trained examiners following detailed mark schemes set by the exam board.
Exam boards analyse mark distributions and compare cohort performance with prior attainment data.
Senior examiners review scripts at key boundary points to ensure the standard of work matches the intended grade.
Ofqual monitors the process to ensure standards remain consistent across years and between exam boards.
Visit your exam board for the most accurate and up-to-date grade boundary information. Summer 2026 boundaries will be published on A-Level results day.
Covers a wide range of A-Level subjects including Sciences, English, and Humanities.
Strong in Maths, Sciences, and Economics. Also offers IAL (International A-Levels).
Popular for Computer Science, PE, and several humanities subjects.
The main exam board for Wales. Eduqas specifications are used across England.
With university offers hinging on A-Level results, understanding where you stand is critical. AI marking gives you immediate, mark-scheme-aligned feedback so you can refine your exam technique before the real thing.
Get an estimated grade for each piece of work based on official mark schemes and assessment objective weightings.
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