REVISE

Grade boundaries are the minimum number of marks you need to reach each grade in a particular exam. They exist so that students who sit the exam in different years get the same grade for the same standard of work.

Why they change each year

Raw-mark boundaries are set after each exam series, once examiners have seen how the cohort performed. If a paper was harder than usual, the boundaries are lowered; if it was easier, they go up. That's why you can't rely on last year's raw boundaries to predict this year's — treat older boundaries as a rough guide only.

Raw marks vs UMS

For unitised (modular) specifications — most AS/A levels and some GCSEs — boundaries are also given on the Uniform Mark Scale (UMS). Unlike raw marks, UMS boundaries stay the same every year (for example, the percentage of UMS needed for an A doesn't change), which makes it possible to fairly combine units sat in different series.

Where to find the official boundaries

1. Go to WJEC's official Grade Boundaries page.
2. Boundaries are published on results day for each series, so the most recent sitting only appears once results are out.
3. Pick your qualification (GCSE, AS or A level) and the exam series (e.g. Summer 2025).
4. Open the relevant PDF and find your subject and unit.

Tip: when you mark a past paper, compare your score against the boundaries for that exact paper and series to see roughly which grade it would have landed. Just remember the boundaries shift each year.

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