What is an A* in GCSE? Grading Explained for Students

If you're wondering what exactly an A* in GCSEs means these days, you're not alone. The good old letter grades everyone used to stress about have mostly been swapped for numbers, but talk of A* is still everywhere.

Back in the day, A* was the holy grail—a step above an A, for students who really nailed their exams. Now, it's all about the number 9. In most subjects, a 9 is what used to be called an A*, but it's actually even trickier to get. The boundaries have shifted, but the chase for the top spot is as intense as ever.

When people mention aiming for an A* in GCSE now, they usually mean targeting that elusive grade 9. It’s not just bragging rights—it can open doors to top sixth forms and make your CV stand out. Universities might not ask for GCSE A*s directly, but they care about those high grades, especially in subjects you want to take further.

• What Was an A* in GCSE?
• The Switch to Number Grades: 9 Is the New A*
• Why the Top Grade Matters
• How to Aim for the Highest Marks
• Mistakes Students Make About A* and Grade 9
• Tips to Boost Your Grade

What Was an A* in GCSE?

A lot of students and even parents still talk about the days of the A* grade in GCSEs. This is because, before 2017, GCSEs in England used letter grades—ranging from G (lowest) to A* (highest). Getting an A* meant you scored at least 90% on the A grade boundary. In reality, it was a mark that only the top students managed, so it was seen as a big deal, almost like unlocking a secret level in a game.

The A* wasn’t just a shiny badge. It often made a difference when applying to competitive sixth forms and colleges. Some of the top schools and even universities liked to see plenty of A* grades, especially in key subjects like Maths, English, and Science. Fun fact: in the last years before the switch to numbers, around 7% of GCSE entries got an A* across all subjects. That shows how rare it was!

One thing people forget is that the A* grade arrived pretty late. It was only introduced in 1994. Before that, the best you could do was an A. The idea was to reward those working at the absolute top of the ability scale, not just the ‘very good’ students.

If you look at old GCSE results, you’ll spot A* grades everywhere, especially in subjects like Maths or the sciences. They sometimes show up on older job applications, personal statements, or even teacher reports. So if you hear employers or adults talk about A*—they’re talking about that old system before everything switched to numbers.

The Switch to Number Grades: 9 Is the New A*

GCSE grading got a major overhaul in England from 2017 onwards. Out went the old A*–G letters, and in came numbers from 9 down to 1. If you open a results sheet now, you'll spot numbers everywhere. But the big question is, how do these numbers line up with the grades we used to know?

Here’s the official low-down: a grade 9 is actually tougher to earn than the old A*. Around 3% of students get a 9 in most subjects. Grade 8 sits just below, covering a chunk of what used to be A* and top A performance. The aim? To properly stretch and reward the highest achievers. Here’s a quick look:

If you hear someone say they got an A* in GCSE lately, they're pretty much talking about a grade 9. Don’t get caught out by older relatives or teachers throwing around letters—they’re just used to the old system. Top universities and colleges know how it works, but sometimes job applications still ask for "A*-C". For that, think grade 9 down to grade 4. That’s the passing range they’re after.

If you’re aiming high, remember: grade 9 isn’t just for people who get every answer perfect. It’s set higher, but it’s about strong performance across the paper—think consistently getting the advanced questions right, not just the easy stuff.

Why the Top Grade Matters

Getting the highest grade in your GCSEs isn't just about showing you know the content. It has real benefits that follow you long after exam season is over. Schools, colleges, and even employers see a top grade as proof that you can handle pressure, pick up details, and properly manage your time.

Most sixth forms and colleges set their entry standards high for competitive courses. Some ask for at least a 7 or 8, but the most sought-after schools and subjects will only take those with lots of 8s and a couple of 9s. Here’s a strong statement from UCAS, the organisation in charge of university applications in the UK:

“Academic achievement at GCSE remains one of the most common requirements for admissions decisions, especially in competitive subjects.”

GCSE results matter beyond school. Russell Group universities, known for being the top in the country, look at how many top grades you got when you apply to uni—even if that’s years later. Here’s a handy breakdown showing what different marks mean across the old and current grading systems:

A strong set of GCSEs with some grade 9s doesn’t just help at 16. If you apply for a summer internship, apprenticeship, or even a part-time job, those high grades can give you a real edge. Employers see it as a sign that you put in extra effort, not just at school, but in how you approach challenges in general.

And here’s a simple fact that gets overlooked: if you want to take an A-level or BTEC in a subject, you often need at least a grade 7 or 8 at GCSE in that subject first. For subjects like maths, sciences, and languages, the bar is even higher.

• Top universities look for applicants with multiple grade 8s and 9s.
• Colleges may use GCSE grades to sort students onto higher or lower-level courses.
• Even years later, some employers ask for your GCSE grades as proof of skills.

So if you’re aiming for the A* grade, it’s way more than just a number or a letter. It’s about opening doors for future opportunities and proving you’ve got what it takes to stand out.

How to Aim for the Highest Marks

Getting the top grade—whether it’s called an A* or, these days, a grade 9—isn’t about having a magic brain or cramming all night before the exam. Students who nail the GCSE exams follow some clear and proven habits that actually work.

Let’s talk about what really helps you hit those highest marks:

• Start Early. Top grades almost never come from last-minute revision. Most students who achieve grade 9s begin reviewing from the start of the year. Even 20 minutes a night keeps information fresh and gives you less to panic over later.
• Active Revision Beats Passive Reading. Reading through your notes is okay, but if you want to really remember stuff, try things like flashcards, mind maps, and self-testing. Making up questions or teaching a topic to someone else can triple how much you remember.
• Know the Mark Schemes. Most exam boards publish mark schemes and sample answers. Don’t just do practice papers—compare your answers line by line to official mark schemes. It’s the fastest way to see what examiners actually want.
• Target Your Weakest Topics. It’s easy to keep re-reading stuff you already know, but real progress happens when you work on what you find hardest. List your tricky topics and make those the first thing you tackle every revision session.
• Practise Past Papers Under Exam Conditions. Don’t just complete practice questions with your notes open. Time yourself. No music, no distractions. Real exam conditions will expose gaps and build your confidence for the big day.
• Ask for Feedback. If you’re not sure why you lost marks on a test or mock exam, ask your teacher to break it down for you. One quick chat can save hours of guesswork later.

Here’s a bonus fact: According to teachers marking GCSE exams, students aiming for the top rarely leave questions blank and always show every working step, especially in maths and science. Even half marks add up fast. Treat every question as a chance to collect extra points.

The bottom line? Smart effort beats endless hours. Make your revision active and focused, and those highest marks are genuinely up for grabs.

Mistakes Students Make About A* and Grade 9

Loads of students (and more than a few parents) mix up what the A* meant and how it stacks up against the current system. Here’s the biggest mix-up: thinking a grade 9 is given out as generously as A* used to be. Not true! A* already meant you did very well, but a 9 is even tougher to bag—fewer students get it each year, and it’s meant to really separate those at the very top.

Some people think you need to get 90% or higher to get a 9, like the old rule for A*. But with the new setup, grade boundaries change each year depending on how hard the exam is, so there’s no fixed percentage. One year, a 9 in maths might need 78%; another year, it could be 87%. Here’s a look at what happened recently:

Another common mistake? Thinking you have to be perfect to get a 9. Nope! There’s a bit of wiggle room—grade 9 is more about being in the top slice of all students, not being flawless. That said, you need to know your stuff inside and out and handle exam pressure like a pro.

• Assuming every subject uses the same boundary. Maths might be harder to nail a 9 in compared to drama or art.
• Believing that getting one mark wrong will cost you the grade. The reality: a few marks won’t usually make or break it.
• Thinking universities only care about 9s. Nope, they care about the GCSE grades—but not always the very top one in every subject.

The big takeaway? Don’t stress about hitting some magic percentage or being 100% perfect. Focus on understanding each topic, practising exam questions, and learning from your mistakes. If your goal is that nine, it’s about being consistent and catching those silly errors before the exam marker does.

Tips to Boost Your Grade

Hitting that top mark—whether that's a 9 or what folks still call an A*—takes more than just last-minute cramming. It’s about working smart and knowing what pushes you over the edge from a solid grade to that rare highest score. Here’s how to give yourself the best shot.

• GCSE mark schemes: Make friends with the mark scheme. Examiners follow these to the letter, so it’s worth reading examiner reports for your subject on the official exam board websites. They actually tell you what gets the marks and what doesn't.
• Practice papers are gold: Do past papers under timed conditions. Seriously, students who regularly practice with these score up to 20% higher. The more you see how questions are asked, the less likely you’ll get tripped up.
• Spaced repetition: Don’t just read your notes—review them regularly. Try flashcards and revisit tricky topics every few days. It’s proven to beat cramming and makes stuff stick for longer.
• Target your weak spots: Don’t just do what you like. Focus on topics where you usually drop marks. Use your mock exams or teacher feedback to build a hit list.
• Write out answers in full: Especially for subjects like English, history, and science. Short notes don’t cut it—get used to explaining points like you would in the real exam.
• Get feedback: Ask teachers to mark a couple of your practice essays or answers. You learn way faster from mistakes when someone points out exactly where you go wrong.
• Work with others: Two heads (or more) are often better than one. Quiz each other, explain tricky concepts out loud, or swap practice questions.
• Look after yourself: Don’t skimp on sleep, and avoid living off energy drinks and snacks. There are loads of studies linking good sleep with higher grades—for example, students scoring a 9 slept on average 30 minutes more per night than those at a grade 7.

Check out how revision tactics can really impact results. Just look at this data from a 2023 student survey:

The patterns are clear. Mixing up your revision, staying consistent, and using real exam materials make a big difference. Don’t forget, lots of students get stressed, but even small changes in your habits can push you up to that top grade. Start early, keep tabs on your progress, and don't be afraid to ask for help along the way.