Explore Courses

Frequently Asked Questions

Go back

Q. What is an A+ in the UK?

In the UK educational system, an A grade does not typically exist as a formal grading category compared to some other grading systems like in the United States. Generally, the grading schemes used in the UK and the US are not the same. 

The most often used grading system in the UK is based on the letters A through G, with A typically representing the best possible grade.

In the UK, grades can fluctuate depending on the particular qualification, test, or subject and are frequently set by various examination boards. For instance, the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams have a grade range of 9 to 1, where 1 represents the lowest possible score and 9 represents the greatest. 

Not technically called an A, an A* (pronounced "A-star") is the highest grade equivalent in the previous GCSE system.

Institutions and educators may occasionally use the informal term "A " to denote extraordinary performance over and beyond the requirements for an A grade. But in the UK educational system, this is a different category than an officially recognized grading category.

Although an A in some grading systems, such as the US system, is typically linked to exceptional performance, the UK grading scale does not automatically translate to an A because of variations in assessment techniques and grading standards.

A grade of A or A*, which denotes exceptional success in the course or exam, is what students striving for the top grades in the UK should concentrate on, according to the grading scales set by their examination boards or educational institutions. 

In the UK, while the formal designation of an A may not exist within the standard grading system, achieving an A or A* signifies an exceptional level of understanding and mastery of the subject.

Related FAQs

How much is the UK visa fee?

Understanding the financial aspect is pivotal for Indian students with aspirations to experience the vibrant culture, pursue academic excellence, or contribute their skills in the UK.  They should stay informed about the latest fee structures, consider their specific circumstances, and ensure they have the necessary funds to cover the associated visa costs....Read More

What level is a degree in the UK?

Within the United Kingdom, academic degrees undergo categorization into distinct levels contingent upon the intricacy and profundity of learning correlated with each qualification. The framework delineating these levels is termed the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)....Read More

What is the O level in the UK?

The Ordinary Level or O level used to be important in the UK until the late 1980s. It marks the end of the secondary education journey. It is typically taken when students are around 16. The O level has now been swapped out by the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in most corners of the UK....Read More

Which exam is better for the UK?

Two exams are prominent in the UK to demonstrate proficiency in English. These are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). These two are the primary options. The decision-making process between these assessments revolves around individual inclinations or the specific intent behind undertaking the English proficiency evaluation....Read More

Which intake is best for UK?

Academic years in the UK are normally split into 3 intakes September Intake, January Intake, April Intake....Read More

Discover More on Study Abroad

Explore our Blogs, Webinar & Ebooks to guide your study abroad journey

Must-read Blogs

Must-read Blogs

Access reliable & authentic articles on international education

Read Blogs
Watch Webinars

Watch Webinars

Get guided by industry experts on trending courses, job ecosystem, and much more

Watch Webinars
Free E-Books

Free E-Books

Download and Kickstart your study abroad journey

Read Ebooks