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Cambridge IGCSE grading choice

Existing syllabuses with 9-1 grading options

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We have extended the availability of our 9-1 graded Cambridge IGCSEs to all schools in Administration Zone 3 from June 2019. Schools can continue to have their exams graded A*-G if they wish.

Cambridge IGCSEs are graded A*-G around the world. This grading system is well understood by students, parents and teachers, and is widely recognised by universities internationally.

For more information about the A*-G grading system, see Support for A*-G grading.

The majority of our schools tell us that they want to retain the A*-G grading system.

From June 2017, schools in England, UK, began introducing 9-1 grading for GCSEs. Over time, we have seen some demand for 9-1 grading from schools in a number of countries, and are now offering 9-1 graded Cambridge IGCSEs in a select region. Schools in this region will have the choice of A*-G or 9-1 graded Cambridge IGCSEs. All schools can maintain A*-G grading.

Please see the table below for updated information on the 9-1 syllabuses. 

Subject (9-1 grading option)
First teaching
First examination in the UK
First examination in all administration zone 3 countries
Biology (0970)
2016
2018
2019
Chemistry (0971)
2016
2018
2019
Physics (0972)
2016
2018
2019
History (0977)
2016
2018
2019
Geography (0976)
2016
2018
2019
First Language English (0990)
2017
2019
2019
French (7156)
2017
2019
2019
German (7159)
2017
2019
2019
Spanish (7160)
2017
2019
2019
English as a Second Language (Speaking
endorsement) (0993)
2017

2019

2019
English as a Second Language (Count in
Speaking) (0991)

2017

  2019

2019
Literature in English (0992)
2017
2019
2019
Italian (7164)
2017
2019
2019
Business Studies (0986)
2017
2019
2019
Co-ordinated Sciences (0973)
2017
2019
2019
Physical Education (0995)
2017
2019
2019
Computer Science (0984)
2017
2019
2019
Music (0978)
2017
2019
2019
Design and Technology (0979)
2017
2019
2019
Drama (0994)
2017
2019
2019
Art and Design (0989)
2017
2019
2019
Mathematics (0980) 2017
2019
2019
Accounting (0985)
2018 2020 2020
Economics (0987) 2018 2020 2020
First Language Arabic (7184)
2018 2020 2020
Information and Communications Technology (0983) 2018 2020 2020
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Once you have made an entry for either grading scale (A*–G or 9–1), you will not be able to move to the other grading scale when the entries deadline has passed. If you accidentally make an entry for an A*–G syllabus you must withdraw the entry, and re-enter the candidate for the corresponding 9–1 syllabus. You must do this before the entries deadline. The same applies for accidental entries for any 9–1 syllabuses.

We have produced a factsheet (PDF, 246KB) to help ensure that your exam entries and administration reflect the syllabus candidates are being taught, and the intended grading scale.

How will we make sure the grading standards of IGCSEs are the same as those of reformed GCSEs? 

We provide more information about how we align the standard of Cambridge IGCSE with GCSE on Our standards page

Please note: Neither the 9-1 nor the A*-G versions of the syllabuses will be included in UK performance tables.

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