What is an A* in GCSE? The Grade Explained for Students and Parents

If you've heard people talk about 'A*' in GCSEs and wonder if it's still a thing, you're not alone. The way grades work in UK exams changed not long ago, and there's still a lot of confusion about what an A* really means now. So, let's clear things up and make sure you know exactly what it takes to reach the top grade.

Back when letters ruled the marking system, A* was the highest you could get. Teachers would say only those with almost-perfect exam scores would see that shiny A* on their results slip. Nowadays, with numbers instead of letters, it's a little bit different, but the idea stays the same—it's all about hitting the highest level of achievement.

Getting an A* (or the new top grade) in any subject isn't about luck or being a genius. It's about knowing the exam tricks, understanding the mark scheme, and not tripping up on tiny mistakes. Stick around for tips you can actually use, facts you won't hear in school assemblies, and the truth about how to show off your grades to colleges and unis. No fluff, just the real deal.

• The History of A* in GCSE Grading
• What Exactly is an A* and Who Gets It?
• GCSE Grading Changes: Letters vs Numbers
• Tips to Aim for the Highest Grade

The History of A* in GCSE Grading

The GCSE grading system didn’t always have an A*. Back in 1988, when GCSEs replaced O-Levels and CSEs, the highest mark was just an A. It wasn’t until 1994 that the A* popped up. The exam boards added A* because too many students were bunched up at the top, and universities and colleges wanted a way to spot who truly stood out.

A* became that badge of honour. To get it, you had to score at least 90% on your A-levelled papers, so not just good, but seriously impressive. It changed how top students felt about UK exams—suddenly, that tiny plus meant everything on results day.

But not all subjects offered an A* at first. It started with core subjects like Maths and English, then spread to most others once people saw how useful it was for showing off real achievement.

Fast-forward to 2017, and things got shaken up again. The government rolled out the new numbers scheme—grades went from A*–G to 9–1. Now, a 9 is basically the new A*, but even higher in some ways since fewer people reach it.

The biggest takeaway? If you’re talking to someone who took their GCSEs before 2017, an A* meant top of the year. If you’re doing them now, look for that number 9—it's even rarer, so it carries serious bragging rights.

What Exactly is an A* and Who Gets It?

Back in the day, the A* was the very top of the GCSE ladder. If you got an A*, you scored between 90% and 100% on your exam—and not just overall, but usually you needed a super-high mark in specific paper sections too. It wasn't enough to just get a basic A average; you needed to stand out at every level of the test.

After 2017, GCSE grades changed from letters to numbers in England. The A* turned into a grade 8 or 9, but grade 9 is the new king—it's even harder to get than the old A*. Here’s how the new top ranks compare to the old grading system:

Only a small percentage (around 6% in 2023) of students scored a 9 in their subjects. That means getting this top grade is rarer than ever. It’s not designed to be grabbed by most students—grade boundaries for a 9 are usually set after all the marking is done, and sometimes you’d have to get almost every question right, especially in subjects like Maths or Science.

So, who actually gets an A* or grade 9? It's students who not only know their stuff inside out, but also answer questions in a way the exam board wants. They show detailed knowledge, give spot-on examples, stay calm under pressure, and avoid common mistakes. It’s not about cramming, it’s about fully mastering each topic and understanding how questions are marked.

If you’re aiming for the top score in UK exams, keep this in mind: examiners are looking for confident answers that use subject-specific terms, explain ideas clearly, and don’t forget the basic steps. Practicing past papers and marking your work against official mark schemes makes a big difference when shooting for that rare 9.

GCSE Grading Changes: Letters vs Numbers

Here’s where things usually get confusing: for years, everyone aimed for an A* in their GCSE results. Back then, grades ran from A* at the top, down to G, with U for ungraded. It was clear—A* meant you smashed it. Then, in 2017, things switched up in England. The government brought in a 9-1 grading system for most GCSE subjects. Grades now go from 9 (the best) down to 1 (the lowest), ditching the old letters.

That led to a lot of head-scratching. What’s higher, a 9 or an A*? Can you still get an A? Here’s the truth: Grade 9 is actually higher than the old A*. Grade 8 is roughly between A* and A. So, if someone scores a 9, they’ve gone above what used to count as A* in the old letter system. Not all students will get a 9—it’s reserved for the top few percent.

This shift started with English and Maths in 2017, but now covers nearly all GCSE subjects in England. In Wales and Northern Ireland, lots of schools stuck with letters, so if you see someone with an A* and another with a grade 9, remember they’re both top performers, just following different systems.

Unis and colleges understand both systems now. If you’re applying or showing off your grades, no need to worry—just explain the grading style your school uses. And if you’re revising, remember: shoot for 9s if you want to prove you’re at the very top!

Tips to Aim for the Highest Grade

Aiming for an A* in your GCSE exams isn't rocket science, but you'll need more than just good intentions. The top grades usually go to students who understand how to play the exam game—knowing what examiners look for, planning revision well, and dealing with nerves. Here’s what actually works if you want to reach the highest level.

• Master the Mark Schemes: Don’t just read your notes—study the exam board’s mark schemes. They literally tell you what gets marks. Most questions have key phrases or answers the marker needs to see for top marks, and you can find these in sample papers and examiner reports.
• Past Papers Are Pure Gold: Seriously, practicing with past exam papers is one of the most effective ways to prep. You get used to the question styles, spot patterns, and it helps you notice topics that come up again and again. Set a timer and answer under exam conditions.
• Active Revision Beats Passive Reading: Don't just read and highlight. Test yourself, use flashcards, teach someone else—anything where your brain is working. Making mistakes and correcting them actually helps you learn better for an A* in GCSE exams.
• Target Weak Points: Don’t waste hours revising stuff you already know. Focus on your weaker topics and keep circling back until you’re comfortable. Being honest about your weak spots is the fastest path to improvement.
• Plan, But Stay Flexible: A solid revision plan stops last-minute panic. Split up your revision into small, bite-sized chunks and tick them off daily. But if a topic takes longer than you thought, adjust—don’t force yourself to stick to a broken plan.
• Use Official Resources: Most exam boards have free resources online—specimen papers, syllabuses, and examiner tips. Don’t just rely on what your teacher gives you.

Here’s what the numbers look like for students gunning for the highest grade:

Remember, the exact percentage might shift year to year, but if you’re regularly getting 80%+ on past papers, you’re in the right zone for an A* or that band 9 in the new system.

Last tip: Don’t compare yourself too much. Top grades are about improving your own scores and understanding, not keeping up with what classmates say they’ve done. Focus on what you can control—and use every mark scheme, past paper, and official resource you can get your hands on!