Cambridge IGCSE Language B9-1 vs A*-G

9-1 vs A*-G: full grade conversion

Cambridge IGCSE Language B reports results on the 9-1 numerical scale, while Language A uses A*-G. The two syllabuses share a mark scheme - so you can map every letter to a number. Use this table to translate between the two.

Full conversion table

IGCSE Language B grade	Language A equivalent	What it represents
9	Above A*	More selective than A*. Awarded to roughly the top 4% of entries. Sophisticated analysis, controlled style, distinctive voice.
8	A / A*	Comfortably above the old A boundary and reaching into A* territory. Consistent analytical depth and accurate writing.
7	A	Equivalent to the old A grade. Confident, clear analysis and well-structured writing throughout.
6	B	Solid upper-middle performance. Relevant comment, generally accurate writing with some ambition.
5	B / C	“Strong pass”. Overlaps the old B-C boundary. Clear understanding, some analytical comment, mostly accurate writing.
4	C	Standard pass. Equivalent to the old C grade. Required by many sixth-form colleges as a minimum.
3	D	Basic understanding of texts and task, writing that communicates meaning with some errors.
2	E	Limited response. Some engagement with the text but significant weaknesses in analysis or accuracy.
1	F / G	Lowest pass. Basic communication of ideas with substantial weaknesses throughout.

Why Grade 9 is harder than A*

The reformed 9-1 scale was designed to stretch the top end. Under A*-G, an A* was awarded to roughly 8% of entries nationally. Grade 9 is set higher - typically around the top 4%. In practice, an A* student under 0500 is more likely to get an 8, with 9 reserved for genuinely outstanding work.

Which grade do you need?

Sixth form / A-level entry: Most UK sixth forms require Grade 5 or 6 in English as a minimum; competitive schools expect 7+.
IB Diploma entry: IB schools typically ask for a 5 or above, aligning with Language A Studies.
Standard pass: Grade 4 is officially the standard pass. Grade 5 is often called a strong pass.
Top universities: Competitive courses often expect 7 or higher in English at IGCSE, alongside strong A-level or IB results.

How to hit Grade 9 How to hit Grade 7 How to pass with Grade 5

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Cambridge IGCSE Language B9-1 vs A*-G

9-1 vs A*-G: full grade conversion

Full conversion table

IGCSE Language B grade	Language A equivalent	What it represents
9	Above A*	More selective than A*. Awarded to roughly the top 4% of entries. Sophisticated analysis, controlled style, distinctive voice.
8	A / A*	Comfortably above the old A boundary and reaching into A* territory. Consistent analytical depth and accurate writing.
7	A	Equivalent to the old A grade. Confident, clear analysis and well-structured writing throughout.
6	B	Solid upper-middle performance. Relevant comment, generally accurate writing with some ambition.
5	B / C	“Strong pass”. Overlaps the old B-C boundary. Clear understanding, some analytical comment, mostly accurate writing.
4	C	Standard pass. Equivalent to the old C grade. Required by many sixth-form colleges as a minimum.
3	D	Basic understanding of texts and task, writing that communicates meaning with some errors.
2	E	Limited response. Some engagement with the text but significant weaknesses in analysis or accuracy.
1	F / G	Lowest pass. Basic communication of ideas with substantial weaknesses throughout.

Why Grade 9 is harder than A*

Which grade do you need?

Sixth form / A-level entry: Most UK sixth forms require Grade 5 or 6 in English as a minimum; competitive schools expect 7+.
IB Diploma entry: IB schools typically ask for a 5 or above, aligning with Language A Studies.
Standard pass: Grade 4 is officially the standard pass. Grade 5 is often called a strong pass.
Top universities: Competitive courses often expect 7 or higher in English at IGCSE, alongside strong A-level or IB results.

How to hit Grade 9 How to hit Grade 7 How to pass with Grade 5

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9-1 vs A*-G: full grade conversion

Full conversion table

Why Grade 9 is harder than A*

Which grade do you need?

9-1 vs A*-G: full grade conversion

Full conversion table

Why Grade 9 is harder than A*

Which grade do you need?