If you use GCSEs to assess people applying for jobs in your business, you need to know that a new 9 to 1 grading scale is being introduced in England. 

From August, the new qualifications will start to be awarded with number grades rather than letters, with 9 being the highest grade. 

Not all GCSEs are changing at once - English language, literature and maths are changing first, with students sitting these exams this summer. 

The new scale is intended to recognise more clearly the achievements of high attaining students. Changing from letters to numbers will also allow you to see whether a student has taken a new, more challenging GCSE, or an old GCSE. 

The Department for Education recognises grade 4 and above as a 'standard pass' and this is the minimum level that students need to reach in English and maths.

Further information is available on the Ofqual website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-gcse-9-to-1-grades-coming-soon