Every Year 10 term, a parent asks me some version of the same question: is a 5 good enough? They usually ask it with a worried look, as if the number on the report settles the whole future. The honest answer depends on the subject, the student's plans and which grading scale the paper uses, so it is worth understanding the system before the results arrive.
In short, most Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses now report results on a 9 to 1 scale, with 9 the highest. The older A* to G scale still appears in some subjects, so the first step is to check which scale your child's syllabus uses. Grade 4 is generally treated as a standard pass and grade 7 as a strong pass, and that is the benchmark most sixth forms and colleges look at first.
What the 9 to 1 scale actually tells you
The numbers are not a percentage. A grade 7 does not mean 70 per cent, and a grade 4 does not mean 40 per cent. Each grade is set by a grade boundary, which is the minimum raw mark needed for that grade in a particular examination session. Boundaries move from session to session depending on how hard the paper was, so two students with the same mark can sometimes receive different grades in different years.
For a student, this means the scale rewards steady, well-practised answers rather than a single lucky paper. It also means you should treat grade boundaries as a moving target and focus on the marks the student can control: accuracy, method and the command words the examiner is looking for.
Where the A* to G scale still fits
A* to G is the older system, with A* at the top and G as the lowest graded pass. Some subjects and some older syllabus versions still use it, so a parent may see both scales on different reports in the same household. Do not try to convert one into the other in your head. There is no simple one-to-one swap for every subject, and a rough conversion often leads to the wrong conclusion about whether a student is on track.
Instead, compare like with like. Look at the grade boundaries published for your child's syllabus, and ask the teacher where the student's current mock marks sit against them.
Planning a realistic grade target for your child
Start with a target that matters to the student, such as the grades a sixth form or the next programme asks for, then work backwards. A useful plan has three parts:
- A baseline: a short diagnostic in each subject, so you know where the marks are being lost.
- A weekly rhythm: regular practice on the topics that cost the most marks, not just the topics the student enjoys.
- Checkpoints: mock exams marked against the real mark scheme, followed by a clear conversation about what to fix next.
Students often find that the biggest gains come from the questions they were close to getting right. A teacher who marks against the published mark scheme can spot these patterns quickly, which is much harder to do from a single overall score.
How INACADEMICS works with IGCSE students
At INACADEMICS, we teach Cambridge IGCSE for Grades 9 and 10 in small batches of 4 to 8 students, so each child gets real attention in every lesson. Our teachers use IGCSE mark schemes and past papers in their planning, which means students practise answering the way examiners mark, not just the way they revise. Enrolment begins with free counselling and a short diagnostic, and we then agree a per-subject plan with the family.
Throughout the year, students receive weekly worksheets and monthly mocks, and parents get regular updates tracked against that plan. If a student is slipping, we would rather you hear it in October than in the results envelope in the summer. You can read more about our Cambridge IGCSE tuition programme and the broader range of guides on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a grade 5 a good result in IGCSE?
A grade 5 is above the standard pass of grade 4 and is a solid result in many subjects. Whether it is good enough depends on the subject and what the student is aiming for next. Sixth forms and colleges set their own requirements, so check them early and plan the year around the target.
Does IGCSE still use A* to G grades?
Many Cambridge IGCSE subjects report results on the 9 to 1 scale, but some syllabuses still use A* to G. The easiest way to confirm is to check the syllabus document for your child's subject or ask the school which scale applies.
How does INACADEMICS help students reach a target grade?
We start with a diagnostic and a per-subject plan, then place students in small batches taught by subject specialists. Weekly worksheets and monthly mocks, marked against IGCSE mark schemes, show where marks are being lost. Parents receive regular updates tracked against the plan, so everyone knows what is working.
When should a family start IGCSE tuition?
The earlier a gap is found, the easier it is to fix. A diagnostic in Grade 9 gives time to build skills steadily, while a student starting in Grade 10 can still benefit from a focused plan. Free counselling is a good first step, whatever the stage.
Wrap-up and next steps
Understanding the 9 to 1 scale and the older A* to G scale helps you ask better questions and set sensible targets. Focus on the marks your child can control, check the scale used by their syllabus, and keep an eye on progress through mocks rather than a single final result. If you would like a clear picture of where your child stands, call or WhatsApp us on +91 9014010410, or visit us at 117, 1st Floor, Raichandani Business Bay, above Karachi Bakery in Kokapet for free counselling.