Every figure comes from the exam board's PDF, except the Pearson Edexcel History row, which is approximate because the boundaries depend on the option. If your subject or option is not listed, follow the PDF links to find your exact route.
Retaking to beat a boundary? Our online A Levels let you study at your own pace.
How are A-level grade boundaries set?
Exam boards use statistical standardisation to keep grades fair year on year. Senior examiners review a sample of scripts at key grade boundaries (A*, A, E) and agree what standard of work deserves each grade. Statisticians then set the raw mark that best matches that standard, adjusting for paper difficulty.
This means a slightly easier paper has higher boundaries. A harder paper has lower boundaries. The grade you earn should reflect the same level of achievement regardless of which year you sat the exam.
Boundaries vary by subject because different subjects have different mark schemes, question styles, and candidature profiles. A 70% in one subject is not equivalent to 70% in another.
Raw marks vs UMS: what changed?
Reformed linear A-levels (the current UK system) publish grade boundaries as raw marks, the marks you actually score on the papers. UMS (Uniform Mark Scale) belonged to the old modular system and to some International modular specs. If you are sitting a standard AQA, Pearson or OCR A-level in England, use the raw-mark tables on this page.
AQA/Edexcel/OCR 2026 boundaries
AQA A-level grade boundaries June 2026
Published 13 August 2026. Full AQA A-level grade boundaries PDF
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| Subject | Max raw marks | A* | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (7357) | 300 | 260 | 219 | 182 | 145 | 108 | 72 |
| Biology (7402) | 260 | 199 | 174 | 146 | 118 | 90 | 63 |
| Chemistry (7405) | 300 | 255 | 220 | 181 | 142 | 104 | 66 |
| Physics (7408D, Turning Points option) | 250 | 187 | 158 | 133 | 108 | 83 | 58 |
| Psychology (7182) | 288 | 229 | 205 | 170 | 135 | 101 | 67 |
| Sociology (7192) | 240 | 186 | 167 | 142 | 118 | 94 | 70 |
| English Literature A (7712A) | 375 | 313 | 282 | 240 | 198 | 156 | 115 |
| English Language (7702) | 500 | 432 | 397 | 343 | 290 | 237 | 184 |
| Economics (7136) | 240 | 178 | 154 | 132 | 110 | 88 | 66 |
| Geography (7037) | 300 | 246 | 219 | 189 | 160 | 131 | 102 |
Physics note: AQA offers multiple Physics options (Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Engineering Physics, Turning Points in Physics, Electronics). Boundaries differ slightly by option. The table shows Turning Points (7408D). In June 2026 the A* boundary out of 250 was 191 for Astrophysics, 186 for Medical Physics, 190 for Engineering Physics, 187 for Turning Points and 188 for Electronics.
History note: AQA History boundaries vary by route (1A-1H, 2A-2R, plus breadth/depth combinations). Check the full PDF for your specific option code.
Pearson Edexcel A-level grade boundaries June 2026
Pearson Edexcel GCE grade boundaries June 2026
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| Subject | Max raw marks | A* | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (9MA0) | 300 | 254 | 210 | 173 | 136 | 100 | 64 |
| Biology B (9BI0) | 300 | 218 | 189 | 160 | 131 | 102 | 73 |
| Chemistry (9CH0) | 300 | 246 | 212 | 176 | 140 | 104 | 68 |
| Physics (9PH0) | 300 | 239 | 215 | 182 | 149 | 117 | 85 |
| Psychology (9PS0) | 270 | 162 | 140 | 116 | 93 | 70 | 47 |
| English Literature (9ET0) | 300 | 231 | 210 | 182 | 154 | 126 | 98 |
| History (9HI0, option-dependent, approximate) | 200 | ~174 | ~160 | ~137 | ~114 | ~92 | ~70 |
History note: Edexcel History boundaries vary by option. The figures shown are approximate. Check the official Pearson grade boundaries PDF for your exact route.
OCR A-level grade boundaries June 2026
OCR AS and A-level grade boundaries June 2026 PDF
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| Subject | Max raw marks | A* | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics A (H240) | 300 | 250 | 208 | 172 | 136 | 100 | 65 |
| Physics A (H556) | 270 | 207 | 178 | 151 | 124 | 97 | 70 |
| Psychology (H567) | 300 | 220 | 200 | 170 | 140 | 111 | 82 |
| Sociology (H580) | 300 | 256 | 234 | 194 | 155 | 116 | 77 |
Biology and Chemistry note: OCR publishes component-level boundaries. Check the full PDF for overall raw mark totals for your specification.
English Literature and History note: OCR offers multiple routes. Check the full PDF for your exact option.
Will boundaries be lower in 2027?
Grade boundaries are set after each exam session, not in advance. Ofqual aims to keep grade standards stable, but boundaries can move up or down depending on paper difficulty.
If June 2027 papers are slightly harder than 2026, boundaries will drop. If they are slightly easier, boundaries will rise. The exam boards use statistical evidence and expert judgement to ensure a grade C in 2027 represents the same achievement as a grade C in 2026.
Between 2021 and 2023, boundaries were adjusted as part of the post-pandemic grading return to pre-2020 standards. From 2024 onwards, grading has been broadly stable. Do not rely on boundaries falling year on year.
You cannot predict 2027 boundaries from 2026 data alone. Focus on mastering the specification content and past paper technique.
Preparing for A-level exams with Lift College
Resitting or studying online? Lift College teaches the AQA specifications in the tables above, A Level Maths (7357), Biology (7402), Chemistry (7405) and Physics (7408), with a named UK tutor and exams booked through Tutors & Exams on the +Exams plan. Browse other subjects on the A Level hub. For what each grade means and its UCAS points, see A Level grades explained.
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