UK Grading System 2025: Levels, Degree and Meaning

The UK education system is famous for its systematic assessment methods, which differ between various academic levels. Because of this, foreign nations have widely adopted the UK grading and education system, either totally or with subtle changes.

Whether you are a student intending to study in the UK, an international applicant, or someone who just wants to know how the UK grading system works, this guide will help you understand the UK grading system in schools, colleges, and universities.

Most international students usually find the UK grading system as somewhat confusing. Not to worry, here is a detailed explanation of the UK grading system, with emphasis on university degree classifications.

UK Grading System in Schools

The grading system for secondary schools in the UK is under the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and Advanced Level (A-Level) certifications.

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GCSE Grading System

The grading system has been modified in the last few years. Schools have moved from letters to numbers. In 2017, only the English language, English literature, and mathematics were graded. The other subjects followed afterwards. From the summer of 2020, all GCSE subjects are graded by numbers

UK University Grading System

UK universities use a classification system for degree qualifications at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Degree Classification in UK

In the UK, undergraduate degrees (Bachelor's degrees like BA, BSc, and BEng) are categorised into various honours classes based on a student's overall percentage score.

First-Class Honours: 70% and Above

A First-Class Honours (First or 1st) is the most superior degree category in the UK. It represents outstanding academic performance and a comprehensive grasp of the subject.

Key Features of a First-Class Degree:

• Shows that a student has worked at a high academic level, with outstanding analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities.

• Employers from different fields like finance, law, etc., highly value this degree, and also universities for postgraduate study.

• Nevertheless, the percentage scale for some universities may be slightly different. In most cases, performance in the first year is not taken into consideration when a student is qualified, but progression in the next years is taken into account.

• They need a first-class degree to secure entry into top UK universities such as the University of Cambridge, and the University of Oxford.

This Story also Contains

1. UK Grading System in Schools
2. UK University Grading System
3. Degree Classification in UK
4. The UK Grading System and ETCS Grades
5. UK Grading System vs Indian Grading System
6. The UK Grading System and The US Grading System

Challenges of Achieving a First-Class Degree:

• Demands high performance throughout the degree.

• Requires effective time management, critical reasoning, and original research abilities.

• Grading requirements in some universities are more strict, so the student has less opportunity to acquire a first-class degree.

Upper Second-Class Honours: 60-69%

A 2:1 (Upper Second-Class Honours) is the most frequently awarded degree classification within the UK and is a robust and reliable grade.

Key Features of a 2:1 Degree:

• Proves good subject knowledge, analysis skills, and effective research skills.

• The majority of graduate employers and postgraduate programmes demand a minimum of a 2:1 degree.

• Professions like medicine, engineering, law, and consulting tend to specify a 2:1 as the minimum requirement for job applications.

Why a 2:1 is Considered Good?

• It opens up career prospects, as most employers use a 2:1 as the standard for recruitment.

• You're going to need an upper second-class degree if you wish to enroll a master's degree in the UK since it is the minimum entry requirement.

• It indicates better-than-average performance, which shows a good academic base.

Lower Second-Class Honours: 50-59%

A 2:2 (Lower Second-Class Honours) is a mediocre performance, but is still an honours degree.

Key Features of a 2:2 Degree:

• Shows satisfactory levels of knowledge but implies that there is scope for improvement in research and analytical skills.

• While a 2:1 is generally preferred by employers, a 2:2 can still be a gateway to employment opportunities, especially in creative business, startups, and technical sectors.

• There are further study opportunities, but certain postgraduate courses might need extra qualifications or work experience.

Challenges with a 2:2 Degree:

• Certain leading employers and graduate schemes (e.g., finance, law, and consulting companies) have a 2:1 or better as the minimum entry requirement.

• It might take more effort in networking, internships, and acquiring work experience to be able to compete in the job market.

Third-Class Honours: 40-49%

A Third-Class Honours (Third or 3rd) is the lowest honours category. It shows that a student has achieved the minimum academic standards but has not performed well in exams.

Key Features of a Third-Class Degree:

• Shows fundamental knowledge of the subject but minimal critical analysis or independent research capabilities.

• Few employers might still hire third-class graduates, but the competition will be high in comparison with higher degrees.

• A few postgraduate courses might still take students with a third-class degree if they have extensive work experience.

Career Opportunities with a Third-Class Degree:

• Positions in less competitive sectors like retail, hospitality, and creative industries

• Prioritizes gaining hands-on experience, professional certifications, or industry training for enhancing career opportunities.

Fail: Below 39%

A fail indicates that a student has failed to achieve the academic standards necessary to be awarded a degree.

Consequences of Failing a Degree:

• No degree is awarded.

• Career and postgraduate prospects are greatly reduced.

The UK Grading System and ETCS Grades

European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System is a standard grading system adopted by European nations in an attempt to make it easier to transfer grades from a national grading system to another.

The table below indicates the UK's final grades and what it is in the ECTS grade:

UK Grading System vs Indian Grading System

Since thousands of Indian students are studying or would like to study in the UK universities, it is quite fascinating to learn how the UK grading system varies. The grading systems of India and the UK do not have a vast difference. The grading systems used by Indian universities are based on a 10-point GPA (Grade Point Average) scale, whereas UK universities operate a 100-mark system for students to indicate as pass or fail.

Following is the comparison of the UK and Indian grading systems:

Also Check: What is GPA? How to Calculate? What is Good GPA Score?

The UK Grading System and The US Grading System

Apart from UK, US is one of the topmost choices of international students for pursuing higher education, so it is important to know the US grading system as well.

The following table indicates grades in the UK grading system in comparison with the US grading system:

Also Read:

• How to convert your percentage into GPA

• UK vs USA For Indian Students