Your GCSE results slip tells you the grades you have been awarded in each qualification. But when you first open it, you might also see subject codes, several different numbers, a separate English speaking result or a science grade written as "6-5".
Start with the overall grade for each subject. Then check that all your subjects are listed, your personal details are correct and your results meet the requirements for your next course.
This guide explains what the different parts mean, how to check your marks and who to speak to if something looks wrong.
Note
The numerical grading explanations below apply to GCSEs graded 9–1, used in England. If your qualification uses A*–G or another scale (for example, many GCSEs in Wales and Northern Ireland), follow the guidance for that qualification.
How to read your GCSE results slip in five steps
- Check your details: your name, date of birth if shown, and school or exam centre.
- Find your overall subject grades: these are the qualification results you normally use for applications.
- Check unusual entries: double science grades, English spoken language results, or symbols such as U, Q, X and #.
- Compare your grades with your course offer: include subject-specific requirements, not just the number of passes.
- Ask about anything missing or unexpected: speak to your exams officer before leaving school, if possible.
Remember
You do not need to understand every administrative code before you can understand your results.
What is a GCSE results slip?
A GCSE results slip is a statement of the results issued for your exams. AQA calls it a Candidate Statement of Provisional Results; you may also see it called a statement of results.
Your school may give you one combined slip covering different exam boards, separate exam-board statements, or both. The layout varies, so your friend's slip may look different from yours. AQA's results slips guidance explains its version.
It is different from your GCSE certificate, which is issued later. "Provisional" means results can still be amended through the post-results processes; it does not mean they are predicted grades.
What do the numbers and codes on a GCSE results slip mean?
Use this table to find the entry you are unsure about. Not every slip includes every field.
| Entry | What it means | What you need to do |
|---|---|---|
| Candidate name | The name recorded for your exam entries | Report spelling mistakes to your exams officer |
| Centre number | Identifies the school, college or other centre that entered you | Keep it available if you query a result |
| Candidate number | Identifies you within your exam centre | Do not confuse it with your grade |
| UCI | Unique Candidate Identifier, used to link your exam entries and results | Keep it available for enrolment or exam queries |
| ULN | Unique Learner Number, linked to your personal learning record | Ask your school if an application requests it and you cannot find it |
| Exam board | The organisation awarding the qualification, such as AQA, Pearson Edexcel or OCR | Use this board's guidance when checking results |
| Qualification or subject code | Identifies the course, specification or entry option | Check the exact code when looking up grade boundaries |
| Overall grade | Your result for the whole qualification | Use this when checking course requirements |
| Mark or total mark | A numerical score, which could be a paper mark or a qualification total | Check the maximum mark and what the score covers |
| Component or unit | An individual part of a qualification, such as one paper | Do not mistake a paper entry for an extra GCSE |
| Endorsement | A separately reported result, such as English Language spoken language | Read it separately from the main GCSE grade |
A ULN is a 10-digit number. If you are aged 14 to 19, your school, college or learning provider can give it to you.
GCSE results slip example: what each result means
This is a simplified, fictional example, not an official exam-board layout.
| Qualification | Result shown | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| GCSE English Language | 5 | A grade 5 in English Language |
| English Language spoken language | Merit | A separate speaking endorsement, not an extra GCSE |
| GCSE English Literature | 6 | A separate GCSE from English Language |
| GCSE Mathematics | 4 | A grade 4 in Maths |
| GCSE Combined Science | 6-5 | A double award worth two GCSEs |
| GCSE History | 7 | A grade 7 in History |
Key point
Not every row is another GCSE. Combined Science counts as two GCSEs, while the spoken language endorsement does not add one. This student has six GCSEs, not seven.
When completing an application, record each result accurately. Keep Combined Science as the double grade shown, unless the form tells you to enter it differently.
What do GCSE grades 9–1 mean?
On the 9–1 scale, 9 is the highest grade and 1 is the lowest awarded grade.
| Grade | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| 9 | The highest GCSE grade |
| 8–7 | High grades; the bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of the old grade A |
| 6 | Above the strong-pass threshold |
| 5 | A strong pass |
| 4 | A standard pass |
| 3–1 | Awarded grades below the standard-pass threshold |
| U | Ungraded or unclassified: the minimum standard for grade 1 was not reached |
The old letter grades and current numerical grades do not match grade for grade; Ofqual's grade scale explained sets out the anchor points. For applications, use your actual numerical result rather than converting it to a letter. For more on each grade, see GCSE grades explained.
Is a grade 4 a pass?
Yes. Grade 4 is a standard pass, and grade 5 is a strong pass.
However, passing a subject and meeting a particular course's entry requirement are different things.
Example
Your offer requires a grade 6 in Maths and you have a 4. That is a standard pass, but it does not meet that specific condition. Contact the provider to discuss your options rather than assuming your place is confirmed or lost.
For how to judge your grades against your plans, see what is a good GCSE grade?.
Why does Combined Science have two grades?
GCSE Combined Science covers biology, chemistry and physics but is worth two GCSEs, so it receives a double grade.
Watch out
The two numbers are one result for the whole qualification. They are not separate grades for biology and chemistry, or for two particular papers.
| Double grade | What it means |
|---|---|
| 9-9 | The highest Combined Science result |
| 7-7 | A double award at grade 7-7 |
| 6-5 | A double award recorded as grades 6 and 5 |
| 5-5 | Two strong-pass grades |
| 4-4 | Two standard-pass grades |
| 4-3 | One grade at the standard-pass threshold and one below it |
The double grades always use equal or adjacent numbers, giving 17 possible results from 9-9 down to 1-1. Ofqual's blog on science grading explains why. If you took separate sciences, you receive individual GCSE grades for Biology, Chemistry and Physics instead. For the full scale, see GCSE Combined Science grades explained.
Check
For sixth-form entry, read the exact wording of the requirement. If a course asks for 6-6 in Combined Science, a 6-5 result is below that condition. Ask the provider whether it can offer flexibility or an alternative course.
What does Pass, Merit or Distinction mean in GCSE English?
GCSE English Language has a separately reported spoken language endorsement, which can be:
- Pass
- Merit
- Distinction
- Not Classified
It does not contribute to your main English Language 9–1 grade and is not an additional GCSE.
Example
"English Language: 5" and "Spoken Language: Distinction" mean you have a grade 5 in English Language plus a Distinction in the endorsement.
If an application asks for your GCSE English Language grade, enter the numerical grade.
What do U, Q, X and # mean on GCSE results?
These entries mean different things. A pending or missing result should not be treated as a U.
| Result or symbol | Meaning | Your next step |
|---|---|---|
| U | Ungraded or unclassified; below the minimum standard for grade 1 | Discuss your course options and whether a review or resit is appropriate |
| Q (pending) | A result has not been issued because marks for one or more components are not available yet | Ask your exams officer what is outstanding and when to expect an update |
| X (no result) | No result has been issued, because you were absent for all parts of the exam or for another reason | Ask your exams officer to explain the reason |
| # (partial absence) | You were absent from one or more exams, but a grade has been issued based on the exams you took | Check immediately if you attended every assessment |
The definitions of Q, X and # come from AQA's results slips guidance. Labels and presentation can vary between boards and school systems, so ask your exams officer about any unexplained symbol.
If a pending result affects enrolment, contact your sixth form or college and explain the situation. Ask what evidence it needs while the result is being resolved.
How do I check how close I was to the next grade?
Your mark is a score. Your grade is the result awarded after that score is compared with the relevant grade boundaries.
To check the gap to the next grade:
- Get your overall qualification mark from your school.
- Find the official boundaries for your exact exam board, subject, exam series and tier.
- Confirm that your mark is on the same scale as the boundary table.
- Subtract your total from the next grade boundary.
Worked example
Fictional. Your overall total is 128 marks and the grade 6 boundary is 132 marks. You are 132 − 128 = 4 marks below grade 6.
Your turn
Your overall total is 151 and the grade 7 boundary is 158. How far are you from a 7?
AnswerShow answerHide answer
158 − 151 = 7 marks below grade 7.
Remember
Being close to a boundary does not automatically entitle you to a higher grade.
Starley's grade boundaries pages hold official boundaries by board, subject and series, and GCSE grade boundaries explained shows how they are set.
Avoid these common mistakes
- Using last year's boundaries. Check the boundaries for the series you actually sat.
- Comparing one paper's mark with the whole qualification's boundary.
- Averaging paper grades. For linear GCSEs, the qualification grade comes only from the overall subject mark.
- Mixing raw and weighted marks. Check which total the boundary table uses.
Individual paper boundaries are notional. AQA's guide to notional component boundaries explains that they are for illustration only: your grade depends on your total subject mark, not on combining paper grades.
If your slip lists raw and weighted (scaled) marks, ask which total to compare. Weighting adjusts how much a component contributes to the qualification.
What should I do if a GCSE result looks wrong?
Start by identifying the problem.
| What you have noticed | Who to speak to and what to ask |
|---|---|
| Wrong name or personal details | Tell your exams officer so the records can be corrected |
| A subject is missing | Ask whether it is on another statement or whether the result needs investigating |
| Q, X or an unexpected # | Ask your exams officer to check the result status |
| A grade is much lower than expected | Ask your subject teacher about accessing the marked script and reviewing the result |
| A grade is below your course offer | Contact admissions immediately to discuss your place and alternatives |
Important
Report incorrect personal details promptly, so they can be put right before certificates are printed.
Should I ask for a remark?
If you suspect a marking problem, ask your teacher or exams officer about:
- Access to scripts: getting a copy of your marked exam paper.
- A clerical re-check: checking that marks were added up and recorded correctly.
- A review of marking: checking for marking errors.
A review of marking can leave your grade unchanged, raise it or lower it. Your school needs your written consent before requesting one. Ask about fees and the school's deadline promptly; AQA's guidance for students explains the options.
Being one or two marks below a boundary is a reason to discuss your result with a teacher. The decision should also consider whether there is evidence of a marking error.
If your next course depends on the result, contact admissions while you investigate. Explain your current grade and ask what options are available. Our GCSE results day 2027 and GCSE resits 2027 guides cover the next steps.
Your checklist before leaving results day
- Check your details and account for every expected qualification
- Compare English Language, Maths and any required subjects with your course offer
- Ask about unexplained codes or missing results
- Get the exams officer's contact details and any school deadlines
- Keep your slip safe and make a clear digital copy
- Confirm your next course or contact admissions about your options
- Ask when and how to collect your certificates
Watch out
Before posting a photo online, cover your personal details and candidate identifiers (candidate number, UCI and ULN).
Frequently asked questions
Is my GCSE results slip the same as my certificate?
No. Your slip reports your provisional results; the certificate comes later. AQA, for example, sends certificates to schools about three months after results day. Keep both and follow your school's instructions for collection.
Why are there no marks on my GCSE results slip?
Your school may have printed a summary showing grades only. Ask your exams officer for your total and component marks if you want to check them against the grade boundaries.
Does a grade 4 mean I failed?
No. Grade 4 is a standard pass on the 9–1 GCSE scale. It may still be below the requirement for a particular course.
Does 6-5 in Combined Science mean a 6 in biology and a 5 in chemistry?
No. It is the double grade for the whole Combined Science qualification, worth two GCSEs.
Can I enrol with a pending GCSE result?
Ask the provider directly. Explain which result is pending, and ask what evidence it needs and whether it can hold your place while the result is resolved.
What if I have lost my results slip?
Contact the school or exam centre that entered you and ask for another statement or confirmation of your results. Replacing a lost certificate is a separate process run by the exam board.