The grading of all GCSEs in Northern Ireland will continue under the alphabetical grading system. 

This will mean that, from Summer 2017, GCSEs in NI, regardless of Exam Board, will continue to be awarded using the A*-G grades. 

The Minister of Education in Northern Ireland, John O’Dowd, made this announcement following consultation. He made it clear that his decision did not in any way affect the operation of the ‘open market’ for GCSEs in NI and that Exam Boards, other than CCEA, play a valuable role in the NI education service.  The Minister said: “I am not asking Awarding Organisations to change from the alphabetical grading they currently use and I am very happy for them to continue to operate here and to offer services to our schools provided they can meet our needs”.

His announcement detailed how the grade 4 in England will be anchored to the grade C in NI, and the grade 7 in England will be anchored to grade A.