The timescales for the availability of reformed GCSEs graded 9 to 1 in Northern Ireland have been announced.

From September 2016 schools will have access to all GCSE qualifications graded 9 to 1, with the exceptions of English Language and Science. These exceptions have been made by the NI Education Minister as he believes that the assessment of speaking and listening in GCSE English Language, and of practical skills in GCSE Science, should contribute towards the overall grades awarded.

Schools will be able to choose whether to take the reformed qualifications or legacy GCSEs graded A* to G.  The legacy GCSEs will be awarded by CCEA.

CCEA is currently revising its legacy GCSEs for first teaching from September 2017 with the following changes:

• The A* grade will be realigned to reflect the level of achievement consistent with the grade 9 on the 9-1 grade scale
  
• A new C* grade will be introduced to align with the level of achievement consistent with the grade 5 on the 9-1 grade scale.