Editing GCSE (section)

====Numerical grades (2017 onwards)====
Since 2017 in England (and in Wales and Northern Ireland on qualifications from the English-based awarding bodies) most GCSEs have been assessed on a nine-point scale, using numbers from 9 to 1, and a U (unclassified) grade for achievement below the minimum pass mark. Under this system 9 is the highest grade and is set above the former A* classification, equivalent to the new Northern Irish A* grade. A grade 8 is also equivalent to an A*; however, the grade 9 is the top end of the A*. The former C grade is set at grade 4 (known as a "standard pass") and grade 5 (considered a "strong pass") under the numerical scheme. 

Although fewer qualifications have tiered examinations than before, the tiering system still exists. At foundation tier the grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are available, whilst at higher tier the grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are targeted. Students who take the higher tier and miss the grade 4 mark by a small margin are awarded a grade 3. Controlled assessment and coursework tasks are untiered. The youngest person known to have achieved a grade 9 is Ellie Barnes, who achieved the grade in Mathematics aged eight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wigantoday.net/education/top-gcse-success-ellie-despite-her-age-680671|title=Top GCSE success for Ellie despite her age|website=wigantoday.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wolstenholme |first1=Maxine |title=Bolton News |url=https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/17866112.home-schooled-ellie-8-achieves-top-mark-gcse-maths/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mutch |first1=James |title=Leigh Journal |url=https://www.leighjournal.co.uk/news/17856810.home-schooled-ellie-8-achieves-top-mark-gcse-maths/}}</ref>