IGCSE Grade Boundaries June 2026: Cambridge and Edexcel

Grade boundaries are the minimum marks needed for each grade, set after every exam series. In June 2026, an A\* in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics needed 162 out of 200 on the most common Extended paper combination (Cambridge International, 2026). A grade 9 in Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (Higher) needed 165 out of 200 (Pearson, 2026).

This guide gives the June 2026 figures for popular subjects and shows how to use them.

Key Takeaways

• Boundaries change every series, so always use the right year's table.
• Cambridge calls them "grade thresholds" and sets them for each paper combination.
• June 2026 Cambridge A* boundaries ranged from about 79% (Economics) to 88% (Additional Maths).
• There's no A* or grade 9 on individual papers: only on your overall total.

What Are IGCSE Grade Boundaries?

A grade boundary is the lowest total mark that earns a grade. Pearson puts it simply: "if the grade boundary for a Grade 6 is 70 marks, then 70 is the minimum mark at which a Grade 6 can be achieved. A mark of 69 would therefore be a Grade 5" (Pearson, 2026).

Boundaries are set after marking, so they move with the difficulty of each paper. Cambridge International publishes "grade threshold tables" for each syllabus and series, with separate thresholds for each paper combination. Our guide on how IGCSE grades are calculated explains the process.

What Were the Cambridge IGCSE Boundaries in June 2026?

On the first Extended paper combination, the June 2026 A\* boundary was about 88% of marks in Additional Mathematics, 86.5% in Chemistry, 82.5% in Biology, 81% in Mathematics and Physics, and 79% in Economics (Cambridge International, 2026).

Sources: Cambridge International June 2026 grade threshold tables for Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Economics.

For Core candidates, the top available grade is C. In Mathematics, a C on Core papers 11 and 31 needed 82 out of 160.

Why Do Cambridge Boundaries Differ Between Variants?

Cambridge sets different versions of each paper, called variants, for different time zones, and each gets its own threshold. In June 2026 Mathematics, the A\* boundary was 162 out of 200 on papers 21 and 41, but 177 out of 200 on papers 22 and 42 (Cambridge International, 2026).

A 15-mark gap on the same subject is a lot. It doesn't mean one group had an advantage: a higher boundary means the paper was easier. But it does mean you must grade each past paper with its own variant's thresholds. The variant is the second digit of the paper number, such as 22 in paper 22.

What Were the Edexcel International GCSE Boundaries in June 2026?

Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs are graded 9 to 1. In June 2026, Mathematics A (Higher tier) needed 165 out of 200 for a 9, 111 for a 7 and 41 for a 4. Biology needed 142 out of 180 for a 9 and 112 for a 7. Further Pure Mathematics needed 121 out of 150 for a 9 (Pearson, 2026).

Source: Pearson, 2026.

On Mathematics A Foundation tier, the highest available grade is 5, which needed 148 out of 200.

How Should You Use Grade Boundaries?

Use them to turn past paper scores into realistic grades. Mark each paper strictly against the mark scheme, then compare your total with the boundary for that exact series, tier and variant. Track results over several papers and look for trends rather than single scores.

Students we tutor often panic at a score like 70%, until they see that 69% earned an A in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics in June 2026. Boundaries put scores in context. They also show where marks are cheapest to gain, which is usually by cutting careless errors rather than learning new topics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage is an A* in IGCSE Maths?

In June 2026, 162 out of 200, or 81%, on Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics papers 21 and 41, but 177 out of 200 on papers 22 and 42 (Cambridge International, 2026). Always check your exact variant.

What is a 9 in Edexcel International GCSE Maths?

In June 2026, a 9 in Mathematics A (Higher tier) needed 165 out of 200, about 83% (Pearson, 2026). A 7 needed 111.

Do grade boundaries go up or down each year?

Either. They move with paper difficulty to keep standards steady. Cambridge notes that its awarding standard returned to the pre-Covid standard in June 2023 (Cambridge International, 2026), so use thresholds from 2023 onwards for the fairest comparison.

The Bottom Line

• Boundaries are set after marking and change every series.
• Cambridge IGCSE A* boundaries ran from about 79% to 88% in June 2026.
• Edexcel International GCSE Maths needed 165/200 for a 9.
• Grade every past paper with its own series, tier and variant boundaries.

Next, read how IGCSE grades are calculated.