Free educational tools for UK students. Calculate UCAS points, GCSE and A-Level grades, student loan repayments, and university degree classifications.
Convert A-Levels, BTECs, and other qualifications to UCAS tariff points for university applications.
Calculate UCAS PointsCalculate GCSE grades from marks and understand the 9-1 grading system with grade boundaries.
Calculate GCSE GradesWork out A-Level grades and see how they convert to UCAS points. Includes AS-Level calculations.
Calculate A-Level GradesCalculate student loan repayments for Plan 1, 2, 4, and 5. See how much you'll repay monthly.
Calculate RepaymentsPredict your university degree classification (First, 2:1, 2:2) based on your module marks.
Calculate Degree ClassCalculate Grade Point Average for UK degrees and international qualifications. Includes UK to US conversion.
Calculate GPACalculate your overall grade based on assignment weights, coursework, and exam scores.
Calculate GradeWork out what grade you need on your final exam to achieve your target overall grade.
Calculate Final GradeNavigating the United Kingdom's education system requires understanding complex grading structures, qualification frameworks, and financial implications. From GCSE grade boundaries that determine sixth form entry to UCAS tariff calculations that influence university offers, and student loan repayments that affect graduate finances for decades, having accurate calculation tools is essential for informed decision-making.
Our comprehensive suite of education calculators is designed specifically for the UK system, incorporating the latest grading reforms, UCAS tariff updates, and Student Loans Company thresholds for the 2024/25 academic year. Whether you're a Year 11 student calculating predicted GCSE results, a sixth-former converting qualifications to UCAS points, or a graduate planning student loan repayments, our tools provide instant, accurate results.
The UK education system operates on a well-defined progression pathway that differs slightly between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Understanding this structure helps students and parents make informed decisions about qualifications and pathways:
The UCAS Tariff is the system used to allocate points to post-16 qualifications, enabling universities to compare applicants with different qualification types. Understanding how your qualifications convert to UCAS points is crucial for university applications, as many courses specify minimum tariff requirements.
| A-Level Grade | UCAS Points | AS-Level Grade | AS Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A* | 56 | - | - |
| A | 48 | A | 20 |
| B | 40 | B | 16 |
| C | 32 | C | 12 |
| D | 24 | D | 10 |
| E | 16 | E | 6 |
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is worth half an A-Level: A* = 28 points, A = 24 points, B = 20 points, C = 16 points, D = 12 points, E = 8 points. Many universities value the EPQ highly as it demonstrates independent research skills.
BTECs and other vocational qualifications carry significant UCAS tariff points and are accepted by the vast majority of UK universities. The points system ensures fair comparison between academic and vocational pathways:
| BTEC National Extended Diploma | UCAS Points | Equivalent to |
|---|---|---|
| D*D*D* | 168 | 3 A-Levels at A*A*A* |
| D*D*D | 160 | 3 A-Levels at A*A*A |
| D*DD | 152 | 3 A-Levels at A*AA |
| DDD | 144 | 3 A-Levels at AAA |
| DDM | 128 | 3 A-Levels at AAB |
| DMM | 112 | 3 A-Levels at ABB |
| MMM | 96 | 3 A-Levels at BBB |
| MMP | 80 | 3 A-Levels at BCC |
England reformed GCSE grading in 2017, replacing the A*-G system with numerical grades 9-1. This change aimed to provide greater differentiation at the top end and align with international standards. Understanding the equivalencies is important for interpreting results and meeting entry requirements:
| New Grade (9-1) | Old Grade (A*-G) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | High A* | Exceptional performance (top ~5%) |
| 8 | A*/A boundary | Outstanding achievement |
| 7 | A | Excellent understanding |
| 6 | High B | Good grasp of subject |
| 5 | Strong C (high C) | Strong pass - many sixth forms require this |
| 4 | Standard C (low C) | Standard pass - minimum for many requirements |
| 3 | D/E | Below expected standard |
| 2 | E/F | Limited achievement |
| 1 | G | Very limited achievement |
The shift from letter grades to numbers caused initial confusion, particularly around what constitutes a "pass". Employers and further education providers generally consider Grade 4 as the standard pass (equivalent to old C), while Grade 5 represents a "strong pass" that many selective sixth forms and colleges require for A-Level entry.
UK student loan repayments operate through the PAYE system, automatically deducting from your salary when you earn above the threshold. Understanding which plan you're on and how repayments work is essential for financial planning:
| Plan Type | Who It Applies To | 2025/26 Threshold | Write-off Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan 1 | England/Wales (pre-2012), NI, Scotland (pre-1998) | £24,990/year | 25 years or age 65 |
| Plan 2 | England/Wales (2012-2023) | £27,295/year | 30 years from graduation |
| Plan 4 | Scotland (1998 onwards) | £27,660/year | 30 years from graduation |
| Plan 5 | England (Sept 2023 onwards) | £25,000/year | 40 years from graduation |
| Postgraduate | Master's/Doctoral loans | £21,000/year | 30 years |
All student loan repayments are calculated as 9% of income above the threshold (6% for postgraduate loans). The calculation is straightforward:
If you have both an undergraduate and postgraduate loan, you'll repay both simultaneously once above both thresholds, potentially paying 15% of income above the higher threshold.
British universities award classified honours degrees based on final year performance. Understanding how classifications are calculated helps students plan their studies and set realistic targets:
| Classification | Percentage Range | Common Abbreviation | Graduate Employment Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Class Honours | 70% and above | 1st or First | Highly valued, often required for competitive roles |
| Upper Second Class | 60-69% | 2:1 (Two-One) | Standard requirement for most graduate schemes |
| Lower Second Class | 50-59% | 2:2 (Two-Two) | Accepted by many employers, may limit options |
| Third Class Honours | 40-49% | Third or 3rd | Minimum pass, may affect career prospects |
| Pass/Ordinary Degree | 35-39% | Pass | No honours, limited recognition |
Most UK universities use a weighted average of Year 2 and Year 3 (final year) marks. Common weighting schemes include:
Year 1 typically doesn't count toward classification but must be passed to progress. Always check your specific university's regulations as calculation methods vary significantly between institutions.
| Event | Typical Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UCAS Application Opens | Early September | For entry following year |
| UCAS Equal Consideration Deadline | 31 January | Most courses |
| UCAS Oxford/Cambridge/Medicine | 15 October | Early deadline |
| A-Level Results Day | Mid-August | Thursday, second week |
| GCSE Results Day | Mid-August | Week after A-Levels |
| UCAS Clearing Opens | A-Level Results Day | For unplaced students |
| Student Finance Deadline | Late May | For September start |
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