Grade planner · Edexcel GCSE Maths
From grade 7 to grade 9
Grade 9 is the top grade. Here is how many more marks it takes, and which topics the hardest marks usually come from.
The gap in marks
58–62
more marks out of 240 for a 9 than a 7: about 19–21 per paper.
| Series | Grade 7 | Grade 9 | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | 146 | 208 | 62 |
| June 2025 | 156 | 217 | 61 |
| June 2024 | 137 | 197 | 60 |
| June 2023 | 145 | 203 | 58 |
From Pearson's published Higher boundaries. Boundaries move every year, so these show a spread, not a prediction. All boundaries since 2017.
Where the marks are
On real Higher papers, questions at grades 8 and 9 are worth about 53 marks per exam (averaged over 12 exam series plus Pearson's specimen papers). These topics carry the most of them:
- Vectors≈ 3.8 marks per examPractise
- Error intervals and bounds≈ 3.4 marks per examPractise
- Algebraic fractions≈ 3.4 marks per examPractise
- Tree diagrams and combined events≈ 3.1 marks per examPractise
- Equation of a circle≈ 2.9 marks per examPractise
- Surds≈ 2.5 marks per examPractise
- Sine rule, cosine rule and area of a triangle≈ 2.5 marks per examPractise
- Similar shapes≈ 2.5 marks per examPractise
- Volume and surface area≈ 2.3 marks per examPractise
- Simultaneous equations≈ 2.2 marks per examPractise
How to close the gap
- Stop losing easy marks
Grade 9 students still drop marks in the first half of the paper. Check every answer, especially units, rounding and signs.
- Master the hardest topics
Vectors, harder probability, bounds, algebraic fractions, the equation of a circle, similar shapes and surds are where many grade 8 and 9 marks sit.
- Write proofs clearly
For "show that" and proof questions, every step must be shown and the conclusion stated. Examiners mark the argument, not just the answer.
- Practise unfamiliar problems
Grade 9 questions often combine topics in a new way. Practise mixed questions rather than one topic at a time once the methods are secure.
- Sit full papers and review every lost mark
At this level each paper usually costs you a few marks somewhere. Find the pattern in where they go.
Why grade 9 matters
At the top end, grade 9 needs most of the marks on every paper, so accuracy across the whole paper matters as much as the hardest questions.
Higher tier only
Foundation papers are graded 1 to 5, so grade 9 can only be reached on the Higher tier.
Know where you are first
Take the Check-Up
About 25 minutes. Shows which topics are costing you marks now.
Sit a timed mock
A real paper, timed, with your mark and a grade estimate.
Grade calculator
Turn a mock total into a grade in recent exams.
Questions students ask
How many marks do you need for a grade 9 in GCSE Maths?
On Edexcel GCSE Maths, grade 9 needed 208 out of 240 on Higher in June 2026. Boundaries change every year, so aim a few marks above them.
How many more marks is grade 9 than grade 7?
On Higher, 58–62 marks out of 240 across June 2026, June 2025, June 2024, June 2023: about 19–21 marks per paper.
What should I revise to get a grade 9?
On past Higher papers, the topics carrying the most marks at grades 8 and 9 were vectors; error intervals and bounds; algebraic fractions; tree diagrams and combined events; and equation of a circle. Once the topics you find easier are secure, work on these next.
Can I get a grade 9 on Foundation?
No. Foundation papers are graded 1 to 5, so grades 6 to 9 are only available on the Higher tier.