Last reviewed: 24 October 2026
When KJSEA results or a junior school report form arrives, many parents see codes such as EE1, ME2 or AE1 and are not sure what they mean. Kenya’s competency-based curriculum does not use the old A to E letter grades. Instead, junior school results use an eight-level scale built on four performance levels. This guide explains how to read the codes, what the points mean and what to do next.
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The four performance levels
CBC describes achievement in four broad bands:
- Exceeding Expectations (EE): the learner has mastered the competency and can apply it in new situations.
- Meeting Expectations (ME): the learner has achieved what is expected for the grade.
- Approaching Expectations (AE): the learner is partly there and needs more support.
- Below Expectations (BE): the learner needs significant help in this area.
The eight-level scale and points
For junior school assessment, each band is split into two, giving eight levels, each with points:
| Level | Score range | Points |
|---|---|---|
| EE1 | 90–100% | 8 |
| EE2 | 75–89% | 7 |
| ME1 | 58–74% | 6 |
| ME2 | 41–57% | 5 |
| AE1 | 31–40% | 4 |
| AE2 | 21–30% | 3 |
| BE1 | 11–20% | 2 |
| BE2 | 0–10% | 1 |
So a learner who scores 62% in Mathematics gets ME1 and 6 points. You can try any scores in our KJSEA grade calculator.
Why the total points are only a rough guide
It is tempting to add up the points across subjects and treat the total like a mean grade. Two learners with the same total can have very different profiles: one strong in Mathematics and Integrated Science, another strong in languages and social studies. Senior school placement looks at the pathway a learner chooses and the subjects that matter for it, so the pattern of levels is more useful than the sum. Our longer explainer on CBC grading goes into this in more detail.
Reading a report form at home
- Circle any subject at AE or BE. These need attention first.
- Look for subjects that dropped a level compared with the previous term. A move from ME1 to ME2 is an early warning.
- Note the subjects at EE. They hint at strengths that could guide a pathway choice in senior school.
- Read the teacher’s comments. They often name the exact competencies behind the code.
Turning levels into action
For a subject at AE1, aim for ME2 next term rather than jumping straight to EE. That usually means fixing a handful of core topics. Short diagnostic quizzes help here: a ten-question round of the CBC Challenge lists the topics a learner got wrong, which you can then revise one at a time. For longer practice, use revision papers by grade and subject.
Common questions from parents
Is ME a pass? CBC does not use pass and fail in the old sense. Meeting Expectations means the learner has achieved the grade’s expected competencies, which is a solid result. Exceeding Expectations shows mastery beyond that.
Can a learner with AE in one subject still join a good senior school? Yes. Placement depends on the whole profile and the pathway chosen. A learner aiming for the STEM pathway should, however, work hard to lift Mathematics and Integrated Science, because those subjects matter most for it.
Why does the report show percentages and levels? Some schools print both. The level is what counts for the eight-level scale; the percentage tells you how close the learner is to the next level. A score of 56% is ME2 but only two marks from ME1, which is a very achievable target.
Where school-based assessment fits
Results are not only about one final exam. School-based assessments from Grades 7 and 8 and the Grade 6 KPSEA also count toward Grade 10 placement. See our guide to school-based assessment for how that works.
CBC Guides is an independent revision site, not KNEC or KICD. Always confirm official results and placement rules with the school or KNEC.