Last reviewed: 26 October 2026
Kenyan parents with children in British-curriculum schools often meet two different grading scales for IGCSE: the familiar letters from A* to G, and numbers from 9 down to 1. A results slip that says “6” or “B” can be hard to interpret if you grew up with KCSE’s A to E. This guide explains both scales, how they line up, what counts as a pass and what the grades mean for sixth form and university applications in Kenya.
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Two Exam Boards, Two Scales
Most IGCSE candidates in Kenya sit exams set by one of two UK exam boards: Cambridge International (Cambridge IGCSE) or Pearson Edexcel (International GCSE). The scale on your child’s certificate depends mainly on the board.
- Cambridge IGCSE is graded A* to G around the world. Cambridge’s Cambridge IGCSE grading choice page explains that it also offers 9–1 graded versions of some syllabuses, but only in its administrative zone 3, where schools can choose either scale. All schools can keep A*–G grading. So most Cambridge candidates outside that zone receive letter grades.
- Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs are awarded on the 9–1 scale, as explained on Pearson’s page on the 9–1 grading scale, to align with reformed GCSEs in England.
Some Kenyan schools use one board for all subjects; others mix boards subject by subject. Ask the exams officer which board and syllabus code each of your child’s subjects is entered for.
The A*–G Scale
On the letter scale, A* is the highest grade and G is the lowest pass. A result below G is shown as U, meaning ungraded, and no certificate grade is awarded for that subject. Many schools and sixth forms treat C as the benchmark “good pass”, and A and A* as strong results.
Some Cambridge subjects are tiered. Cambridge explains that the Core tier targets grades C to G, while the Extended tier allows access to the top grades. In those subjects the highest grade normally available on Core is C, so the tier decision matters for students aiming high.
The 9–1 Scale
On the number scale, 9 is the highest grade and 1 the lowest, with U for ungraded. The scale has more steps at the top, so very strong candidates are separated into grades 7, 8 and 9. Pearson describes grade 4 as a “standard pass” that broadly equates to a C, and grade 5 as a “strong pass”. In tiered UK GCSE subjects, Pearson notes that higher tier grades run from 9 to 4, with an allowed 3, and foundation tier grades from 5 to 1.
How the Two Scales Line Up
The scales are not a one-to-one swap, because there are nine number grades and eight letter grades. Instead, they are tied together at three anchor points. Cambridge’s factsheet “A guide to A*–G and 9–1 grades” shows:
- Grade 7 aligns with the bottom of grade A.
- Grade 4 aligns with the bottom of grade C.
- Grade 1 aligns with the bottom of grade G.
Between the anchors, a rough reading is: 9 and 8 sit at the A* level, with 9 reserved for the very top; 7 is an A; 6 is a high B; 5 straddles a high C and low B; 4 is a C; 3 is roughly D to E; 2 is roughly E to F; and 1 is F to G. Treat these in-between comparisons as approximate. The anchor points are the only exact links.
What Counts as a Pass?
Technically any grade from A* to G, or 9 to 1, is a pass, because a certificate grade is awarded. In practice, sixth forms, universities and employers set their own minimums, usually a C or grade 4 in English and Mathematics, and higher grades in subjects your child wants to study at A Level. Some sixth forms ask for a higher grade, such as a B or 6, in subjects a student plans to take at A Level, so always check the specific school’s entry requirements.
What It Means in Kenya
IGCSE grades are not converted automatically into KCSE grades. Students who want to join Kenyan universities or colleges, or who need their foreign certificate recognised, apply to KNEC for equation, and university admission then depends on each institution’s requirements. Our guide to how Kenyan universities, KUCCPS and KNEC treat IGCSE and A Levels explains the process, and IGCSE vs CBC compares the two systems. If you are moving a child between systems, read switching between CBC and IGCSE.
For the KCSE scale, see our KCSE grading system explainer, and for CBC, how CBC grading works.
Reading a Results Slip
- Check the board and the syllabus code next to each subject.
- Look for the tier, where shown, since it caps the grade available.
- Note any U grades and plan a resit if the subject is needed for the next stage.
- Compare English and Mathematics grades with the entry requirements of the sixth form or university you are targeting.
Costs of entering or resitting exams are covered in our guide to the cost of IGCSE exams in Kenya.
For International Schools
If your school offers IGCSE and wants to reach Kenyan parents comparing curricula, a sponsored school profile on CBC Guides lets you publish your results policy, fees and admissions details where families are already researching.