Choosing an international curriculum can raise understandable questions for parents—especially about how exam results are graded, released, and interpreted.
This guide explains how Cambridge IGCSE results are reported, what appears on the Statement of Results, how grade boundaries work, and when families can generally expect results to be released.
It also explains how Fravashi International Academy (FIA) supports students and families in understanding results within a broader, holistic profile of achievement.
Understanding the Cambridge IGCSE Grading Scales
Two Reporting Formats: A*–G and 9–1
Cambridge IGCSE results are reported using one of two grading formats, depending on the syllabus.
A*–G Scale
The A*–G scale runs from:
- A* – highest
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G – lowest
If a candidate does not meet the minimum standard for the lowest grade, the result is reported as UNGRADED.
9–1 Scale
The 9–1 scale runs from:
- 9 – highest
- 8
- 7
- 6
- 5
- 4
- 3
- 2
- 1 – lowest
If the minimum standard for Grade 1 is not met, the result is reported as UNGRADED.
Only the grading scale applicable to the chosen syllabus appears on the final certificate. The two systems serve the same broad purpose: communicating achievement against defined performance standards for the relevant syllabus.
Endorsements and Additional Reporting
Some IGCSE syllabuses include separate endorsements, particularly for speaking and listening components.
Where applicable, an oral or aural component may be reported separately using a five-point numerical scale, depending on the syllabus code and assessment model.
For example, certain English as a Second Language syllabuses may report a speaking component separately.
Results Status Terms You May See
Parents may encounter several status indicators on official results documentation:
- UNGRADED: The minimum threshold for the lowest grade was not met.
- PENDING (Grade Q): A component is outstanding or awaiting resolution.
- NO RESULT (Grade X): A result cannot be issued, for example because required components are missing.
- TO BE ISSUED: The final result will follow once the relevant processes are complete.
Understanding these terms can help parents interpret a Statement of Results accurately rather than assuming that every non-standard status represents an examination grade.
What Appears on the Statement of Results?
The Statement of Results is the electronic document schools share with candidates when results are released.
It typically includes:
- The final syllabus grade, using either A*–G or 9–1
- A Percentage Uniform Mark (PUM), where applicable
- Any separate endorsements applicable to the syllabus
Schools generally receive results through Cambridge’s secure systems before sharing them with candidates according to their local procedures.
Depending on the school, students may receive results through:
- A secure school portal
- In-person collection
- Another school-specific process
Grade Boundaries: Why They Vary Each Series
One common question from parents is why the raw mark required for a particular grade can change between examination sessions.
Cambridge does not simply use identical grade boundaries for every examination series.
After marking is complete, grade boundaries are established for each examination series to maintain consistent standards despite differences in examination paper difficulty or cohort performance.
What This Means for Parents
When interpreting results:
- Comparing raw marks from different examination years may not be meaningful without considering the relevant grade boundaries.
- The reported grade already reflects Cambridge’s standard-setting process.
- Where a PUM is provided, it can provide additional context about performance.
- The final grade should generally be considered alongside the syllabus and assessment structure.
The key takeaway is that a student should not be judged simply by comparing their raw mark with another student’s mark from a different examination series.
Results Timetable and How to Access Results
Cambridge International typically releases IGCSE results twice a year.
June Examination Series
Results are usually released in August.
November Examination Series
Results are usually released in January.
For the June 2026 examination series, the source material notes a scheduled release of 18 August 2026 at 06:00 BST (UTC+1) through Cambridge International Direct for schools and centres.
Because examination schedules and release procedures can change, families should always confirm the latest information with their school and Cambridge International.
How Students Receive Their Results
Results are released to schools and examination centres first.
The school may then:
- Provide secure portal login details
- Email the Statement of Results
- Arrange in-person collection
- Use another approved school communication process
Your school will confirm exactly when and how your child can access the results.
How to Interpret Cambridge IGCSE Results in Context
A single grade does not necessarily tell the complete story of a student’s academic development.
When reviewing results, consider:
The Syllabus Assessment Model
Different subjects can use different assessment structures.
Consider:
- Examination components
- Coursework
- Practical assessments
- Component weighting
- Speaking or listening endorsements
Grade Boundary Context
If your school provides information about the grade boundaries for that examination series, use it to understand the result appropriately.
The Overall Learning Profile
Consider the student’s:
- Subjects taken
- Academic strengths
- Areas for development
- Learning habits
- Teacher feedback
- Progress over time
For progression decisions, such as choosing AS & A Level subjects, schools may consider examination results alongside teacher input and the student’s readiness and learning habits.
Parents can also explore Cambridge assessment and grading at FIA for additional context around Cambridge assessment.
How Fravashi International Academy Supports Families
At Fravashi International Academy in Nashik, assessment forms part of a broader Cambridge pathway and student-centred learning environment.
Academic Counselling
FIA can support families in understanding grade reports, endorsements, subject choices, and potential progression pathways.
Parents can explore the Cambridge pathway at FIA to understand how assessment fits within the wider academic journey.
Holistic Development
Academic results represent one part of a student’s overall development.
Students can also develop through:
- Co-curricular activities
- Leadership
- Community engagement
- Sports
- Arts
- Other school experiences
Explore student life at FIA to learn more about the wider learning environment.
Learning Infrastructure
Laboratories, digital learning tools, classrooms, and other facilities can support students as they prepare for Cambridge assessments.
Parents can explore FIA’s learning infrastructure for more information about the school’s facilities.
International Exposure and Skill Development
FIA’s Cambridge approach also incorporates skills such as:
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Inquiry
- Global awareness
- Independent learning
These capabilities extend beyond examination preparation and form part of broader academic development.
Parents can explore Global Jigyasa to learn more about FIA’s focus on global perspectives and learning opportunities.
Practical Tips for Parents
1. Ask for an Explanation of the Statement of Results
If you are unsure about a grade, endorsement, PUM, or other result indicator, ask the school to explain how the particular syllabus reports achievement.
2. Discuss Grade Boundaries Carefully
Remember that grade boundaries can change between examination series.
Focus on the reported grade and what it means for the student’s next academic step rather than comparing raw marks across different years.
3. Set Balanced Expectations
Results matter, but they are only one part of a student’s academic journey.
Encourage students to reflect on:
- Learning strategies
- Time management
- Exam preparation
- Subject interests
- Well-being
- Areas for improvement
4. Plan Progression Early
Use IGCSE results as one input when considering future AS & A Level subject choices.
Students and families should consider:
- Academic strengths
- Subject interests
- Future university pathways
- Workload
- Relevant subject prerequisites
Parents can also explore Cambridge Advanced Levels at FIA to understand the next stage of the Cambridge pathway.
FAQs
1. What’s the Difference Between A*–G and 9–1?
They are two grading scales used by different Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses.
The A–G* scale uses letters, with A* representing the highest grade.
The 9–1 scale uses numbers, with 9 representing the highest grade.
Both communicate achievement against the standards established for the relevant syllabus.
2. What Does “UNGRADED” Mean?
UNGRADED means that the candidate did not meet the minimum standard required for the lowest grade on the relevant grading scale.
The result is recorded as UNGRADED on the Statement of Results, and no grade is shown on the certificate for that syllabus.
3. Why Do Grade Boundaries Change?
Grade boundaries are established for each examination series to maintain consistent standards.
The process takes factors such as examination paper difficulty and overall performance into account so that grades represent comparable levels of achievement across different sessions.
4. When Will We Receive Results?
Cambridge IGCSE results are typically released:
- August for the June examination series
- January for the November examination series
The exact date and method of release should always be confirmed by your school.
For the June 2026 series, the source material identifies 18 August 2026 at 06:00 BST as the scheduled release time to schools.
5. How Should We Use Results for Next-Step Decisions?
Results should be considered alongside:
- Teacher feedback
- Subject interests
- Academic strengths
- Workload tolerance
- Future university goals
- Readiness for the next qualification
For students progressing toward AS & A Levels, academic counselling can help families evaluate suitable subject combinations and progression options.
References and Further Reading
For the latest official information, consult:
- Cambridge International — Results information and guidance for candidates and centres
- Cambridge International Programmes and Qualifications — IGCSE and qualification information
- Cambridge International Exam Administration — Examination administration and results guidance
Conclusion
Cambridge IGCSE results are reported using either the A–G or 9–1 grading scale*, depending on the syllabus, with additional endorsements and PUM available where applicable.
Because grade boundaries can change between examination series, the reported grade provides a more meaningful indicator than simply comparing raw marks across different years.
At Fravashi International Academy, examination results form part of a broader learning journey. Students and families can consider academic results alongside teacher feedback, subject strengths, personal development, and future progression plans.
If you’re exploring Cambridge education in Nashik, learn more about Cambridge IGCSE at FIA or contact Fravashi International Academy to discuss the Cambridge pathway.


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