Why are there different tiers that I can enter? What’s it all about?

You and your teachers will decide which tier you should enter for some of your GCSE subjects. Different subjects are organised in slightly different ways. In some subjects, such as history, RE, music and art and design, everybody studying the subject sits exactly the same exam paper. In subjects like English, science and most modern languages, you have a choice of two different tiers. Each of the tiers has a different target range of grades. The foundation tier assesses grades G to C and the higher tier assesses grades D to A*. Maths is the only subject that has three tiers – the foundation tier assesses grades G to D, the intermediate tier assesses grades E to B and the higher tier assesses grades C to A*.

The exams are structured like this to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to show what they are capable of without being thrown off course by questions that are too hard or too easy.

If you have any questions or concerns about which tier you should be entered for, then speak to your teachers. They will be able to give you help and guidance.