What are SQA grade boundaries?

SQA grade boundaries show the minimum marks required to achieve each grade in a particular exam year. The mark needed for an A, B or C can vary between subjects and from year to year.

For example, 70% may be enough for an A in one subject, while another subject may require a higher or lower percentage depending on the assessment.

Why do grade boundaries change each year?

Grade boundaries are adjusted each year based on the difficulty of the assessment and the overall performance of candidates. This helps maintain consistent standards across different exam diets.

Because of this, students should avoid assuming that the same percentage will always correspond to the same grade.

How should students use grade boundaries?

Grade boundaries are useful for understanding roughly where a student currently sits and how many marks may be needed to move up a grade.

However, students should aim comfortably above previous boundaries rather than targeting the minimum mark exactly.

Need help improving exam performance?

Our National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher tutors provide 1-1 online support across Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and many other SQA subjects.

Whether a student is aiming to move from a B to an A, improve confidence, or prepare for final exams, tutoring can help identify where marks are most easily gained.

Grade boundary data is based on published information from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Qualifications Scotland is the successor organisation to the SQA following the national reorganisation of Scotland’s awarding body. While every effort is made to keep information accurate and up to date, students and parents should refer to official publications where required.

Last updated: May 2026