Expected Grades & Target Grades - Year 7, 8 & 9

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Gelato

Expected Grades & Target Grades outlines how scaled SAT results are converted into expected GCSE grades for Year 7 and how target grades are set for Years 10 and 11. It specifies SAT scaling ranges, defines low/middle/upper ability bands from averaged scores, and applies a transition-matrix approach. Tables map scaled score bands to grade numbers for both expected and target pathways. Rules also describe fallback use of CAT exams when scaled scores are unavailable and subject-specific averaging methods.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Expected and target grading overview

Year 7: expected GCSE grades

Years 10 & 11: target grades

FAQs

How are Year 7 expected GCSE grades determined from SAT scores?

Year 7 uses three SAT scores (English reading, English GPVS, and maths), averages them, assigns low/middle/upper ability bands, and then sets the expected grade using a transition matrix.

What grade does a scaled score range map to in the expected grades table?

For expected GCSE grades: >85 maps to grade 1, 85-94 to grade 3, 95-105 to grade 5, and 106-120 to grade 7.

How are target grades set for Years 10 and 11?

At KS4, target grades are aspirational and based on progress levels derived from the average of scaled scores. Subject rules differ by English (reading plus writing) and maths, while other subjects average all three scores.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Gelato