What is the Pass Mark for A Level Chemistry?
What is the Pass Mark for A Level Chemistry?
Created:Updated: 17-September-2025
Wondering what percentage you need to “pass” A Level Chemistry?
Here’s how passes work, how grade boundaries are set, and where to check the latest boundaries.
How are A Level Chemistry grades set?
A Levels are graded A*–E. To pass, you need at least an E.
The exact raw-mark percentage for each grade changes every year because exam boards set grade boundaries after marking to reflect paper difficulty.
Typical pass marks (guide only)
Historically, the boundary for an E in A Level Chemistry often falls around ~40–45% of total marks, but it can vary by year, paper, and board.
Always check the latest official boundaries for your specification and sitting.
See current AQA grade boundaries.
What are grade boundaries?
- Minimum mark for each grade: e.g., if E = 42%, then 42%+ earns a pass.
- Set after marking: Boards adjust to keep standards fair across years.
- Different by board/session: AQA, Edexcel and OCR may publish slightly different thresholds.
Grade boundaries explained (Chemistry).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do universities care about my percentage or my grade?
They care about your final grade (e.g., A, B, C…), not the raw percentage.
Are boundaries the same for all boards?
No. AQA, Edexcel and OCR set their own boundaries each session.
Can boundaries change year to year?
Yes. They’re reviewed annually to reflect the difficulty of that year’s papers.