What Is the Pass Mark for A Level English Literature?

Created:
Updated: 08-August-2025

Wondering what percentage you need to pass A Level English Literature?

Many students—and parents—are keen to know what mark will get them that all-important “E” grade or higher.

How Are A Level English Literature Grades Set?

A Level English Literature, like all A Levels, is graded from A* to E.

To pass, you must achieve at least an E grade.

The actual percentage required to pass can vary each year and depends on grade boundaries set by the exam board (such as Edexcel, AQA, or OCR).

As a general rule, the pass mark (grade E) is usually set between 40% and 45% of the total available marks.

This can vary depending on the difficulty of the papers each year and the performance of all students nationally.

Exam boards adjust grade boundaries after exams are marked to ensure fairness.

Grade boundaries show the minimum mark needed for each grade.

For example, if the grade boundary for an E is set at 43%, then scoring 43% or higher will earn you a pass.

These are published each year by exam boards and can change slightly from year to year.

Do universities care about my percentage or my grade?

Universities are interested in your final grade, not the exact percentage you achieved.

Are grade boundaries the same for every exam board?

No—they can differ slightly between Edexcel, AQA, and OCR, and are set after exams are marked each year.

Can grade boundaries change?

Yes—grade boundaries are reviewed and adjusted annually to reflect the national standard.