This page is for PE teachers who want quick access to recent grade boundaries and result statistics for all Physical Education courses we cover.
Trend: Gradual rise over time, with 2025 showing the highest grade boundaries.
Grade 9: Has increased from 199 (2019) → 215 (2025).
Grade 4: Has increased from 129 (2019) → 142 (2025).
Best for: A broad range of students — fair for both mid-range and high performers.
Challenge: Requires consistent performance; no “easy year” fluctuations like in Edexcel.
Trend: Boundaries have remain fairly stable, with small fluctuations.
Grade 9: Has stayed around 159–165 across years.
Grade 4: Has consistently been between 100–108.
Best for: Those aiming for mid-range grades (4–6) where stable boundaries reduce the risk of sudden shifts.
Challenge: Less generous at the very top end (9s) compared to Edexcel/AQA, so high performers may find the margins tighter.
Trend: Boundaries are at its highest in 2025, likely to stay that way.
Grade 9: Has increased from 268 (2019) → 296 (2025).
Grade 4: Has increased from 171 (2019) → 189 (2025).
Best for: Students aiming for top grades, with strong exam technique. Pupils who thrive under pressure and are confident in both theory and practical performance.
Challenge: Middle-grade students (4–6) may struggle as boundaries creep upwards, making it harder to “secure” a pass.
Comparisons of Exam Boards
Edexcel – Shows the largest fluctuations due to the 2022 max mark change and sharper yearly increases. High-achievers aiming for 8–9; confident under rising grade boundaries
OCR – The most stable, with very small shifts in boundaries across years. Mid-range students (4–6); those who need stability and predictability
AQA – Shows a steady, moderate upward trend without sudden dips. Balanced — good for both mid and high achievers with consistent work
A Level PE
Trend: Steady upward movement after a dip in 2022.
Observation: More consistent than Edexcel, with smooth, gradual increases rather than dramatic jumps. Strong growth across all boundaries, with C rising from 138 (2019) → 151 (2025).
Best for: Students across the spectrum — fair to high achievers but also accessible for mid-range.
Challenge: Requires consistent performance; top grades are achievable but not inflated, so high-achievers must still perform very strongly.
Trend: More fluctuating, but less extreme than Edexcel.
Observations: A* boundaries decreased over the years 226 → 218 (2025). Boundaries for A–E are relatively stable, shifting only slightly year-to-year.
Best for: Students who find exams challenging, as boundaries for A–E are more forgiving. Those aiming for secure passes (C–E) rather than the very top grades.
Challenge: Top performers might feel restricted — the relative ease at the lower end may mean A*s are less of a distinguishing factor.
Trend: Clear upward trend from 2022–2024, with an extreme spike in 2025.
Observations: 2025 looks like an anomaly, with exceptionally high grade boundaries compared to previous years. (A* – huge increase from 237 → 358, almost full marks.
Best for: Exceptionally high-achieving students with strong exam skills.
Challenge: Mid-ability students (C–E) may feel the grade thresholds are steep; boundaries leave little margin for error.
Comparisons of Exam Boards
Edexcel – Shows the most volatility, with an unusual spike in 2025 (suggesting stricter grade thresholds). Elite students aiming for A*/A, suited for competitive unis.
OCR – More stable but with notable dips around of boundaries. Students aiming for C–E; more accessible grade thresholds.
AQA – The most consistent, showing gradual rises each year. Suits all-rounders; fair for both strong and mid-level candidates.
BTEC Tech Award
Trend: Boundaries have remained remarkably stable across Jan 2023 → Jun 2025, with only very small shifts.
Distinction (D2): Consistently around 42–44 marks.
Merit (M2): Around 30–33 marks, with only a small dip in June 2024.
Pass (P2): Around 20–24 marks, gradually rising in 2025.
Lower Pass (L1P): Stable at around 9–10 marks.
Compared with CNAT Sports Science/Studies, BTEC Tech Award is far more consistent, with minimal volatility between series.
Cambridge Nationals
Trend: Boundaries have dropped from Jan 2024 and are more consistent
Observations: Very volatile — big shifts from series to series.
Best for: Mid/low-achievers – more stable at lower pass boundaries (P1–M1).
Trend: Same pattern as Sports Science — very high boundaries in Jan 2024, followed by a sharp fall in Jun 2024.
Observations: Similar volatility to Sports Science, but the June 2024 dip wasn’t quite as steep at the very top end.
Best for: Consistent students aiming for Merit/Distinction — boundaries are slightly lower than Science, making it a touch more accessible.
Challenges: Higher abled students might find less distinction between top grades due to fluctuating thresholds.
© Copyright GCSE Classroom Ltd 2025
GCSE Classroom Ltd
Tyler House
Tyler Street
Stratford-Upon-Avon
CV37 6TY