<P> Under the letter grade scheme, foundation tier papers assess content at grades C to G, while higher tier papers assess content at grades A * to C. In foundation tier papers, the student can obtain a maximum grade of a C, while in a higher tier paper, they can achieve a minimum grade of a D. If a higher tier candidate misses the D grade by a small margin, they are awarded an E. Otherwise, the grade below E in these papers is U . In untiered papers, students can achieve any grade in the scheme . </P> <P> This scheme is being phased out in England, but remains in Wales and Northern Ireland . In Northern Ireland, the A * grade has been adjusted upwards with the introduction of the numerical scheme in England, such that an A * is equivalent to a new English grade 9 . They also added a C * grade to line up with the grade 5 in the English scheme, for comparison purposes . </P> <P> From 2017 in England (and in Wales and Northern Ireland on qualifications from the English boards), some GCSEs are now assessed on a 9 - point scale, using numbers from 9 to 1, and, like before, a U (unclassified) grade for achievement below the minimum pass mark . Under this system, 9 is the highest grade, and is set above the former A * classification, equivalent to the new Northern Irish A * grade . The former C grade is set at grade 4 and the lower end of grade 5, with grade 5 being considered a "good pass" under the new scheme . </P> <P> Although fewer qualifications have tiered examinations than before, the tiering system still exists . At foundation tier, the grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are available, while at higher tier, the grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are targeted . Once again, if a higher tier student misses the grade 4 mark by a small margin, they are awarded a grade 3, and controlled assessment and coursework tasks are untiered . </P>

What grade is a pass in gcse english