The AQA grade boundaries for June 2024 exams were published in August 2024, marking a significant shift from previous years. For A-Level Maths (7357), the boundaries rose notably compared to 2023, with the A* threshold increasing by 11 raw marks. Students, teachers, and parents seek these figures to understand how raw exam scores translate into final grades. This guide consolidates official data, historical comparisons, and practical resources for navigating the 2024 AQA grade boundary landscape.
AQA, one of England’s largest examination boards, releases grade boundaries annually following each exam series. The June 2024 boundaries apply to GCSE, AS-Level, and A-Level examinations across all subjects. Understanding these thresholds helps stakeholders interpret results accurately and set realistic expectations for academic performance.
What Are the AQA 2024 Grade Boundaries?
The boundaries listed represent raw marks—the actual points earned on exam papers. These raw scores are converted to UMS (Uniform Mark Scale) for aggregation purposes. The A-Level Maths maximum of 300 UMS combines marks from multiple examination papers, with each paper contributing a weighted proportion to the final total.
Key Facts About AQA 2024 Boundaries
- A-Level Maths (7357) requires 259 raw marks out of 300 for an A* grade
- The A grade threshold stands at 222 marks, up from 201 in 2023
- Grade boundaries are set after exams are marked, based on overall performance
- More difficult exams typically result in lower boundaries to maintain consistency
- GCSE and A-Level boundaries are set independently by each examination board
- AS-Level boundaries apply only to the standalone AS qualification
- Official PDFs are available through the AQA archive for all subjects
| Qualification | Maximum Mark | A* / Grade 9 | A / Grade 7 | B / Grade 6 | C / Grade 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-Level Maths | 300 | 259 | 222 | 184 | 147 |
| AS-Level Maths | 160 | N/A | 115 | 102 | 89 |
| GCSE Maths (Higher) | 240-300 | Varies by tier | Varies | Varies | Varies |
AQA 2024 Grade Boundaries for Maths
Mathematics remains one of the most frequently searched subjects when grade boundaries are released. The AQA A-Level Maths qualification (specification 7357) comprises three papers assessed over 330 marks combined, contributing to a 300 UMS total. The June 2024 boundaries reflect careful adjustment to maintain grade standards across the specification.
A-Level Maths Boundaries Explained
For the June 2024 series, AQA A-Level Maths students required 259 raw marks to achieve an A* grade, representing 86.3% of the maximum available. The A grade threshold of 222 marks means students needed approximately 74% correct answers. This represents a meaningful increase from June 2023, when the A* boundary stood at 248 marks.
The A-Level Maths qualification combines Paper 1 (Pure Mathematics), Paper 2 (Pure Mathematics and Mechanics), and Paper 3 (Pure Mathematics and Statistics). Each paper carries different weightings toward the final 300 UMS maximum, with raw marks on individual papers converted to uniform marks before aggregation.
AS-Level Maths Thresholds
The AS-Level Maths qualification operates independently from the full A-Level, with a maximum of 160 raw marks. For June 2024, the A grade threshold was set at 115 marks. Unlike A-Level, AS-Level does not award A* grades, as this distinction applies only to the full A-Level qualification upon completion.
Where to Find AQA 2024 Grade Boundaries PDF
Accessing official documentation remains essential for verifying boundary data directly from the examination board. AQA maintains an archive of grade boundary documents dating back to previous examination series, with dedicated PDFs for each qualification level.
The primary resource for official boundaries is the AQA grade boundaries archive, which contains downloadable PDF files for the June 2024 series. The archive includes a 353.26 KB file containing boundaries for all A-Level subjects, where searching for “7357” will locate the Mathematics specification boundaries. Separate PDFs exist for GCSE and AS-Level qualifications.
Third-party educational platforms such as Save My Exams and Maths Genie compile these boundaries in accessible formats, though students should verify data against official AQA sources where precision is critical.
For examinations requiring precise boundary data—such as appeals, remarks, or university applications—consulting the official AQA grade boundaries page ensures access to the most accurate and up-to-date information directly from the awarding body.
How Do AQA 2024 Grade Boundaries Compare to 2023?
The June 2024 boundaries for A-Level Maths show a substantial increase across all grade thresholds compared to June 2023. This shift indicates that the 2024 examination proved more accessible than the 2023 paper, allowing more students to achieve higher raw mark scores for equivalent grades.
Year-on-Year Comparison for A-Level Maths
| Exam Series | Max Mark | A* | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 2024 | 300 | 259 | 222 | 184 | 147 | 110 | 73 |
| June 2023 | 300 | 248 | 201 | 163 | 125 | 87 | 49 |
| June 2022 | 300 | 220 | 171 | 138 | 106 | 74 | 42 |
| June 2019 | 300 | 231 | 185 | 151 | 118 | 85 | 52 |
Boundaries fluctuate annually based on overall student performance and exam difficulty. The 11-mark increase in the A* threshold from 2023 to 2024 reflects a notably easier 2024 examination rather than any change in grading standards. Ofqual requirements mandate that grade thresholds remain consistent year-over-year, meaning boundaries are adjusted to compensate for varying difficulty levels.
Historical Context
Looking at longer-term trends, the A* boundary for A-Level Maths has varied between 220 (June 2022) and 259 (June 2024). June 2022 represented the most demanding recent paper, requiring approximately 73% of maximum marks for an A*. The 2024 figure of 86.3% illustrates how substantially examination difficulty influences raw mark requirements.
What Are the Predicted AQA Grade Boundaries for 2025?
Speculation around upcoming examination boundaries is natural among students and educators preparing for future series. However, official 2025 boundaries cannot be determined until after the examinations are marked and the data is analyzed.
Unofficial Predictions Circulating
Based on current patterns, some educational platforms suggest predicted 2025 A-Level Maths boundaries of A* at 260, A at 221, B at 183, C at 145, D at 108, and E at 71. These figures represent estimates and should not be relied upon for academic planning. The AS-Level predicted boundaries suggest A at 127, B at 112, C at 98, D at 84, and E at 70.
Students preparing for June 2025 examinations should focus on mastering specification content rather than attempting to predict specific boundaries. Grade thresholds will be determined after marking is complete, based on overall performance across all candidates. Using official AQA resources remains the most reliable approach for accurate information.
When Were AQA June 2024 Grade Boundaries Released?
The June 2024 examination series took place throughout May and June, with students sitting papers across multiple dates. Following marking and quality assurance processes, AQA published the official grade boundaries in August 2024, coinciding with the release of results to schools and colleges.
- May-June 2024: Examination period for GCSE, AS-Level, and A-Level qualifications
- Mid-July 2024: Marking period and internal quality assurance
- August 2024: Grade boundaries published alongside results
- Ongoing: Archives updated for student and teacher reference
Results days vary by qualification level, with A-Level results typically released before GCSE results. The AQA results days page provides specific dates for each examination series and qualification type.
Established Facts vs Remaining Questions
Confirmed Information
- June 2024 A-Level Maths boundaries are officially published and available
- A* requires 259 raw marks; A requires 222 marks (max 300)
- Boundaries increased significantly compared to June 2023
- Official PDFs available through AQA archive
- AS-Level A grade threshold is 115 marks (max 160)
Uncertain or Unknown
- Specific GCSE Maths tier boundaries require individual PDF verification
- Component-level boundaries for individual papers not verified
- 2025 boundaries remain completely unknown until after marking
- Whether boundaries will increase, decrease, or remain stable cannot be predicted
Understanding How AQA Sets Grade Boundaries
Grade boundaries represent the minimum raw marks required to achieve each grade classification. AQA establishes these thresholds following established statistical procedures that consider overall candidate performance, examination difficulty, and maintained standards over time.
The process involves senior examiners reviewing the distribution of marks across the entire candidate cohort. Boundaries are set to ensure consistency with previous years, meaning that if an examination proves more challenging than average, boundaries will be adjusted downward to maintain comparable pass rates and grade distributions.
This approach, overseen by Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), ensures that a grade reflects a consistent standard regardless of the specific examination paper attempted in any given year.
Sources and References
“AQA Archive (June 2024 A-Level PDF): Downloadable raw boundaries for all subjects, including Maths (search ‘7357’ in 353.26 KB file).” — AQA Official Documentation
“Boundaries rose notably from 2023 to 2024 (e.g., A* up 11 marks), reflecting exam difficulty adjustments.” — Maths Genie Analysis
Primary sources for this guide include official AQA documentation, the AQA grade boundaries archive, and verified third-party compilations that cross-reference official data. All boundary figures should be verified against official AQA PDFs when precision is essential for appeals, university applications, or academic records.
Summary and Next Steps
The AQA June 2024 grade boundaries for A-Level Maths demonstrate a notable increase compared to 2023, with the A* threshold rising by 11 marks to 259. This change reflects the relative difficulty of the 2024 examination paper compared to its predecessor. Students and educators should consult official AQA PDFs for the most accurate and authoritative boundary data.
For those comparing different measurement systems, conversion tools such as the Dollar to Pound Conversion – Live Rates and Charts provide useful context for international comparisons, while height conversions like 181 cm in Feet and Inches: Converter + Height Guide demonstrate how standardized scales facilitate cross-reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
When were AQA June 2024 grade boundaries released?
AQA released the June 2024 grade boundaries in August 2024, alongside the results for that examination series.
How do AQA 2024 grade boundaries compare to previous years?
The June 2024 A-Level Maths boundaries increased compared to 2023, with the A* threshold rising from 248 to 259 raw marks. This indicates the 2024 examination was more accessible than the 2023 paper.
What do AQA scaled grade boundaries mean?
Raw marks from individual papers are converted to UMS (Uniform Mark Scale) before aggregation. The boundaries listed in official documentation represent raw marks, which are converted to uniform marks using subject-specific scaling factors.
Where can I download official AQA 2024 grade boundary PDFs?
The official AQA archive contains downloadable PDFs for all subjects, including a 353.26 KB file for the June 2024 A-Level series. Access these through the AQA grade boundaries archive page.
What are the predicted AQA grade boundaries for 2025?
Unofficial predictions suggest A* at 260 for A-Level Maths in 2025, but these figures are speculative. Official 2025 boundaries cannot be determined until after marking is complete.
What was the A* boundary for AQA A-Level Maths in June 2024?
The A* boundary for AQA A-Level Maths (7357) in June 2024 was 259 raw marks out of a maximum of 300.
Are GCSE and A-Level boundaries set the same way?
Both GCSE and A-Level boundaries follow similar statistical principles overseen by Ofqual, but the grade structures differ. GCSE uses grades 9-1, while A-Level uses A*-E.
Can grade boundaries change after initial release?
Boundaries are typically final when released, though post-results services such as reviews of marking may result in individual score adjustments. Overall boundaries remain fixed unless a systematic error is identified.
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Kieran Doherty covers Westminster, Whitehall, councils, local government and institutional reporting for Civic Affairs.