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OCR · A Level · H240

OCR A Level Maths A grade boundaries (H240) explained

OCR Mathematics A (H240) is awarded on the combined total of its components, with thresholds published each series. This guide explains how those components add up, the difference between raw and scaled columns in the published tables, and how to use past boundaries as a range rather than a promise.

Grade scale

Grades A*–E awarded on the total across the components

How the total is formed

Component marks are added to a qualification total before the thresholds published by OCR are applied.

What to know about OCR boundaries

  • OCR publishes both raw and, where relevant, scaled boundaries — read the column headings carefully.
  • Mathematics A (H240) and Mathematics B MEI have different specifications and separate tables.
  • Thresholds are released per series, so archived tables are only a guide for the next one.

Official boundary tables

We do not republish boundary marks, because they change every series and only the awarding body's table is authoritative. Use the official source below for the exact series you sat.

OCR grade boundaries

Turning a mark into a grade

  1. 1. Use the table for your series

    A Level boundaries move every year with the difficulty of the papers, so only the table for the series you sat is meaningful.

  2. 2. Total your papers

    Add the marks from all papers in the qualification. The grade is awarded on the overall total, with boundaries set at the qualification level.

  3. 3. Check for uniform marks if reported

    Some boards report a scaled or uniform mark alongside the raw mark. Compare like with like — raw totals against raw thresholds.

  4. 4. Turn the gap into a revision plan

    Convert the marks between you and the next grade into specific question types you keep dropping, then drill those rather than whole papers.

Frequently asked questions

Why do OCR A Level maths grade boundaries change every year?

Boundaries are set after the papers are marked so that a grade means the same standard from one year to the next. If a paper turns out harder than intended, the boundaries fall; if it is easier, they rise. That is why last year's marks are only a rough guide.

When are grade boundaries published?

Awarding bodies publish the threshold tables on results day for that series, usually a short time before results are released to students. They are not available in advance, and any figure circulating before then is a prediction rather than a boundary.

Can I use last year's boundaries to predict my grade?

You can use them as an estimate, but treat them as a range rather than a line. Comparing your total against two or three recent series gives a fairer picture than trusting a single year, and it is safer to aim several marks above the boundary you want.

Do boundaries apply to each paper or the whole qualification?

They apply to the total across the papers in the qualification. Individual paper marks are added first, then compared with the thresholds, so a poor paper does not by itself cap your grade.

Close the gap to the next grade

Knowing the boundary is only useful if you know which marks you are dropping. MathsGradeUp marks your working against exam-board criteria and shows the topics costing you the most marks.

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Other exam boards

Edexcel GCSE Maths grade boundariesAQA GCSE Maths grade boundariesEdexcel IGCSE Maths grade boundariesCambridge IGCSE Maths grade thresholdsEdexcel A Level Maths grade boundariesAQA A Level Maths grade boundaries

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