After results day, there are practical steps to take whether your grade meets your target or not.
Step 1: Understand your grade
Check the grade boundaries for your session (published by Cambridge). Compare your total mark with the boundaries to see how close you are to the next grade up or down.
Step 2: If the grade meets your target
Confirm that the grade satisfies any requirements for your next step (A Level entry, IB entry, university conditional offer). Keep your certificate in a safe place; some institutions require the original.
Step 3: If the grade is below target
Consider an Enquiry About Results (EAR): If your grade is close to the boundary, you can request a clerical check or a review of marking through your school. There are deadlines for these requests.
Consider a retake: You can retake in the next available session. See the retaking guide on this site.
Review what went wrong: Request your mark breakdown (if available through your school). Identify which paper and which topics cost you the most marks.
Step 4: Planning for A Level or IB Physics
If you plan to continue with physics:
- An A* or A at IGCSE gives a strong foundation for A Level.
- A B is workable but you may need to fill gaps in the Extended content early.
- A C may require additional support in the first term of A Level, especially in the calculation-heavy topics (mechanics, electricity).
Step 5: If physics is not the focus
If IGCSE Physics was a requirement rather than a passion, your grade is complete. Focus your energy on the subjects that matter for your chosen path.
Need Help Applying This?
A 0625 specialist can work through the student's current paper or question and help identify whether the main difficulty is content, mathematics, practical reasoning or exam technique.