What Are IAL Grade Boundaries?

Grade boundaries are the raw mark thresholds set after marking each exam session. These thresholds convert raw marks into Uniform Mark Scale (UMS) scores, which determine your final unit grades and overall qualification grade.

Pearson releases official boundary tables after every exam session. These tables show exactly how raw marks translate into UMS scores and final grades.

You can view the official January 2026 tables here:

January 2026 Edexcel IAL Grade Boundaries (Official PDF)

How Raw Marks Convert to UMS

Raw marks differ between papers because exam difficulty varies each session. The UMS system standardises scores so that results remain fair across different exam series.

Pearson explains that UMS ensures comparable outcomes regardless of paper difficulty. Unit grades for IAS and A2 are awarded A–E, while the final International A Level qualification is graded A–E* based on total UMS.

More details on the system are explained here:

Understanding Marks and Grades (UMS)

A full explanation of how results are calculated is also available here:

Understanding Edexcel IAL Results

January 2026 Biology Grade Boundaries

These examples come from the official Pearson January 2026 session. Always confirm the exact values in the official PDF.

WBI11 – Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health (out of 80)

• A: around 52–56
• B: about 46
• C: about 40
• D: about 34
• E: about 28
  

WBI12 – Cells, Development, Biodiversity and Conservation (out of 80)

• A: 57
• B: 50
• C: 43
• D: 36
• E: 29

WBI13 – Practical Skills in Biology (out of 50)

• A: 38
• B: 33
• C: 28
• D: 23
• E: 18

All numbers come from the official Pearson document:

January 2026 Edexcel IAL Grade Boundaries (Official PDF)

Grade boundaries may change each session depending on exam difficulty and candidate performance.

January 2026 Chemistry Grade Boundaries

Chemistry boundaries are often slightly higher in raw marks because calculation-based questions are more predictable.

WCH11 – Structure, Bonding and Introductory Organic Chemistry (out of 80)

• A: roughly 65–68
• B: about 58
• C: about 51
• D: about 44
• E: about 37

WCH12 – Energetics, Group Chemistry and Organic Chemistry (out of 80)

• A: roughly mid-50s to 60
• B: around 50
• C: around low-40s

Verify the precise figures in the official document:

January 2026 Edexcel IAL Grade Boundaries (Official PDF)

Why Grade Boundaries Change

Grade boundaries are adjusted after each exam series to maintain consistent standards.

Pearson uses several factors when setting boundaries:

• exam difficulty
• statistical comparison with previous sessions
• candidate performance
• maintaining long-term grade standards

You can read Pearson’s full explanation here:

Understanding Marks and Grades (UMS)

and here:

Understanding IAL Results

UMS and Final IAL Grades

Your final IAL grade is determined by total UMS across all units.

For many six-unit IAL subjects:

• 480 UMS is typically required for Grade A
• A* requires higher total UMS plus strong performance in A2 units
  

Pearson explains the grade award rules here:

Understanding IAL Results

Calculate Your Target Marks

Instead of guessing what you need in the next unit, you can calculate the exact UMS required.

Use the calculator here:

Edexcel IAL UMS Target Calculator

How the calculator works

1. Enter your current unit UMS scores.
2. Choose the number of units in your subject.
3. Select your target grade.
4. The calculator shows the UMS required in remaining units.

Quick FAQ

Do raw marks equal grades?

No. Raw marks are first converted to UMS, and grades are awarded from total UMS.

Why do boundaries change every session?

Pearson adjusts them to reflect exam difficulty and maintain consistent standards.

Where can I see the official January 2026 numbers?

You can download the official Pearson document here:

January 2026 Edexcel IAL Grade Boundaries PDF

Sources

• January 2026 IAL Grade Boundaries (Official Pearson PDF)
• Understanding Marks and Grades (UMS)
• Understanding Edexcel IAL Results
• Chem-Bio IAL UMS Calculator
  

Understanding grade boundaries helps you plan smarter. When you know the UMS targets for each unit, you can focus your revision where it makes the biggest difference.