Grades and study results

The grading system of the European Schools has been changing gradually since 2018. The new grading system is more like the systems of other secondary schools in Europe. At the end of the 2020-2021 academic year, the first pupils will sit their school-leaving examination based on the new grading system:

• Under the new grading system, schools will use a scale from 0-10, with 5 being the minimum pass mark. For diplomas obtained before the 2020-2021 academic year, the minimum pass mark was 6.
• In the new system, the mark range for negative performance (0-4.9) is the same as the mark range for positive performance (5-10).
• The new system also allows schools to provide more detail regarding positive performance. For example, a distinction can now be made between Sufficient and Satisfactory.
• The change in the grading system does not mean that it is now easier to obtain a pass. The requirements for obtaining the new mark 5 are the same as they were for mark 6 previously.

In the table below, you can find an overview of the new grading system:

You can find more information about the new assessment system on the Schola Europaea website.

When students obtain the European Baccalaureate, they receive 2 documents:

• the European Baccalaureate Certificate;
• the List of Marks.

The name European Baccalaureate Certificate may also appear in another language on the diploma. For example, in German it is called Europäisches Abitur.