Uganda grading system: understanding the A to E achievement grades
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The Uganda grading system uses the National school achievement grades, a scale from A to E, with A as the best grade and E as the worst. The scale has no stated pass mark or percentage key. Grading rules are set nationally under the Commission Act.
This page explains what each grade means and how grading works in Uganda, then outlines points teachers may need when supporting students from Uganda. It also provides context for comparing other grading systems and checking sources.
What each Ugandan grade means
The National school achievement scale runs from A, the best grade, to E, the worst. No single pass mark or percentage key is stated for this scale.
| Grade | Meaning | Passing |
|---|---|---|
| A | exceptional | Yes |
| B | outstanding | Yes |
| C | satisfactory | Yes |
| D | basic | Yes |
| E | elementary | Yes |
The sources state no pass mark for this scale; the grades report levels of achievement.
The overall score combines school-level achievement, weighted at 20 percent, with end-of-cycle examination scores, weighted at 80 percent.
Compared with related systems
Uganda
No pass mark
Algeria
5 of 6 grades pass
Botswana
No pass mark
Australia
No pass mark
How grading works in Uganda
Ugandan grading rules are set nationally. The Education Service Commission was established under the Education Service Act 2002, which repealed the Public Service (Teachers) Act 1969.
Its functions include developing national standards for the Education Service and supporting District Service Commissions on Education Service matters (education.go.ug).
Teaching students from Uganda
Ask students to bring their report cards and transcripts. Check the grades against the scale and key used by their school, and record that key with the grades.
Set the scale up once in a gradebook so every report card and transcript you produce uses the same key.
Related grading systems
- Algeria6-step points scale, 18.00-20.00 is best; passing grade 10.00-11.99 (Passable)
- Botswana10-step grading scale, A* is best; passing grade No pass mark
- Australia4-step letter-grade scale, A is best; passing grade No pass mark
- Bahamas7-step letter-grade scale, A is best; passing grade No pass mark
- Germany6-step numeric scale, 1 is best; passing grade 4 (Ausreichend)
- Ireland8-step numeric scale, 1 is best; passing grade 7
Sources and verification
- [1]parliament.go.ug. Minister clarifies new curriculum grading | Parliament of Uganda. Accessed Oct 22, 2026. Official source
- [2]education.go.ug. Policy Handbook.indd. pdf. Accessed Oct 22, 2026. Official source
The facts on this page were last verified on Oct 22, 2026. Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
What is a passing grade in Uganda?
The national school achievement scale has no stated passing grade or pass mark. It uses grades A to E to report achievement, with A the highest and E the lowest.
Do schools in Uganda use percentages for grades?
The national school achievement grades do not have a percentage key. The overall score combines school-level achievement, weighted at 20 percent, and end-of-cycle examination scores, weighted at 80 percent.
