Predicted Grades at Ashbourne: How They Work and Why They Matter
When you start thinking about predicted grades, it’s normal to have lots of questions. What exactly are they? How are they worked out? And, most importantly, how can you make sure yours are as strong as possible? At Ashbourne, we want you to fully understand how predicted grades are set, how they are used for your university application, and what you can do to give yourself the best possible chance of success.
What Are Predicted Grades?
Predicted grades are the grades your teachers believe you are most likely to achieve in your final A-level exams. They are not random guesses; they are based on evidence from your work, including classwork, homework, tests, and formal assessments. At Ashbourne, these formal assessments, especially AS exams and mock exams, play a major role in forming accurate and fair predictions.
These grades are essential because they are sent to UCAS as part of your university application. Universities use them to decide whether to make you an offer. Strong predicted grades that match or exceed the entry requirements of your chosen courses can significantly improve your chances of receiving offers.
How Predicted Grades Fit Into UCAS Applications
When you apply to university, you do so before you have your final A-level results. This means your predicted grades are the best indicator of your potential at that stage. Universities compare them to their entry requirements, and if they align, you are more likely to get an offer. This is why the assessments that influence your predicted grades are so important, they can directly affect where you end up studying.
From Modular to Linear A-levels
A few years ago, A-levels were modular. This meant you could take exams for separate units throughout the course, which would have counted towards your final A-level grade. Now, the system is linear, so you take all your A-level exams at the end of Year 13, and in the summer of year 12 you will have AS level examinations for some of your subjects.
It is true that some schools do not facilitate AS exams. However, at Ashbourne we choose to run them, because they provide valuable, reliable evidence when setting predicted grades. They also give you experience of sitting formal, high-stakes exams before your final year, which helps with preparation and confidence.
AS Exams, Mocks, and the Summer Improvement Programme
At the end of Year 12, you will sit your HT4 mocks. The grades you get here are an early indicator of where you are academically and feed into your predicted grades. If your working grade in the HT4 mocks is below CCC, you will join our Summer Improvement Programme (SIP) for any subject in which you scored below a C. This runs over the summer and ends with an assessment in August.
Special Considerations for Oxbridge and Medicine Applicants
If you are applying to Oxbridge or for Medicine, your UCAS deadline is in October. This means there is less time to gather evidence for your predicted grades. If you are on a one-year programme and have not completed the SIP, HT4 mocks, or AS exams, we may arrange special mock exams for you in September. These results can then be used to set the strongest possible predicted grades in time for your application.
Opportunities to Improve for Everyone Else
If your UCAS deadline is in January, your AS exam results will usually be the main evidence for your predicted grades. However, you will also have the chance to strengthen your predictions through your HT1 and HT2 mocks in Year 13. Doing well in these assessments gives us more evidence of your ability, which can result in higher predictions.
Bottom Line
At Ashbourne, predicted grades are built on solid, reliable evidence from your academic performance. The college is keen to support your applications to the best universities, therefore you are given every opportunity to prove yourself before we send off your application. Every assessment, from mocks to AS exams to the Summer Improvement Programme, is a chance to show your progress. By approaching each one with commitment and focus, you give yourself the best chance of getting the predicted grades you need for your dream university.
1. What are predicted grades at A-level?
Predicted grades are the grades teachers believe you are most likely to achieve in your final A-level exams. At Ashbourne, they are based on evidence from classwork, homework, mock exams, AS exams, and overall academic progress.
2. Why are predicted grades important for UCAS applications?
Predicted grades are sent to UCAS and used by universities to decide whether to make you an offer. Strong predictions that meet or exceed entry requirements increase your chances of receiving offers from your chosen universities.
3. How are predicted grades decided at Ashbourne?
They are mainly based on formal assessments, including HT4 mocks, AS exams, and Year 13 mocks. Teachers also consider your overall effort, consistency, and improvement when making predictions.
4. Why does Ashbourne run AS exams when some schools don’t?
Ashbourne runs AS exams because they provide reliable evidence for predicted grades and give students valuable experience of formal assessments before Year 13. This helps build exam confidence and accuracy in setting predictions.