Introduction

This guide outlines the UNEB grading system for A-Level subjects based on the number of papers (1–4). Grades are calculated using paper grades (D1, D2, C3, etc.) to determine an overall grade (A, B, C, D, E, O, F). The system follows the latest UNEB grading guidelines to ensure fair assessment of student performance across varying paper counts.

Grade Mapping

Each paper grade corresponds to a numeric value:

Grade Value Description
D1 1 Distinction
D2 2 Distinction
C3 3 Credit
C4 4 Credit
C5 5 Credit
C6 6 Credit
P7 7 Pass
P8 8 Pass
F9 9 Fail

Single Paper Grading

For subjects with one paper, the overall grade is the paper's grade.

Example: Paper grade C3 → Overall Grade: C3

Two Paper Grading

Grade Criteria Examples
A Both papers are distinctions [1,1], [1,2], [2,2]
B C3 in one paper and better in the other, or both C3 [1,3], [2,3], [3,3]
C C4 in one paper and better in the other, or both C4 [1,4], [2,4], [3,4], [4,4]
D C5 in one paper and better in the other, or both C5 [1,5], [2,5], [3,5], [4,5], [5,5]
E C6 in one paper and better/equal, or P7/P8 with sum ≤12 [1,6], [5,6], [6,6], [1,7], [4,8]
O P7/P8 with sum ≤16, or one credit and F9 [6,7], [7,7], [5,8], [1,9], [6,9]
F One F9 and P8, or both F9 [8,9], [9,9]

Three Paper Grading

Grade Criteria Examples
A At worst C3 in one paper, distinctions in others [1,1,3], [1,2,3], [2,2,3]
B At worst C4 in one paper, better grades in others [1,1,4], [3,3,4]
C At worst C5 in one paper, better grades in others [1,1,5], [4,4,5]
D At worst C6 in one paper, better grades in others [1,1,6], [5,5,6]
E P7 in one paper with credits or better in others, or P8 with at most one C6 [1,1,7], [6,6,7], [5,6,8]
O All P7, all P8, one F9 with others ≤8, or two F9 with one ≤7 [7,7,7], [8,8,8], [1,1,9], [9,9,7]
F Two F9 and one P8, or all F9 [9,9,8], [9,9,9]

Four Paper Grading

Grade Criteria Examples
A At worst C3 in one paper, distinctions in others [1,1,1,3], [2,2,2,3]
B At worst C4 in one paper, better grades in others [1,1,1,4], [3,3,3,4]
C At worst C5 in one paper, better grades in others [1,1,1,5], [4,4,4,5]
D At worst C6 in one paper, at least two others ≤5 [1,1,1,6], [4,5,5,6], [4,5,6,6]
E P7 in one paper with credits or better in others, or P8 with at most two C6 [1,1,1,7], [6,6,6,7], [5,6,6,8]
O All P7, all P8, one F9 with others ≤8, or two F9 with others ≤7 [7,7,7,7], [8,8,8,8], [1,1,1,9], [9,9,7,7]
F Two F9 and two P8, or all F9 [9,9,8,8], [9,9,9,9]

Example

Subject with 4 papers:
• Paper 1: C6 (6)
• Paper 2: C5 (5)
• Paper 3: C6 (6)
• Paper 4: C4 (4)
Sorted grades: [4, 5, 6, 6]
Result: Grade D (meets "at worst C6 in one paper, at least two others ≤5")

Introduction

The O-Level grading system follows UNEB standards for secondary schools following Uganda's new curriculum. It assesses student performance across subjects using a percentage-based scale, providing clear feedback on progress and areas for improvement according to UNEB guidelines. Grades reflect both academic achievement and effort, ensuring a balanced evaluation.

O-Level Grade Scale

Student performance is evaluated on a percentage scale (0–100), mapped to grades with corresponding remarks and performance types.

From (%) To (%) Grade Type Remarks
0 39.9 E ELEMENTARY MORE EFFORT
40 49.9 D BASIC WORK FOR MORE RESULTS
50 69.9 C SATISFACTORY GOOD
70 79.9 B OUTSTANDING VERY GOOD
80 100 A EXCEPTIONAL EXCELLENT

Assessment Areas

O-Level students are evaluated based on continuous assessments and final examinations, covering:

  • Knowledge: Understanding of subject content.
  • Skills: Application of concepts in practical and problem-solving tasks.
  • Values and Attitudes: Participation, teamwork, and ethical behavior.

Each subject’s score contributes to the overall percentage, which determines the grade.

Examples

Example 1: Single Subject

A student scores 82% in Biology.
Result: Grade A (EXCEPTIONAL, EXCELLENT, 80–100 range).

Example 2: Multiple Subjects

A student achieves:
• Mathematics: 65% → Grade C (SATISFACTORY, GOOD)
• English: 45% → Grade D (BASIC, WORK FOR MORE RESULTS)
• Physics: 78% → Grade B (OUTSTANDING, VERY GOOD)
Overall feedback: The student shows varied performance, with strength in Physics.

Example 3: Borderline Case

A student scores 39.8% in Chemistry.
Result: Grade E (ELEMENTARY, MORE EFFORT, 0–39.9 range).
Feedback: Targeted support in Chemistry is recommended to improve understanding.

Introduction

This section outlines the grading system for Primary level subjects, developed in alignment with UNEB's assessment principles for primary education. The grading criteria consider both the number of subjects and the score ranges to determine the final grade, following UNEB's competency-based evaluation approach. While UNEB does not administer primary leaving exams, this system maintains consistency with Uganda's national assessment standards.

Primary Grade Scale (UNEB-Inspired)

GRADE I

  • With 4 subjects
  • Between 4 and 12 points
  • Pass and below in English
  • Pass and below in Mathematics

GRADE 4

  • With 4 subjects
  • Between 29 and 35 points

GRADE 2

  • With 4 subjects
  • Between 13 and 25 points
  • At least a pass in English

GRADE U (FAILURE)

  • With 4 subjects
  • Between 36 and 36 points

GRADE 3

  • With 4 subjects
  • Between 26 and 28 points

Examples

Example 1: GRADE I

Student scores: English (3), Mathematics (3), Science (3), Social Studies (3)
Total points: 12
Result: GRADE I (meets criteria of 4-12 points)

Example 2: GRADE 2

Student scores: English (7), Mathematics (6), Science (6), Social Studies (6)
Total points: 25
Result: GRADE 2 (meets criteria of 13-25 points with pass in English)

Example 3: GRADE 3

Student scores: English (7), Mathematics (7), Science (7), Social Studies (7)
Total points: 28
Result: GRADE 3 (meets criteria of 26-28 points)

Introduction

The Nursery grading system is designed in alignment with UNEB's early childhood development principles to assess young learners' progress in a supportive and encouraging manner. It focuses on developmental milestones across key areas such as literacy, numeracy, social skills, and creativity, following Uganda's national education framework. Grades reflect effort and growth rather than competitive performance, ensuring a positive learning experience that prepares children for future UNEB assessment systems.

Nursery Grade Scale

Nursery grades are based on a percentage scale (0–100) and a point-based system for specific activities, mapped to qualitative grades that provide meaningful feedback to parents and teachers.

Sr No From (%) To (%) Grade Comment
1 0 19 E Needs More Practice
2 20 39 D Beginning to Understand
3 40 69 C Developing Well
4 70 89 B Very Promising
5 90 100 A Outstanding Progress

Activity-Based Point System

For specific activities (e.g., drawing, counting, or group tasks), a point-based system is used to assess participation and skill development.

Sr No From (Points) To (Points) Score Description
1 0 399 F Needs Encouragement
2 400 479 E Showing Effort
3 480 549 D Progressing Steadily

Note: Points above 549 are mapped to the percentage-based system (C, B, A) for consistency with overall grading.

Assessment Areas

Students are evaluated in the following areas:

  • Literacy: Letter recognition, phonics, and storytelling.
  • Numeracy: Counting, basic shapes, and number recognition.
  • Social Skills: Sharing, teamwork, and communication.
  • Creativity: Drawing, crafts, and imaginative play.
  • Physical Development: Fine and gross motor skills.

Examples

Example 1: Percentage-Based Grading

A student scores 85% in literacy activities (e.g., letter recognition and storytelling).
Result: Grade B (Very Promising, 70–89 range).

Example 2: Activity-Based Points

A student earns 450 points in a counting activity.
Result: Score E (Showing Effort, 400–479 range).

Example 3: Combined Assessment

A student achieves:
• Literacy: 92% → Grade A (Outstanding Progress)
• Numeracy: 520 points → Score D (Progressing Steadily)
• Social Skills: 65% → Grade C (Developing Well)
Overall feedback: The student is progressing well with exceptional strength in literacy.