SACE grades explained: A+ to E− and what they mean

SACE grades from A+ to E−

Student work is assessed against performance standards that describe the quality of learning needed for each grade, in every subject outline. Stage 2 grades are A+, A, A−, B+, B, B−, C+, C, C−, D+, D, D−, E+, E and E−. Stage 1 grades are A to E. In the SACE Board's guidelines the "+" and "−" levels are set by whether evidence of learning shows the specific features predominantly within a grade band (mid-grade), at one grade but with some features at a higher band (+), or at one grade but with some features at a lower band (−). An A+ is for sustained achievement at the upper A level.

Other results you may see are I (insufficient evidence for an assessment type), N (no result), and W (withdrawn). Students who gain an overall subject grade of E− or above still gain credits for the subject.

How the subject grade is made

1. Assessment types. Each Stage 2 subject has several assessment types, such as investigations, tests, folios or practical activities, set out in the subject outline with their weightings.
2. Grades for each type. Teachers consider the student's tasks and give each assessment type a grade from A+ to E−, referenced to the performance standards. Moderation confirms school decisions across all grade levels.
3. School assessment grade. The online results sheet combines the grades using the weightings. This is worth 70 per cent.
4. External assessment grade. An exam, investigation or performance marked outside the school. This is worth 30 per cent.
5. Subject grade. The combined grades for each school assessment type and the external assessment give the subject grade.

The SACE Board offers a grade calculator for school assessment that combines the grades of each assessment type. It does not include the external assessment.

Grades and numbers

SATAC turns each grade into a number when it prepares a raw score for scaling. This is the comparison table in its fact sheet.

The conversion is by assessment type, not by the overall subject grade. A student with the same overall grade as a friend can have a different scaled score. Read SACE scaling explained.

Completing the SACE

The SACE needs 200 credits. Of these, 50 credits are compulsory: Exploring Identities and Futures (10), a numeracy requirement (10), a literacy requirement (20) and Activating Identities and Futures (10). Compulsory requirements must be completed with a C grade or higher at Stage 1, or C− or higher at Stage 2. The other 150 credits are from chosen subjects, of which at least 60 must be at Stage 2. Subjects are worth 10 or 20 credits.

Seeing your grades

Students Online shows a grade for each Stage 2 subject and a chart of your achievement within the whole subject cohort. A subject merit goes to an A+ with exceptional achievement. Results for 2026 are released on Monday 14 December: SACE results 2026. Your ATAR is explained in the ATAR in South Australia and the NT.

Practise for the exam grade

The external assessment is a third of the grade in a Stage 2 subject. Try today's Year 12 Maths, Year 12 Physics, Year 12 Chemistry or Year 12 Biology paper. It is a short timed paper of 8 questions worth 25 to 35 marks. The results page shows a predicted grade from A to E with typical cut-offs of its own, not the SACE Board's, and it does not include pluses and minuses.

Common mistakes about SACE grades

• Thinking the exam is half the grade. It is 30 per cent. The school assessment is 70 per cent.
• Reading the grade as a score. Grades are bands. Raw scores in a grade can differ.
• Ignoring the plus and minus. A+ to E− has 15 levels, and SATAC counts them.
• Mixing up Stage 1 and Stage 2. Stage 1 grades have no plus or minus.

Read next

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