As the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) approaches, both candidates and teachers are being urged to pay close attention to the grading system that will be used by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). A clear understanding of the grading structure is essential to guide effective preparation and ensure optimal performance.
The 2025 BECE will follow a nine-point grading scale, where Grade 1 is the highest and Grade 9 is the lowest. The grading is based on a stanine (standard nine) scoring system, which evaluates a candidate’s performance relative to others. This means your grade depends not only on your raw score but also on how your performance compares to all other candidates nationwide.
Under this system, grades are distributed as follows:
- Grades 1 – 3 reflect excellent to very good understanding of a subject. For instance, a Grade 1 in Mathematics indicates a strong grasp of the subject and readiness for senior high school-level math.
- Grades 4 – 6 signify average to fair understanding. Students falling within this range can generally cope at the next academic level but may need additional support.
- Grades 7 – 9 represent weak or limited understanding. A Grade 9 in English or Mathematics could disqualify a student from automatic placement into senior high school, even if they perform well in other subjects.
The stanine distribution follows this breakdown:
- Grade 1 (90–100%) – Top 4% of candidates
- Grade 2 (80–89%) – Next 7%
- Grade 3 (70–79%) – Next 12%
- Grade 4 (60–69%) – Next 17%
- Grade 5 (55–59%) – Next 20%
- Grade 6 (50–54%) – Next 17%
- Grade 7 (40–49%) – Next 12%
- Grade 8 (35–39%) – Next 7%
- Grade 9 (0–34%) – Bottom 4%
For instance, a student scoring 91% in Science may still be awarded a Grade 2 if they are not within the top 4% of candidates. Conversely, a candidate with 90% who falls within the top 4% would receive a Grade 1. The final grades, therefore, are influenced by national performance trends in each subject.
To qualify for placement into senior high school, a student must typically obtain an aggregate score of 36 or better from their six best subjects. These include the four core subjects: English, Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies, along with two additional subjects.
Additionally, the grading system incorporates continuous assessment, which contributes 30% of the final mark. The remaining 70% is derived from the BECE itself.
WAEC’s system is designed to ensure a balanced evaluation of both academic performance and peer comparison. With this understanding, candidates and educators can better strategize for success in the 2025 BECE.
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