How MYP grading works
5 min read · updated 2026-09-06
MYP report cards confuse parents at first: letters and numbers that look nothing like GCSE or percentage marks. Once decoded, though, MYP grading is refreshingly transparent - every subject is scored against four published criteria, and every level descriptor is public.
The four criteria (A to D)
Every MYP subject group assesses four criteria: A - Knowing and understanding, B - Investigating, C - Communicating, and D - Thinking critically. Each criterion is scored out of 8 using level descriptors that describe exactly what a student must do for each level. Different subject groups weigh the criteria differently, but the A-D structure is identical across the programme.
From criterion scores to the 1-7 grade
Schools add the four criterion scores (out of 32) and convert the total to a final grade from 1 to 7 using grade boundaries published in the MYP guidelines. A 7 requires roughly the top of every criterion; 4 is a solid pass band; boundaries are set by the school and moderated internally, with optional IB eAssessment in the final year providing externally validated grades and the IB-validated MYP certificate.
What parents should track
Because every criterion is public, the useful question at report time is not 'is 5 good?' but 'which criterion did she score lowest in, and what does the descriptor for one level higher say?'. That single question converts a vague report into a specific study plan - and it is exactly how our MYP tutors structure sessions.
FAQs
What is a good grade in MYP?＋
Grades run 1-7 per subject. A 4 is a solid pass band, 5-6 is strong and competitive for Diploma Programme entry, and 7 is exceptional. For students heading to the IB Diploma, consistent 5s and 6s across subjects keep every HL option open.
Why did my child's grade drop when the test went well?＋
Because final grades combine four criteria - not just tests. A weak investigation write-up or an under-developed communication criterion can pull the average down even with strong knowledge. The fix is usually structure and process, which is trainable.
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