AO6

AO6 refers to a specific achievement level within the UK's General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) grading system. In the current GCSE grading structure, which uses numbers from 9 to 1 instead of letters, AO6 is the lowest possible grade awarded. This grading system was implemented for most subjects starting in 2017.

The term "AO" historically stood for "Assessment Objective." These objectives outlined the skills and knowledge students were expected to demonstrate in their GCSE exams. While the letter grading system (A* to G) has been replaced, the concept of assessment objectives persists. AO6, therefore, signifies that a student has achieved the minimum acceptable standard to pass the qualification.

Receiving an AO6 grade means that the student has met the basic requirements of the syllabus but has not demonstrated a level of understanding or skill that would warrant a higher grade. It indicates a pass, but at the lowest possible tier. In practical terms, for many further education courses or employment opportunities, a grade higher than AO6 is often preferred or required. The specific weight and meaning of each assessment objective can vary slightly between different examination boards and subjects.