Secondary European score

In the European Schools' secondary cycle, student performance is evaluated on a seven-level grading scale, with a pass mark of 5 (Sufficient – Grade E).

Overview of the Grading System

The European Schools have introduced a new marking system for the secondary cycle, which applies to all sub-cycles (S1-S3, S4-S5, S6-S7) and is designed to harmonise assessment across schools and provide clear feedback to students . The system consists of seven levels, each defined by a grade, a performance descriptor, and a general attainment definition. A student is considered to have passed when they achieve a mark of 5 (Sufficient – Grade E), meeting the requirements of the relevant attainment descriptor .

Attainment Descriptors and Assessment

Each subject syllabus now includes subject-specific attainment descriptors, which guide teachers in planning teaching, learning, and assessment . These descriptors define what students are expected to know and be able to do at each level, ensuring that assessment is criteria-referenced rather than purely comparative. Tasks and assignments are designed to allow students to demonstrate their learning outcomes, ranging from reproduction and application to transfer and problem-solving .

Summative Assessment and Reporting

Summative assessment is used to evaluate student learning at the end of a defined instructional period, such as a semester or school year . Marks are awarded according to the established seven-level scale and are reflected in student reports. Teachers may also assign A and B marks to indicate performance on specific tasks or projects, providing additional granularity in assessment . Harmonised assessment practices ensure consistency across schools and support fair evaluation of student performance.

Key Principles

• Decimal-based system: Allows finer classification and ranking of student performance .
• Alignment with EU educational policies: Supports development of key competences defined by the European Parliament, including communication, digital competence, and learning to learn .
• Formative and summative assessment: Both are used to guide learning and evaluate attainment, ensuring students receive regular feedback . In summary, the Secondary European score reflects a structured, harmonised approach to student assessment in European Schools, combining a seven-level grading scale, attainment descriptors, and both formative and summative evaluation to provide a clear and fair measure of student achievement.