Who decides
The school enters students for a tier, usually after Year 11 mock exams. Parents can ask what evidence is being used and whether the decision is final.
What each tier offers
Foundation covers grades 1 to 5; Higher covers grades 4 to 9. Grades 4 and 5 are available on both. Many sixth forms ask for a grade 6 or 7 in Maths to study A level Maths, which is only possible on Higher.
On Higher, falling below the grade 4 boundary can mean a U. On Foundation, grade 5 is the ceiling.
Questions for parents’ evening
Which tier is my child currently entered for? What mock marks is that based on? Is there another mock before entries are final? Which topics would make the biggest difference?
How tutoring helps either way
For students on the boundary, a tutor can target the grade 4–5 topics that appear on both papers, which protects the result whichever tier is chosen.
Exam details change. Check the current specification on the exam board's website before making decisions.