A CSE grade A was the equivalent of a pass (50%) at 'O'level. Following the introduction of grading 'O' levels, it became the equivalent of a grade 'C'. Grade C 'O' level was awarded for 45% to 55% normalised. Before the introduction of 'O' level grades, percentages were absolute and gave a better idea of how well a particular cohort of pupils had done in exams. 'O' level exams were, for the most part, wholly examination based. You were a scholar or a pupil until you went on to further or higher education and only then were given the title of student.