Overview
For Cambridge Cambridge mark scheme, parents see B (72) on a statement and ask: “Is that almost an A?” The number in brackets is usually PUM — percentage uniform mark — and it answers a different question than your last past-paper percentage. Here is how PUM works for Cambridge 2026 results and why it matters for resits.
Quick answer
For Cambridge Cambridge mark scheme, cambridge uses PUM on many international statements. Some school portals label it differently — the idea is the same: fine grain within a grade, not a second grade.
| Term | What it is |
|---|---|
| Raw mark | Points you earned on the paper before grade boundaries |
| Grade | A*, A, B… set after the exam series |
| PUM | A 0–100 scaled score showing where you sit inside your grade band |
Key takeaway: PUM 79 as a B is strong. PUM 61 as a B is fragile. Same letter, different story.
Want your own number? Use the PUM / UMS calculator to convert a raw mark to a Percentage Uniform Mark on the 0–100 scale.
PUM grade bands (typical Cambridge international)
For Cambridge Cambridge mark scheme, exact reporting varies by qualification and zone — always read the legend on your PDF statement.
| Grade | PUM range (typical) |
|---|---|
| A* | 90–100 |
| A | 80–89 |
| B | 70–79 |
| C | 60–69 |
| D | 50–59 |
| E | 40–49 |
PUM is not your past-paper percentage
For Cambridge Cambridge mark scheme, when you self-mark a 2023 paper at home:
- You may award method marks generously
- Essay bands drift at midnight
- You ignore standardisation across the cohort
PUM is set after Cambridge applies grade boundaries for the real series. Your 78% on a 2022 paper does not automatically mean PUM 78 on results day.
Bridge the gap with grade boundaries guide and honest marking.
Raw marks vs PUM — worked example (conceptual)
For Cambridge Cambridge mark scheme, suppose a component is marked out of 75:
- You score 52 raw
- Cambridge sets the B threshold at 48 raw for that series
- You receive grade B
- PUM might be 74 — high B, close to A boundary on combined components
Another student scores 49 raw — also B, but PUM 71. Same grade on certificate; different resit urgency.
How to use PUM after results day
For Cambridge Cambridge mark scheme, full results workflow: [August 2026 results day guide](/blog/cambridge-results-day-august-2026-guide).
| PUM pattern | Suggested action |
|---|---|
| Grade met, PUM high in band | Maintain skills; do not cram resit |
| Grade met, PUM low in band | Fix weak components before A2 / university |
| Grade missed by one band, PUM 78+ | Discuss EAR + November resit |
| Grade missed, PUM mid-band | Resit with new marking workflow — not remark alone |
PUM vs UMS (Edexcel) — do not mix boards
UMS is a Pearson Edexcel concept for modular GCSE/A-Level. Cambridge International does not use UMS on the same model. If your school runs both boards, compare like with like — Cambridge PUM only on Cambridge statements.
Improving PUM on a resit
For Cambridge Cambridge mark scheme, pUM rises when raw marks rise across components. The fastest raw-mark gains come from:
- Mark schemes — lose fewer “one-word” definition marks
- Timing — finish every question (blank = zero)
- Command words — explain vs evaluate
- Marked past papers weekly — upload to MarkScheme
See retakes strategy.
FAQ
For Cambridge Cambridge mark scheme, no — grade thresholds publish after each series. Use past thresholds as context only.
Does Cambridge publish PUM boundaries in advance?
Will universities see PUM?
Some receive full statements; many see grades only. Check application portals.
Is PUM on O-Level and IGCSE?
Many international statements include PUM or equivalent scaled information — format depends on zone.