Originally to gain School Certificate proper, students had to achieve an average score of at least 50 percent and a "C" grade (50–64%) or better in all subjects (including English and mathematics).
Latterly this changed to three subjects and by the final years of school certificate, students could progress to the sixth form (year 12) if they narrowly missed these criteria but had an overall score of 180 in their top four subjects.
Subjects such as art, music and design technology were internally assessed by the school and nationally moderated.
Originally internal exams were adjusted and scaled to ensure only 50% of students gained a "C" grade or higher.
Students attaining five or more A grades received a special certificate acknowledging their achievement.