The mystery of missing marks at the University of York – is it possible to score 100?

Everyone knows someone who has graduated with a first. Almost nobody knows someone who has got full marks.

Although the University of York’s assignments are marked out of 100, data obtained in response to The York Tab’s Freedom of Information request suggests it is very rare for students to receive full marks on an assignment. 

In the 2024/25 academic year, just 30 coursework submissions received a mark of 100, while no dissertations received full marks. 

So, if the marking scale goes all the way to 100, how achievable is the very top?

Data shows it is far more likely to achieve a mark in the 70s than 90s

At the University of York, all coursework is marked out of 100, with first-class work beginning at 70.

Among first-class marks awarded in the 2024/25 academic year, there were just 20 dissertations in the 90-100 mark band, compared with 520 dissertations awarded between 70 and 79. In other words, a first-class dissertation was around 26 times more likely to receive a mark in the 70s than in the 90s.

For coursework, essays, assignments and projects, only 30 submissions received the maximum mark of 100.

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The data also revealed that marking patterns vary by assessment type. No music rehearsal assessments were awarded above 79, while no practical assessments were awarded marks in the 70-79 band. 

The university encourages departments to utilise ‘the full marking scale’

The York Tab asked the university whether students are expected to be capable of achieving marks close to 100. 

In response, a spokesperson for the University of York said: “We encourage academic departments to utilise the full marking scale to ensure student work is assessed fairly and accurately.

“As with any rigorous academic assessment, performance at the extreme ends of the spectrum – both lower and higher – occurs with lower frequency. Our marking and assessment framework maintains the high academic standards expected of a Russell Group institution.

“Students should feel confident that outstanding work will always be recognised, and that the top of the marking scale remains an achievable reflection of excellence.”

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