Following detailed consultation, BIFF (the British and International Federation of Festivals) to which we belong has introduced a new grading system. Not only are the criteria shared across all disciplines (Music, Speech & Drama and Dance), but the new scheme has extra levels that allow a far more nuanced measure of a performance.
Details of the scheme for music are shown in the attached .pdf
It is important to remember that you must not compare any grade awarded under the new scheme with one from last year (or before!) They are awarded on a different basis.