Following detailed consultation, BIFF (the British and International Federation of Festivals) to which we belong introduced a new grading system in 2025/6. 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
Now that this scheme has been running for a couple of years, it’s probably irrelevant but it is important to remember that you must not compare any grade awarded under this new scheme with one from previous years when the old system was in place. They are awarded on a different basis.