The grades are numbered from 14 (entry level) to 2 (qualification for British Championships at age 12).

In order to cater for various ability levels British Gymnastics have developed three sections within the grades system: regional grades, national grades and elite or compulsory grades.

Grades 14 to 9 are the regional grades, followed by grade 8 to 5 which are the national grades.

Grade 4, 3 and 2 are the elite grades.

Theoretically every club would have the greatest number of entries in the regional grades and just a very small number of gymnasts attempting to go down the elite pathway, taking grade 4, 3 and 2.

Gymnasts are allowed to take only one grade per year, but if they develop faster than average they are allowed to skip grades, e.g. going from grade 14 straight to 4. This has been demonstrated by Sarah and Hayley. In most grades it is not required to pass in order to move on to a higher grade the year after.

Exceptions are grade 3 and 2. A pass in grade 3 is necessary to progress to grade 2 and voluntary level 2 and a pass in grade 2 qualifies the gymnast to participate in the most prestigious competition in Great Britain: the British Championships. 

Attached below are the skill requirements for each grade, click on the appropriate one to open (password protected -see Paul for the password)