Cambridge’s own statistics show roughly 4 in 10 Module 1 candidates fail (2021–2024: 37–43%), and few get a Distinction. Module 3’s main risk is referral (~20%), not failure. Sandy’s prepared candidates do much better, which suggests many sit M1 underprepared.
Module 1 (Cambridge, % Fail / Pass / Merit / Distinction)
| Year | Fail | Pass | Merit | Dist. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 31.7 | 43.6 | 13.5 | 11.3 |
| 2021 | 40.1 | 41.8 | 11.3 | 6.8 |
| 2022 | 37.4 | 43.1 | 12.4 | 7.1 |
| 2023 | 42.8 | 36.2 | 13.3 | 7.6 |
| 2024 | 41.1 | 41.9 | 10.4 | 6.6 |
Module 3 (Specialism + Management combined)
2023: Fail 2.1 · Referral 20.5 · Pass 50.7 · Merit 25.5 · Dist. 1.2
2024: Fail 3.3 · Referral 19.3 · Pass 55.2 · Merit 20.9 · Dist. 1.4
Module 2 figures are only in an image on the page; Sandy says M2 has the lowest fail rates (withdrawals likely not counted).
Sandy’s own courses (to June 2026)
M1: Fail 11 · Pass 42 · Merit 21 · Distinction 26. M3 Specialism: Referral 7 · Pass 53 · Merit 40.
Takeaway
A structured M1 course (or an equivalent self-made plan with timed past papers) is worth it. “All most employers care about is whether you have the Delta or not.” Figures as reported by the fetch; check the live page before citing.
Connections
DELTA Module 1 Paper 1 - task-by-task technique · DELTA Module 1 Paper 2 - task-by-task technique · DELTA routes - what successful candidates would do again