Outstanding

Outstanding^[1] is one of the three passing grades, out of six grades overall, in the Ordinary Wizarding Levels, Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests, and Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Tests. It is the highest mark possible, immediately above 'Exceeds Expectations'.

Advancement

While most professors at Hogwarts set their N.E.W.T. classes entrance standards at 'Exceeds Expectations', meaning that the students must acquire such a grade in their O.W.L. in order to continue, Professor Severus Snape had set his Potion standards to 'Outstanding', meaning only the very best can continue.

Other grades

Passing Grades Outstanding [O] Exceeds Expectations [E] Acceptable [A]

Fail Grades Poor [P] Dreadful [D] Troll [T]

Recipients of an O

Known students	Subject	Date
Harry Potter	"And best of all, he had achieved 'Outstanding' at Defence Against the Dark Arts!" —Harry Potter reviewing his O.W.L. marks[src] Defence Against the Dark Arts O.W.L.[2]	1996
Hermione Granger	"Oh, come off it. Yep — nine ‘Outstandings’ and one ‘Exceeds Expectations’ at Defence Against the Dark Arts. You're actually disappointed, aren't you?" —Ron Weasley sees Hermione Granger's O.W.L. results[src] Arithmancy O.W.L.[2] Astronomy O.W.L.[2] Care of Magical Creatures O.W.L.[2] Charms O.W.L.[2] Herbology O.W.L.[2] History of Magic O.W.L.[2] Potions O.W.L.[2] Study of Ancient Runes O.W.L.[2] Transfiguration O.W.L.[2]
Neville Longbottom	"Professor Sprout will be delighted to see you back with an 'Outstanding' O.W.L." — Neville Longbottom's Herbology result[src] Herbology O.W.L.[3]
John Dawlish	Charms N.E.W.T.[4] Defence Against the Dark Arts N.E.W.T.[4] Herbology N.E.W.T.[4] Potions N.E.W.T.[4] Transfiguration N.E.W.T.[4]	pre 1990s

W.O.M.B.A.T. certificates

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film) (Mentioned only)

Notes and references