Outstanding

An Outstanding-graded W.O.M.B.A.T.

"CONGRATULATIONS! Your exemplary powers of deduction and a formidable knowledge of the inner workings of the magical world reveal you to be a witch or wizard of genuine skill and learning. This first examination has barely tested you."

— 'Outstanding'-graded W.O.M.B.A.T.

Outstanding was 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 was 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 Potions standards to 'Outstanding', meaning only the very best could continue.

Recipients of an O

"So top grade's O for ‘Outstanding'..."

— Hermione Granger reviewing O.W.L. marks

Known students	Subject	Date
John Dawlish	Charms N.E.W.T. Defence Against the Dark Arts N.E.W.T. Herbology N.E.W.T. Potions N.E.W.T. Transfiguration N.E.W.T.	pre 1990s
Jae Kim	Defence Against the Dark Arts O.W.L.	1989
Harry Potter	"And best of all, he had achieved 'Outstanding' at Defence Against the Dark Arts!" — Harry Potter reviewing his O.W.L. marks Defence Against the Dark Arts O.W.L.	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 Arithmancy O.W.L. Astronomy O.W.L. Care of Magical Creatures O.W.L. Charms O.W.L. Herbology O.W.L. History of Magic O.W.L. Potions O.W.L. Study of Ancient Runes O.W.L. Transfiguration O.W.L.
Neville Longbottom	"Professor Sprout will be delighted to see you back with an 'Outstanding' O.W.L." — Neville Longbottom's Herbology result Herbology O.W.L.

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

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Other grades

Exam grades
Passing grades	Fail grades
Outstanding [O] Exceeds Expectations [E] Acceptable [A]	Poor [P] Dreadful [D] Troll [T]

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (First mentioned)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (First appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film) (Mentioned only)
• J. K. Rowling's official site
• Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery