The AQA papers at a glance
| Paper | Content | Length | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Topics 1 to 4, including practical skills. 76 marks of short and long answers plus 15 marks of extended response | 2 hours | 91 | 35% |
| Paper 2 | Topics 5 to 8, including practical skills. 76 marks of short and long answers plus a 15-mark comprehension question | 2 hours | 91 | 35% |
| Paper 3 | Topics 1 to 8. 38 marks of structured questions, 15 marks of critical analysis of experimental data, and a 25-mark essay from a choice of two titles | 2 hours | 78 | 30% |
The eight AQA topics
- 1 Biological molecules and 2 Cells.
- 3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment.
- 4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms.
- 5 Energy transfers in and between organisms (photosynthesis, respiration, ecosystems and nutrient cycles).
- 6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (nerves, muscles, homeostasis).
- 7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems, and 8 The control of gene expression.
- Practise all eight with our A-level Biology practice questions.
Other boards
OCR Biology A (H420) also has three papers: Biological processes (2 hours 15 minutes, 100 marks, 37%), Biological diversity (2 hours 15 minutes, 100 marks, 37%) and Unified biology (1 hour 30 minutes, 70 marks, 26%). Pearson Edexcel offers Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) and Biology B, each assessed by three written papers. The core biology is very similar across boards, but always revise from your own board's specification.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free A-level Biology practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
Grades, boundaries and the practical endorsement
A-level grades run from A* to E, and E is a pass. Grade boundaries are set after each exam series once papers have been marked, so they change from year to year. Treat old boundaries as a guide only; scoring around 70% on full practice papers is a sensible target.
Alongside the grade you receive a separate practical endorsement, reported as Pass or Not classified. It is assessed by your teachers across the 12 AQA required practicals and does not change your A-level grade, but many university science courses expect a Pass. At least 15% of the written exam marks also test practical knowledge and skills, and at least 10% test maths at Level 2 or above.
2027 exam dates (AQA)
| Paper | Date | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Paper 1 (7402/1) | Monday 7 June 2027 | Afternoon |
| Biology Paper 2 (7402/2) | Monday 14 June 2027 | Afternoon |
| Biology Paper 3 (7402/3) | Friday 18 June 2027 | Morning |
| A-level results day | Thursday 12 August 2027 |
A 12-week revision plan
- Weeks 1 to 2: Topics 1 and 2. Make bond, test and organelle tables; do 30 practice questions per topic.
- Weeks 3 to 4: Topics 3 and 4. Practise dissociation curves, cardiac cycle graphs and index of diversity calculations.
- Week 5: Timed Paper 1 under exam conditions; mark it and log every lost mark.
- Weeks 6 to 7: Topics 5 and 6. Draw the respiration and photosynthesis flow charts from memory until they are perfect.
- Weeks 8 to 9: Topics 7 and 8. Drill Hardy-Weinberg, chi-squared and genetic cross problems.
- Week 10: Timed Paper 2, then the 12 required practicals: variables, controls, errors and calculations.
- Week 11: Paper 3 practice. Write one full essay plan a day and two full timed essays.
- Week 12: Mixed questions from your mistakes log, flashcards and light review before the first paper.
Writing the 25-mark essay
- Spend 5 minutes planning: list five or six relevant topics before you write.
- Each paragraph should give accurate A-level detail and link it clearly to the essay title.
- Use technical terms precisely; vague or GCSE-level content is credited less.
- Avoid irrelevant material: content that does not link to the title will not earn credit.
Frequently asked questions
How many papers are in A-level Biology?
Three. With AQA each is 2 hours: Papers 1 and 2 are 91 marks and Paper 3 is 78 marks, 260 marks in total.
Is there an essay in A-level Biology?
Yes, with AQA. Paper 3 ends with a 25-mark essay chosen from two titles, which draws on content from across the course.
What is a pass in A-level Biology?
Grade E is a pass. Grade boundaries are set after every series, so there is no fixed percentage for each grade.
Does the practical endorsement affect my grade?
No. It is reported separately as Pass or Not classified, but universities may require a Pass for science courses.
Can I take A-level Biology as a private candidate?
Yes, but check that the exam centre can arrange the practical endorsement if your university course needs it, as it must be assessed in person.
How much maths is in A-level Biology?
At least 10% of the marks test maths at Level 2 or above: rates, percentages, standard deviation, statistical tests, logarithms and graph skills.
Official sources
- AQA A-level Biology 7402: scheme of assessment
- AQA A-level Biology 7402: specification at a glance
- AQA dates and timetables (May/June 2027)
- AQA results days
Practice tests for these exams
This guide is general information, checked November 2026, not official exam board guidance. Specifications and dates can change; confirm the details with your school or exam board.
