The papers by exam board
| Board | Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQA (7357) | Pure mathematics | Pure mathematics and mechanics | Pure mathematics and statistics |
| Pearson Edexcel (9MA0) | Pure mathematics 1 | Pure mathematics 2 | Statistics and mechanics |
| OCR A (H240) | Pure mathematics | Pure mathematics and statistics | Pure mathematics and mechanics |
Format at a glance
- Three written papers, each 2 hours and 100 marks, each worth one third of the A-level (300 marks in total).
- A calculator is allowed on every paper, and a formula booklet is provided. It does not include basic results such as standard derivatives and integrals, the laws of logarithms or the suvat equations, so you must learn those.
- It is a linear qualification: all three papers are sat in the same May and June series at the end of the course. There is no November series for A-levels.
- Each board publishes a large data set that you study in lessons. Statistics questions assume you are familiar with it.
- The papers test three assessment objectives set by Ofqual: using standard techniques (about 50%), reasoning and proof (about 25%) and problem solving and modelling (about 25%).
What's on the specification
The content is set by the Department for Education, so all boards cover the same topics. Pure maths includes proof, algebra and functions, coordinate geometry, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, integration, numerical methods and vectors.
Statistics covers sampling, data presentation, probability, the binomial and normal distributions and hypothesis testing. Mechanics covers kinematics (including projectiles and variable acceleration), forces and Newton's laws, friction and moments. You can practise all eight areas with our A-level Maths questions.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free A-level Maths practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
Grades and grade boundaries
A-level Maths is graded A*, A, B, C, D and E, with E as the lowest pass; below E is U (unclassified). Your marks from the three papers are added up and compared with grade boundaries.
Grade boundaries are set by each board after every exam series, once they have seen how students performed, and they change from year to year. They are published on results day. Do not rely on a percentage from a previous year; aim for around 70% on full timed papers and use the boundaries for the specific past paper you sat to judge your grade.
2027 exam dates
- The summer 2027 series runs from May to June. On the JCQ common timetable, the last A-level exam is on Tuesday 22 June 2027, with Wednesday 23 June kept as a contingency day.
- Your board publishes the exact date of each maths paper in its final timetable. Check it with your exams officer, as AQA, Edexcel and OCR papers fall on different days.
- A-level results day is Thursday 12 August 2027.
A 10-week revision plan
- Week 1: sit one full set of three past papers under timed conditions and mark them with the mark scheme. List your five weakest topics.
- Weeks 2 to 3: proof, algebra and functions, then coordinate geometry, sequences and series. These appear everywhere, so fix gaps here first.
- Week 4: trigonometry, including identities, R sin(x + α) and solving equations in radians.
- Week 5: exponentials, logarithms and differentiation.
- Week 6: integration, differential equations and numerical methods.
- Week 7: statistics, including the large data set and hypothesis tests.
- Week 8: mechanics: kinematics, forces, friction, projectiles and moments.
- Week 9: second full timed set of papers; redo every question you dropped marks on.
- Week 10: mixed questions from your mistakes bank, formula flashcards for 15 minutes a day, and light revision only on the day before each paper.
Frequently asked questions
How many papers are there in A-level Maths?
Three, each 2 hours long and worth 100 marks. All boards use this structure, though they split pure, statistics and mechanics differently across the papers.
Can you use a calculator in A-level Maths?
Yes, on all three papers. Check that your model is allowed under the JCQ rules; calculators with computer algebra or symbolic differentiation are not permitted.
What percentage do you need for an A* in A-level Maths?
There is no fixed percentage. Boundaries are set after every series and change each year. Look up the boundaries for the specific series of any past paper you practise with.
Is A-level Maths much harder than GCSE?
There is a noticeable step up, especially in algebra. Students with secure Higher tier GCSE algebra usually cope best, which is why many sixth forms ask for a grade 6 or 7 in GCSE Maths; check your own sixth form's entry requirement.
Is there a formula sheet in A-level Maths?
Yes, each board provides a formula booklet. It does not include everything, so learn the standard derivatives and integrals, the laws of logarithms and the suvat equations.
Can I resit A-level Maths?
Yes, but only in the next May and June series, and you must resit all three papers because the qualification is linear.
Official sources
- AQA A-level Mathematics 7357: scheme of assessment
- OCR A Level Mathematics A H240 specification
- JCQ key dates June 2027
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.
