AQA papers at a glance
| Paper | What's assessed | Marks and time | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Sections 1 to 5 and 6.1 (periodic motion): measurements, particles, waves, mechanics, materials, electricity | 85 marks, 2 hours (60 marks written + 25 multiple choice) | 34% |
| Paper 2 | Sections 6.2 (thermal), 7 (fields) and 8 (nuclear), with assumed knowledge of 1 to 6.1 | 85 marks, 2 hours (60 marks written + 25 multiple choice) | 34% |
| Paper 3 | Section A: practical skills and data analysis. Section B: one option topic | 80 marks, 2 hours (45 + 35) | 32% |
How OCR and Edexcel compare
- OCR Physics A (H556): Modelling physics (100 marks, 2 hours 15 minutes, 37%), Exploring physics (100 marks, 2 hours 15 minutes, 37%) and Unified physics (70 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes, 26%).
- Pearson Edexcel (9PH0): Advanced Physics I and II (90 marks, 1 hour 45 minutes, 30% each) and General and Practical Principles in Physics (120 marks, 2 hours 30 minutes, 40%).
- All three boards cover the same Ofqual core content and include a separately reported practical endorsement, so most revision resources work across boards. Check your board's data booklet and command words.
The Paper 3 option topics
AQA students take one option in Paper 3 Section B: Astrophysics, Medical physics, Engineering physics, Turning points in physics or Electronics. Your school normally chooses it. The option is worth 35 marks, about 14% of the A-level, so it deserves as much revision time as a core topic.
Section A (45 marks) tests the 12 required practicals and data analysis: uncertainties, linearising equations, gradients and evaluating methods. Practise on our A-level Physics question bank.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free A-level Physics 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. Your scaled marks from the three papers are added (250 marks with AQA) and compared with grade boundaries, which are set after each series and change every year. Treat past boundaries as a rough guide and aim for 70% in timed practice.
The practical endorsement is assessed by your teachers during the course using the Common Practical Assessment Criteria. It is reported as pass or not classified on your certificate and doesn't affect your grade, but some university science courses expect a pass.
Exam dates for summer 2027
The JCQ summer 2027 series starts on Monday 10 May 2027. The last A-level exam on the common timetable is on Tuesday 22 June 2027, with Wednesday 23 June 2027 as the contingency day. A-level results day is Thursday 12 August 2027.
A-level Physics is only examined in the summer series. Your exact paper dates come from your board's final timetable and your school's personal timetable.
A 12-week revision plan
- Weeks 1-2: Measurements, particles and quantum phenomena. Build a conservation-law table and a flashcard deck of definitions.
- Weeks 3-4: Waves and mechanics. Do 20 SUVAT and projectile questions and the stationary wave and grating practicals.
- Week 5: Materials and electricity, including emf, internal resistance and potential dividers. Sit a timed Paper 1.
- Weeks 6-7: Circular motion, SHM, thermal physics and gravitational fields.
- Week 8: Electric fields, capacitors, magnetic fields and induction. Sit a timed Paper 2.
- Week 9: Nuclear physics and your option topic.
- Week 10: Required practicals and graph skills; sit a timed Paper 3.
- Weeks 11-12: Mixed past-paper questions by topic, a second full set of papers, and a final pass through every definition.
Frequently asked questions
How many papers are in A-level Physics?
Three. With AQA each paper is 2 hours: Papers 1 and 2 are 85 marks each and Paper 3 is 80 marks. OCR and Edexcel also set three papers, with different lengths.
Is there multiple choice in A-level Physics?
Yes. AQA Papers 1 and 2 each include 25 multiple-choice questions. OCR and Edexcel papers also include some multiple-choice questions.
Which AQA option topic is easiest?
There is no official easiest option. Astrophysics, Medical physics, Engineering physics, Turning points and Electronics are all worth 35 marks; your school usually chooses based on teacher expertise.
Do I need to memorise equations for A-level Physics?
Most equations are in the data and formulae booklet, but not all. You must also know definitions and some relationships, so check your board's booklet against the specification.
What happens if I fail the practical endorsement?
It is reported as 'not classified' alongside your grade. Your A-level grade itself isn't affected, but some university courses require a pass.
When is A-level results day 2027?
Thursday 12 August 2027, according to the JCQ key dates for the June 2027 series.
Official sources
- AQA A-level Physics 7408: specification at a glance
- AQA A-level Physics 7408: scheme of assessment
- OCR A Level Physics A H556: specification at a glance
- JCQ: Key dates in the examination cycle, 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.
