The six AQA Trilogy papers
| Paper | Topics | Length | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology 1 | Cell biology; Organisation; Infection and response; Bioenergetics | 1 hour 15 minutes | 70 |
| Biology 2 | Homeostasis and response; Inheritance, variation and evolution; Ecology | 1 hour 15 minutes | 70 |
| Chemistry 1 | Atomic structure and the periodic table; Bonding, structure and properties of matter; Quantitative chemistry; Chemical changes; Energy changes | 1 hour 15 minutes | 70 |
| Chemistry 2 | Rate and extent of chemical change; Organic chemistry; Chemical analysis; Chemistry of the atmosphere; Using resources | 1 hour 15 minutes | 70 |
| Physics 1 | Energy; Electricity; Particle model of matter; Atomic structure | 1 hour 15 minutes | 70 |
| Physics 2 | Forces; Waves; Magnetism and electromagnetism | 1 hour 15 minutes | 70 |
How it is assessed
- Each paper is worth 16.7% of the qualification, 420 marks in total. Your grade comes from your total across all six papers.
- Questions include multiple choice, structured, short-answer, calculation and 6-mark extended-response questions.
- There is no coursework, but the 21 required practicals (7 biology, 6 chemistry, 8 physics) are tested in the written papers.
- A physics equation sheet is provided with both physics papers in 2027, so you do not need to memorise the physics equations, but you must still choose, rearrange and use them.
- Edexcel 1SC0 and OCR Gateway J250 also have six papers, two per science, but each is 1 hour 10 minutes and 60 marks (360 marks in total).
- Practise all three sciences with our GCSE Combined Science questions.
The 9-9 to 1-1 grading scale
Combined Science is graded on a 17-point double scale: 9-9, 9-8, 8-8, 8-7 and so on down to 2-1 and 1-1. The two numbers are always the same or next to each other. It counts as two GCSEs, so 5-4 means one grade 5 and one grade 4.
Foundation tier gives grades from 1-1 to 5-5. Higher tier gives grades from 4-4 to 9-9, with an allowed 4-3 for students just below 4-4. All six papers must be at the same tier.
4-4 is a standard pass and 5-5 a strong pass. Grade boundaries are set after each exam series and change every year, so do not rely on a fixed percentage. Aiming for around 70% on full practice papers gives a comfortable margin.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free GCSE Combined Science practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
2027 exam dates (AQA Trilogy)
| Paper | Date | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Paper 1 | Tuesday 11 May 2027 | Morning |
| Chemistry Paper 1 | Monday 17 May 2027 | Morning |
| Physics Paper 1 | Tuesday 25 May 2027 | Morning |
| Biology Paper 2 | Thursday 10 June 2027 | Morning |
| Chemistry Paper 2 | Tuesday 15 June 2027 | Morning |
| Physics Paper 2 | Friday 18 June 2027 | Morning |
| GCSE results day | Thursday 19 August 2027 |
A 10-week revision plan
- Week 1: Biology Paper 1 topics. Cells, organisation, infection and bioenergetics; 30 practice questions.
- Week 2: Chemistry Paper 1 topics. Atoms, bonding, moles, chemical and energy changes.
- Week 3: Physics Paper 1 topics. Energy, electricity, particles and radioactivity; drill equations and unit conversions.
- Week 4: Timed Biology 1, Chemistry 1 and Physics 1 papers; mark them and log every lost mark.
- Week 5: Biology Paper 2 topics. Homeostasis, inheritance and ecology.
- Week 6: Chemistry Paper 2 topics. Rates, organic chemistry, analysis, the atmosphere and resources.
- Week 7: Physics Paper 2 topics. Forces, waves and magnetism.
- Week 8: All 21 required practicals: method, variables, risks and typical results.
- Week 9: Timed Paper 2 set, then re-test weak topics from your mistakes log.
- Week 10: Mixed questions and flashcards. Between papers, revise the next paper's topics only.
Frequently asked questions
How many GCSEs is Combined Science worth?
Two. You receive a double grade such as 6-6 or 6-5, which counts as two GCSEs.
How many papers are there in GCSE Combined Science?
Six: two biology, two chemistry and two physics. With AQA Trilogy each is 1 hour 15 minutes and 70 marks; with Edexcel and OCR Gateway each is 1 hour 10 minutes and 60 marks.
What is a pass in Combined Science?
4-4 is a standard pass and 5-5 a strong pass. Boundaries are set after every exam series, so check the board's published boundaries after results day.
Do I get an equation sheet?
Yes, for physics. In 2027 a physics equation sheet is provided with the physics papers, and Ofqual has confirmed sheets will continue for the life of the current specifications.
Can I take A-level sciences after Combined Science?
Yes. Many sixth forms accept Combined Science for A-level Biology, Chemistry or Physics, often asking for 6-6 or above. Check the entry requirements of your sixth form or college.
Can I resit Combined Science in November?
No. November resits are only for GCSE Maths and English Language. Combined Science is available in the May/June series only.
Official sources
- AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy 8464: scheme of assessment
- AQA dates and timetables (May/June 2027)
- AQA: GCSE Maths and Sciences formulae and equation sheets for 2027 and 2028
- Pearson Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification
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.
