OCR J277 papers at a glance
| Paper | Content | Marks and time | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Computer systems (J277/01) | Systems architecture, memory and storage, data representation, networks, network security, systems software, ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts | 80 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes | 50% |
| Paper 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (J277/02) | Algorithms, programming fundamentals, robust programs, Boolean logic, programming languages and IDEs | 80 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes | 50% |
How the papers work
- Both papers are written, non-calculator and not tiered: everyone sits the same papers for grades 9 to 1.
- Paper 2 has two sections. In Section B you write or refine algorithms in OCR Exam Reference Language or the high-level programming language you know, such as Python.
- All code shown on OCR papers uses OCR Exam Reference Language, so learn to read it fluently.
- There is no coursework, but schools must give you the chance to do a practical programming task during the course; those skills are tested in Paper 2.
- Practise each topic in short sets on our GCSE Computer Science question bank.
AQA and Edexcel compared
| Board | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| OCR J277 | Computer systems: 80 marks, 1 h 30 min, written | Computational thinking, algorithms and programming: 80 marks, 1 h 30 min, written |
| AQA 8525 | Computational thinking and programming skills: 90 marks, 2 h, written | Computing concepts (including SQL): 90 marks, 1 h 45 min, written |
| Pearson Edexcel 1CP2 | Principles of Computer Science: 75 marks, 1 h 30 min, written | Application of Computational Thinking: 75 marks, 2 h, on-screen in Python |
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free GCSE Computer Science practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
Grades and grade boundaries
GCSE Computer Science is graded 9 to 1. Grade 4 is a standard pass and grade 5 a strong pass. Your marks from both papers are added and compared with grade boundaries.
Boundaries are set after each exam series once marking is finished, so they change every year. Past boundaries are only a guide. Aiming for 70% in timed practice gives you a sensible margin.
Exam dates for summer 2027
The JCQ summer 2027 series runs from Monday 10 May to Friday 18 June 2027 for GCSEs, with Wednesday 23 June 2027 as the contingency day. GCSE results day is Thursday 19 August 2027.
Check your exact paper dates on your board's final timetable and your school's personal timetable. GCSE Computer Science has no November resit series.
A 10-week revision plan
- Week 1: Systems architecture, memory and storage. Learn the registers and the fetch-execute cycle word for word.
- Week 2: Data representation. Do 10 binary, hex and file-size calculations a day without a calculator.
- Week 3: Networks, protocols and security. Make a threat-and-prevention table.
- Week 4: Systems software and ethical, legal and environmental issues. Plan two extended answers.
- Week 5: Timed Paper 1, then fix every lost mark.
- Week 6: Algorithms. Trace binary search, bubble, merge and insertion sorts on paper.
- Week 7: Programming fundamentals, arrays, files, SQL and sub programs. Write a short program every day.
- Week 8: Robust programs, testing, Boolean logic and languages.
- Week 9: Timed Paper 2, focusing on Section B code-writing.
- Week 10: A second full set of papers, then light review of flashcards and trace tables.
Frequently asked questions
How many papers is GCSE Computer Science?
Two. With OCR J277 each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes and 80 marks, worth 50% of the GCSE. AQA and Edexcel also set two papers, with different lengths.
Is there coursework in GCSE Computer Science?
No. You must be given the chance to do a practical programming task during the course, but it is not marked. Programming skills are assessed in the exams.
Can I use Python in the OCR exam?
Yes. In Paper 2 Section B you can write algorithms in OCR Exam Reference Language or a high-level language you are familiar with, such as Python.
Can I use a calculator in GCSE Computer Science?
Not with OCR. Both J277 papers are non-calculator, so practise binary, hex and file-size calculations by hand.
Is GCSE Computer Science tiered?
No. Everyone sits the same papers and can achieve any grade from 9 to 1.
When is GCSE results day 2027?
Thursday 19 August 2027, according to the JCQ key dates for the June 2027 series.
Official sources
- OCR GCSE Computer Science J277: specification at a glance
- AQA GCSE Computer Science 8525: specification at a glance
- Pearson Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (2020) specification
- 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.
