The papers at a glance
| Board | Papers | Marks | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQA (8300) | 3 papers, 1 hour 30 minutes each | 80 each, 240 in total | Paper 1 non-calculator; papers 2 and 3 calculator |
| Pearson Edexcel (1MA1) | 3 papers, 1 hour 30 minutes each | 80 each, 240 in total | Paper 1 non-calculator; papers 2 and 3 calculator |
| OCR (J560) | 3 papers per tier, 1 hour 30 minutes each | 100 each, 300 in total | Papers 1 and 3 (Foundation) and 4 and 6 (Higher) calculator; papers 2 and 5 non-calculator |
What's on each paper
Every paper can test any part of the specification, so there is no 'algebra paper' or 'geometry paper'. The content is the same for all boards because it is set by the Department for Education: number; algebra; ratio, proportion and rates of change; geometry and measures; probability; and statistics.
The weighting differs by tier. Foundation leans towards number and ratio (each roughly a quarter of the marks), while Higher puts more weight on algebra (roughly 30%). Probability and statistics together are about 15% on both tiers. You can revise each area with our GCSE Maths practice questions.
Questions are a mix of routine methods, reasoning (explain, show that, prove) and problem solving in context. Every paper starts with shorter, more accessible questions and gets harder towards the end.
Foundation or Higher tier?
- Foundation tier awards grades 1 to 5. It is the right choice if you are aiming for a secure grade 4 or 5.
- Higher tier awards grades 4 to 9, with an allowed grade 3 for students who just miss grade 4. Below that, you get a U.
- Your school decides the tier with you, usually after mock exams. You must sit all three papers at the same tier in the same series.
- A grade 5 is the highest you can get on Foundation, so if you want to study A-level Maths, you will normally need Higher tier.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free GCSE Maths practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
Grades and grade boundaries explained
GCSE Maths is graded 9 (highest) to 1. Grade 4 is a 'standard pass' and grade 5 a 'strong pass'. Grade 4 broadly lines up with the old grade C and grade 7 with the old grade A.
Your three paper marks are added together and compared with grade boundaries. Boundaries are not fixed: exam boards set them after every series, once they have seen how hard the papers were. They are published on results day. Never assume a fixed percentage for a grade; instead aim for around 70% on full past papers, which gives you a margin whatever the boundaries turn out to be.
A formulae sheet is provided in the exam. Ofqual has confirmed that formulae sheets will continue for GCSE Maths for the remaining life of the current specifications, which covers 2027. It does not include everything, so you still need to learn formulae such as the area of a circle, Pythagoras' theorem and the trigonometric ratios.
2027 exam dates and resits
- Pearson Edexcel's final summer 2027 timetable puts the GCSE Maths papers on Friday 14 May (paper 1, non-calculator), Thursday 27 May (paper 2) and Monday 14 June (paper 3), all in the morning. Check your own board's timetable for AQA and OCR.
- JCQ has set GCSE results day for Thursday 19 August 2027.
- GCSE Maths and English Language also have a November series. You can only enter in November if you were at least 16 on the previous 31 August, so it is mainly for students resitting after Year 11.
- In England, students aged 16 to 18 who have not achieved grade 4 in maths must keep studying it. Those with a grade 3 normally resit GCSE Maths; those with lower grades may take GCSE or Functional Skills, depending on their college.
An 8-week revision plan
- Week 1: sit one full past paper set (all three papers) under timed conditions to find your starting point, and list your weakest topics.
- Week 2: Number, with daily non-calculator practice: fractions, powers, standard form and bounds.
- Week 3: Algebra part 1: expanding, factorising, solving linear and quadratic equations, and sequences.
- Week 4: Algebra part 2 and graphs: straight lines, simultaneous equations, inequalities, and (Higher) functions and transformations.
- Week 5: Ratio, proportion and percentages, including compound interest, reverse percentages and compound measures.
- Week 6: Geometry and measures: angles, area and volume, Pythagoras and trigonometry, plus (Higher) circle theorems and vectors.
- Week 7: Probability and statistics, then a second full timed set of papers.
- Week 8: work only on the questions you got wrong, redo them a few days later, and keep up 15 minutes of flashcards a day for formulae.
Frequently asked questions
How many papers are there in GCSE Maths?
Three written papers, each 1 hour 30 minutes. With AQA and Edexcel each paper is worth 80 marks; with OCR each is worth 100 marks. One paper is non-calculator and two allow a calculator.
What percentage do you need for a grade 4 in GCSE Maths?
There is no fixed percentage. Grade boundaries are set after each exam series and change from year to year, so check the boundaries for the specific series when you use a past paper. Aiming for about 70% in practice gives you a safe margin.
Is a formula sheet given in the GCSE Maths exam?
Yes. Ofqual has confirmed formulae sheets for GCSE Maths for the remaining life of the current specifications, so you will have one in 2027. Some formulae, such as the area of a circle, are not on it.
Can I get a grade 9 on Foundation tier?
No. Foundation tier is capped at grade 5. Grades 6 to 9 are only available on Higher tier.
Can I resit GCSE Maths in November?
Yes, if you were at least 16 on 31 August before the exam. The November series is available for GCSE Maths and English Language only.
Do all exam boards cover the same content?
Yes. The subject content is set by the Department for Education, so AQA, Edexcel and OCR cover the same topics. Paper layout, marks and question styles differ slightly.
Official sources
- AQA GCSE Mathematics 8300: scheme of assessment
- Pearson Edexcel GCSE summer 2027 final timetable
- JCQ key dates June 2027
- Ofqual decisions on formulae and equation sheets (gov.uk)
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.
