The papers at a glance
| Board | Papers | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQA 8463 | Paper 1 and Paper 2, 50% each | 100 each (200 total) | 1 hour 45 minutes each |
| Pearson Edexcel 1PH0 | Paper 1 and Paper 2, 50% each | 100 each | 1 hour 45 minutes each |
| OCR Gateway J249 | Papers 1-2 (Foundation) or 3-4 (Higher), 50% each | 90 each | 1 hour 45 minutes each |
What is on each AQA paper
- Paper 1: Energy, Electricity, Particle model of matter, Atomic structure.
- Paper 2: Forces, Waves, Magnetism and electromagnetism, Space physics. It can also draw on energy ideas from Paper 1.
- Question types: multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response (6-mark extended answers).
- Practical skills: questions on the 10 required practicals appear on both papers. There is no coursework.
- Maths: at least 30% of the marks need maths skills, such as rearranging equations, standard form and reading graphs. Revise these on our GCSE Physics practice page.
Foundation or Higher tier
You sit both papers at the same tier. Foundation tier covers grades 1 to 5 and Higher tier covers grades 4 to 9. Higher papers include extra content (for example force as rate of change of momentum, F = BIl and some pressure work) and harder multi-step calculations.
Your teacher usually decides your tier from mock results. If you are aiming for grade 6 or above, you need Higher. If you are borderline 4 or 5, Foundation can be the safer route, because you can't get above grade 5 on it.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free GCSE Physics practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
The equations sheet in 2027
Ofqual has confirmed that GCSE Physics and Combined Science students do not have to memorise equations for exams in 2025, 2026 and 2027. AQA, Edexcel and OCR provide an equations sheet with every paper that lists all the physics equations in the specification. In May 2026 Ofqual decided that the sheets will continue for the rest of the life of the current specifications, including resits.
That doesn't mean equations are free marks. You still have to choose the right one, rearrange it, convert units and show your working, so practise with the sheet beside you.
Grades and grade boundaries
Results are on the 9 to 1 scale. 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 the papers have been marked, so they change every year and differ between tiers. Past boundaries are a guide only. Aim for about 70% in timed practice to give yourself a safety 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 exam board's final timetable and with your school, which will give you your personal timetable. GCSE Physics has no November resit series.
A 10-week revision plan
- Weeks 1-2: Energy and Electricity. Make flashcards for each equation and do 10 calculation questions a day.
- Weeks 3-4: Particle model and Atomic structure. Learn the radiation table and practise half-life graphs.
- Week 5: Full timed Paper 1. Mark it with a mark scheme and list every lost mark by cause.
- Weeks 6-7: Forces (the biggest topic) and Waves, including the required practicals.
- Week 8: Magnetism and electromagnetism and Space physics.
- Week 9: Full timed Paper 2, then fix your weakest topics.
- Week 10: Mixed questions, 6-mark answers and a second set of both papers. Keep the last two days for light review.
Frequently asked questions
How many papers is GCSE Physics?
Two. With AQA each paper is 1 hour 45 minutes and 100 marks, worth 50% of the GCSE. Edexcel is the same; OCR Gateway papers are 90 marks.
Do you get an equations sheet in GCSE Physics 2027?
Yes. All three boards provide an equations sheet listing every physics equation in the specification, and Ofqual has decided the sheets will continue for the rest of the current specifications.
Is GCSE Physics different from Combined Science?
Yes. GCSE Physics is one full GCSE with more content (for example Space physics). Combined Science covers biology, chemistry and physics and is worth two GCSEs.
What grade is a pass in GCSE Physics?
Grade 4 is a standard pass and grade 5 is a strong pass. Grade boundaries are set after every series, so the marks needed change each year.
Can I take GCSE Physics as a private candidate?
Yes, if you find an exam centre that accepts private candidates. You pay the centre's fee, and you need to plan for the required practicals, which are assessed in the written papers.
When are GCSE Physics results released?
For the summer 2027 series, GCSE results day is Thursday 19 August 2027.
Official sources
- AQA GCSE Physics 8463: specification at a glance
- OCR GCSE Gateway Physics A J249: specification at a glance
- AQA: GCSE Maths and Sciences formulae and equation sheets for 2027 and 2028 onwards
- 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.
