Understanding the Exam Boards: AQA, Edexcel & OCR
GCSE Mathematics is offered by three main exam boards in the UK. While the content is largely similar, each has its own style and approach. Jump to exam board past papers strategies →
AQA
The most popular exam board with straightforward questions and clear mark schemes.
Edexcel
Known for practical applications and real-world problem-solving questions.
OCR
Focuses on mathematical reasoning and step-by-step working.
Foundation vs Higher Tier - Which Should You Choose?
Foundation Tier: Covers grades 1-5. Perfect if you're aiming for grades 4-5.
Higher Tier: Covers grades 4-9. Choose this if you're targeting grades 7+.
Tip: Grade 4 overlaps both tiers, so you can switch if needed!
Key Topics to Master
GCSE Maths is divided into three main areas. Here's what you need to know:
1. Number & Algebra - The Complete Mastery Roadmap (40% of exam)
Essential Formulas:
- Quadratic Formula: x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a
- Linear Graphs: y = mx + c (where m = gradient, c = y-intercept)
- Percentage Change: (Change / Original) × 100
- Compound Interest: Final = Initial × (1 + r/100)ⁿ
Need more practice? Try our dedicated GCSE algebra practice questions with instant feedback and step-by-step solutions.
2. Geometry & Measures (40% of exam)
Key Formulas:
- Pythagoras: a² + b² = c²
- Circle Area: πr²
- Circle Circumference: 2πr or πd
- Cylinder Volume: πr²h
- Sphere Volume: (4/3)πr³
- SOHCAHTOA: sin = O/H, cos = A/H, tan = O/A
Master these concepts: Practice with our GCSE geometry and trigonometry practice questions or test yourself with Pythagoras theorem worksheets.
3. Statistics & Probability (20% of exam)
Effective Revision Strategies
1. The 3-Step Revision Method
- Learn: Understand the concept through lessons and examples
- Practice: Apply knowledge with topic-specific questions
- Test: Complete full past papers under timed conditions
2. Spaced Repetition
Don't cram! Studies show that spacing out your revision over weeks is far more effective than last-minute cramming. Use our GCSE Maths flashcard system with spaced repetition to memorize formulas and key concepts efficiently.
Pro Tip: The 80/20 Rule
Focus 80% of your time on the topics that appear most frequently in exams:
- Algebra (solving equations, graphs) - Practice algebra questions
- Fractions, Decimals & Percentages - Practice fractions & percentages
- Pythagoras & Trigonometry - Practice trigonometry problems
- Area, Perimeter & Volume - Practice geometry calculations
3. Active Recall vs Passive Reading
Instead of just reading notes:
- ✅ Do practice questions immediately after learning a topic
- ✅ Use flashcards to test yourself
- ✅ Explain concepts out loud (or teach someone else)
- ✅ Complete past papers without looking at answers
- ❌ Don't just highlight notes and hope you'll remember
Practice Active Recall: Try our interactive GCSE Maths practice MCQs with over 1,000 questions across all topics, or start with adaptive lesson mode for step-by-step concept mastery.
Exam Technique & Tips
Before the Exam
- Equipment Check: Calculator (with fresh batteries), pen, pencil, ruler, compass, protractor, eraser
- Formula Sheet: Memorize formulas NOT on the formula sheet (e.g., quadratic formula, circle theorems)
- Calculator Practice: Know how to use your calculator efficiently
During the Exam
Time Management
Rule of thumb: 1 mark = 1 minute
- Paper 1 (Non-calculator): 80 marks = 1 hour 30 mins
- Paper 2 (Calculator): 80 marks = 1 hour 30 mins
- Paper 3 (Calculator): 80 marks = 1 hour 30 mins
Top Exam Tips:
- Show Your Working: Even if your answer is wrong, you can get method marks
- Read Questions Carefully: Underline key words like "Give your answer to 2 decimal places"
- Check Units: Convert cm to m, or km/h to m/s as required
- Use the Formula Sheet: Don't waste time memorizing formulas that are provided
- Don't Get Stuck: If you're stuck on a question for >3 minutes, move on and come back
- Check Your Answers: If you have time, go back and verify calculations
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Forgetting to simplify fractions
- ❌ Not showing working out (loses method marks)
- ❌ Calculator errors (brackets, negative numbers)
- ❌ Misreading the question (e.g., perimeter vs area)
- ❌ Not using a ruler for graphs and diagrams
- ❌ Leaving questions blank (always attempt an answer!)
Free Revision Resources
Our platform provides everything you need to succeed in GCSE Maths:
📚 Past Papers
Access hundreds of authentic past papers from AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. Practice under timed conditions to build exam confidence.
Browse all GCSE Maths past papers →
🧠 Practice Questions
Over 1,000 topic-specific MCQs with instant feedback. Perfect for identifying weak areas and building knowledge systematically.
Start practicing GCSE Maths MCQs now →
🎴 Flashcards
Smart flashcard system with spaced repetition. Memorize formulas, definitions, and key concepts efficiently.
Try GCSE Maths flashcards with spaced repetition →
📖 Interactive Lessons
Step-by-step tutorials for every topic, from basics to advanced. Learn at your own pace with video explanations and worked examples.
Start learning with adaptive GCSE Maths lessons →
Grade Boundaries (Recent Years)
| Grade | Foundation % | Higher % |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | - | ~77% |
| 7 | - | ~60% |
| 5 (Strong Pass) | ~70% | ~35% |
| 4 (Pass) | ~50% | ~20% |
Note: Grade boundaries vary slightly each year depending on paper difficulty.
Grade 9 Techniques & Strategies
Achieving a Grade 9 in GCSE Maths requires more than just understanding the content - you need strategic thinking and exam mastery. Here are proven Grade 9 techniques:
Essential Grade 9 Skills
What Separates Grade 9 Students
- Speed + Accuracy: Complete papers 10-15 minutes early to check work
- Problem-Solving: Tackle unfamiliar questions without panic
- Perfect Algebra: Never drop marks on algebraic manipulation
- Geometric Proof: Master circle theorems and angle reasoning
- Clear Communication: Show every step of working clearly
Grade 9 Study Techniques
1. Master the Hardest Topics First
Don't avoid difficult topics. Grade 9 students excel at Higher tier exclusives:
- Surds & Bounds: Rationalize denominators, upper/lower bounds calculations
- Quadratic Graphs: Solving simultaneous equations graphically - practice quadratic equations here
- Trigonometric Graphs: Transformations of sin, cos, tan curves
- Circle Theorems: All proofs and applications
- Vectors: Column vectors, geometric applications
- Algebraic Proof: Proving statements using algebra
- Functions: Composite and inverse functions
For in-depth practice: Work through our Higher Tier GCSE Maths questions by topic to build confidence with advanced concepts.
2. Perfect Your Working Out
Examiners love clear, logical working. For Grade 9:
- Write every step, even simple ones
- Use correct mathematical notation
- Label diagrams clearly
- Box your final answers
- If you make a mistake, cross it out neatly and continue
3. Practice Multi-Step Problems
Grade 9 questions often combine multiple topics. Practice questions that require:
- Pythagoras + Trigonometry together
- Algebra + Geometry combinations
- Ratio + Percentages in context
- Graph interpretation with equations
The Grade 9 Target
To achieve Grade 9, you typically need:
- Higher Tier: 75-80%+ across all three papers
- Paper 1 (Non-calc): 60-65+ marks out of 80
- Papers 2 & 3 (Calc): 62-67+ marks out of 80 each
- Total: ~189-200 marks out of 240
Grade 9 Time Management
Speed is crucial for Grade 9. Here's how top students manage time:
- First Pass (60 mins): Answer all questions you find straightforward
- Second Pass (25 mins): Tackle harder questions you skipped
- Final Check (5 mins): Review calculations and check you've answered everything
How to Use AQA, Edexcel & OCR Past Papers Effectively
Past papers are your most valuable revision tool for GCSE Maths revision. Here's how to maximize their effectiveness for each exam board:
AQA Past Papers Strategy
- AQA papers typically have more straightforward wording
- Focus on question stems - they often repeat year to year
- Download mark schemes and examiner reports
- Practice AQA's style of multi-step reasoning questions
Get Started: Browse our complete collection of AQA Maths past papers with mark schemes from 2018-2024.
Edexcel Past Papers Strategy
- Edexcel includes more real-world contexts and wordy problems
- Practice extracting mathematical information from context
- Edexcel often has trickier Paper 3 questions
- Use Edexcel's detailed mark schemes to understand method marks
Download Now: Access our full archive of Edexcel Maths past papers and mark schemes for comprehensive exam preparation.
OCR Past Papers Strategy
- OCR emphasizes mathematical reasoning and explanation
- Practice "Show that..." and "Explain why..." questions
- OCR values clear communication of method
- Study worked solutions to see exemplar answers
Practice Now: View all available OCR GCSE Maths past papers (J560) with detailed examiner reports.
The Past Paper Method
Step 1: Complete paper under STRICT exam conditions (no notes, timed)
Step 2: Mark honestly using the mark scheme
Step 3: For every mistake, understand WHY you got it wrong
Step 4: Redo incorrect questions without looking at solutions
Step 5: Add tricky questions to your flashcard deck
Repeat with 10-15 papers for best results!
Complete Past Papers Index - Free Download
Access authentic GCSE Maths past papers from all exam boards:
- AQA Past Papers: Download Papers 1, 2, 3 from 2018-2024 with mark schemes and examiner reports
- Edexcel Past Papers: Complete question papers, specimen materials, and grade boundaries
- OCR Past Papers: All papers (J560) with detailed examiner reports and model answers
Access 100+ Free Past Papers
Browse our complete collection of AQA, Edexcel, and OCR past papers with mark schemes.
Browse Complete Past Papers IndexProven GCSE Maths Revision Strategies That Work
Effective GCSE Maths revision isn't just about studying harder - it's about studying smarter. Here are evidence-based strategies used by Grade 9 students:
Recommended Revision Timeline
6 Months Before Exams
- Complete your learning of all topics
- Create summary notes for each topic
- Start flashcard revision
3 Months Before Exams
- Begin topic-based practice questions
- Identify and focus on weak areas
- Complete at least 2 full past papers
1 Month Before Exams
- Complete 6-8 full past papers under timed conditions
- Review mistakes and understand why you got them wrong
- Focus revision on topics you struggle with
Final Week
- Light revision only - don't cram new topics
- Review flashcards and formula sheet
- Get plenty of sleep
- Have confidence in your preparation!
Higher Tier Specific Topics
These topics only appear on Higher Tier papers:
- Surds and bounds
- Quadratic graphs and equations (complex)
- Simultaneous equations (one linear, one quadratic)
- Trigonometric graphs (sin, cos, tan)
- Circle theorems (all)
- Vectors
- Algebraic proof
Ready to practice? Access our complete Higher Tier GCSE Maths practice questions covering all advanced topics.
Frequently Asked Questions About GCSE Maths Revision
What are the best GCSE Maths revision strategies?
The most effective GCSE Maths revision strategies include:
- The 3-Step Method: Learn → Practice → Test
- Spaced Repetition: Space revision over weeks, not cramming
- Active Recall: Do practice questions instead of passive reading
Focus 80% of your time on high-frequency topics like algebra, fractions/percentages, Pythagoras/trigonometry, and geometry calculations.
How do I achieve Grade 9 in GCSE Maths?
To achieve Grade 9 in GCSE Maths Higher Tier, you typically need 75-80%+ across all three papers (approximately 189-200 marks out of 240 total). Key techniques include:
- Master Higher tier exclusive topics (surds, vectors, circle theorems, algebraic proof)
- Complete papers 10-15 minutes early for thorough checking
- Perfect your working out - show every step clearly
- Practice multi-step problems that combine multiple topics
Which exam board is easiest for GCSE Maths: AQA, Edexcel or OCR?
No exam board is objectively easier - they all cover the same curriculum. However, they have different styles:
- AQA: More straightforward wording
- Edexcel: More real-world contexts and wordy problems
- OCR: Emphasizes mathematical reasoning and explanation
Practice with past papers from your specific board to familiarize yourself with the question style.
How many GCSE Maths past papers should I complete?
Aim to complete 10-15 full past papers under timed exam conditions for best results. This includes Papers 1, 2, and 3 from your exam board (AQA, Edexcel, or OCR).
Timeline: Start 3 months before exams with 2 papers, then increase to 6-8 papers in the final month. Each paper takes 1.5 hours.
Method: Always mark your work using mark schemes, understand every mistake, and redo incorrect questions.
What's the difference between Foundation and Higher Tier GCSE Maths?
Foundation Tier: Covers grades 1-5, ideal for targeting grades 4-5. Requires approximately 50-70% for grade 4-5.
Higher Tier: Covers grades 4-9, recommended for grades 7+. Requires approximately 20% for grade 4, 60% for grade 7, and 75-80% for grade 9.
Grade 4 overlaps both tiers. Higher Tier includes exclusive topics: surds, bounds, vectors, circle theorems, trigonometric graphs, and algebraic proof.
Can I use a calculator in all GCSE Maths papers?
No. Paper 1 is non-calculator (80 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes), while Papers 2 and 3 allow calculators (80 marks each, 1 hour 30 minutes each).
Make sure you're confident with mental math and written methods for Paper 1. For calculator papers, use any scientific calculator (Casio fx-83GT X or fx-991EX are popular). Graphics calculators are NOT allowed in GCSE exams.
How can I improve from a Grade 3 to a Grade 5 in GCSE Maths?
To improve from Grade 3 to Grade 5:
- Master Foundation tier topics thoroughly (focus on accuracy over speed)
- Complete lots of practice questions on algebra, fractions, and percentages
- Use past papers to identify question patterns
- Work through at least 8-10 past papers under timed conditions
- Review mistakes carefully and understand the correct method
Is it too late to start GCSE Maths revision 2 months before exams?
It's never too late! While earlier is better, 2 months of focused revision can make a huge difference. With 2 months remaining:
- Prioritize high-weight topics (40% algebra, 40% geometry)
- Complete as many past papers as possible (aim for 8-10)
- Use spaced repetition flashcards for formulas
- Focus on your weakest topics first
- Study 1-2 hours daily consistently
Many students achieve significant grade improvements with intensive 2-month revision.