GCSE Maths past papers
6 min read ยท updated 2026-10-13
Past papers are the most effective GCSE Maths revision, if you use them properly: timed, marked with the official mark scheme and followed up on every error. Each exam board publishes papers and mark schemes on its website.
Where to find them
- โ AQA (8300): past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports on AQA's website
- โ Pearson Edexcel (1MA1): past papers and mark schemes on the Pearson Qualifications website
- โ OCR (J560): past papers and mark schemes on OCR's website
- โ The most recent series are often kept for schools only, so teachers can use them as mocks
How to turn a score into a grade
GCSE Maths has three papers, each 80 marks, for a total of 240. Add up all three and compare with that year's boundaries. In June 2026 on the Higher tier, a grade 4 needed 63 (AQA) or 50 (Edexcel), a 7 needed 166 or 146, and a 9 needed 219 or 208. Our GCSE grade calculator does this for every board and tier.
A past-paper plan
- โ Start with single papers by topic to fix gaps
- โ Move to full papers under exam timing: 1 hour 30 minutes each
- โ Mark with the official mark scheme, including method marks
- โ Keep an error log and redo the questions you got wrong a week later
- โ Read the examiner reports: they list the mistakes most students make
FAQs
Where can I find GCSE Maths past papers?๏ผ
On each exam board's website: AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR all publish past papers and mark schemes.
How many marks is GCSE Maths?๏ผ
240: three papers of 80 marks each.
What mark is a grade 4 in GCSE Maths?๏ผ
In June 2026 on the Higher tier: 63/240 with AQA and 50/240 with Edexcel. Foundation: 154 and 151.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 2026-10-13.
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