GCSE Maths Guide 2025: Key Info for Students and Parents
GCSE Mathematics is a core subject in the UK and essential for further education, university entry, and many careers. A strong grade opens doors to A-levels, apprenticeships, and prestigious job opportunities that require numerical skills.
This guide explains the key information you need to know about GCSE Maths, including exam structure, grading, topics covered, and key exam dates for 2025.
Contents
1. When Do Students Take GCSE Maths?
In the UK, students typically sit their GCSE Mathematics exams at the end of Year 11, around 16.
2. GCSE Maths Tiers and Grading
GCSE Mathematics is assessed at two different levels:
- Higher Tier – Targets grades 9 to 4
- Foundation Tier – Targets grades 5 to 1
As students progress through the exam paper, the difficulty of questions increases.
3. The ‘Safety Net’ in the Higher Tier
If a student takes the Higher Tier exam and just slightly misses grade 4, they may still be awarded grade 3. This means that grades 3 to 5 can be achieved in both tiers.
4. Grade Comparisons by Tier
| Tier | Grade Range (Numbers) | Grade Range (Letters) | Safety Net Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
Higher | 9 – 4 | A* – C | Grade 3 (equivalent to D) |
Foundation | 5 – 1 | C/B – G | None |
To increase fairness, some exam questions are the same in both tiers. This ensures that the same grade reflects the same ability level, regardless of the tier.
5. Choosing Between Foundation and Higher Tier
The decision on whether a student sits the Foundation or Higher Tier is made by teachers or schools, usually in Year 10 or early Year 11. This decision is based on:
- Mock exam results
- Predicted grades
- Teacher assessments
If you’re unsure which tier is right for you, speak to your teacher and consider which topics you find easier or more challenging.
6.Topics Covered in GCSE Mathematics
GCSE Maths is divided into five key topic areas:
- Number
- Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Probability and Statistics
7. Topic Weighting by Tier
The Department for Education (DfE) sets percentage weightings for each topic in Foundation and Higher Tier exams.
- In the Foundation Tier, the largest topic areas are Number and Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change.
- The Higher Tier, Algebra carries the most weight.
| Topic | Foundation (%) | Higher (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 25% | 15% | |
| 25% | 20% | |
| 20% | 30% | |
| 15% | 20% | |
| 15% | 15% |
💡 Tip: If you highly struggle with Algebra or Geometry but find Numbers and Ratios easier, the Foundation Tier may be a better fit.
8. GCSE Maths Exam Structure
- Three exam papers
- Combination of different mathematical topics in each paper
- The topic weightings above are consistent across all exam boards.
- The overall topic weightings in the above table apply to the full tier, not individual papers
- The examination boards AQA, Edexcel, and OCR follow a similar structure but differ in question style. While topics and difficulty levels are officially the same, these differences can impact the exam experience.
9. Further Information
Below, you will find more details on each exam board, including the 2025 exam timetable and last year’s grade boundaries.
Grade Boundaries and Distribution (Summer 2024)
1. AQA
Higher (Max = 240)
Grade | Mark | % of Max |
|---|---|---|
9 | 219 | 91% |
8 | 191 | 80% |
7 | 163 | 68% |
6 | 129 | 54% |
5 | 95 | 40% |
4 | 61 | 25% |
3 | 44 | 18% |
Foundation (Max = 240)
Grade | Mark | % of Max |
|---|---|---|
5 | 186 | 78% |
4 | 157 | 65% |
3 | 117 | 49% |
2 | 77 | 32% |
1 | 37 | 15% |
The tables above show the marks required for each grade in the summer 2024 exam. In the higher AQA tier, students needed at least 61 out of 240 points for grade 4, which is 25% of the maximum score. In the foundation tier, 157 marks were required for grade 4, or 65% of the maximum score.
This does not mean grade 4 is easier in the higher tier, as the questions are more difficult despite the lower mark requirement.
Grade | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | U |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% Students | 3% | 6% | 7% | 9% | 15% | 17% | 19% | 13% | 8% | 3% |
The table above shows the percentage of students who achieved a given grade across both tiers. For example, grade 6 was achieved by 9% of all test takers in the Summer 2024 AQA GCSE Maths exam.
2. Edexcel
Higher (Max = 240)
Grade | Mark | % of Max |
|---|---|---|
9 | 203 | 85% |
8 | 174 | 73% |
7 | 145 | 60% |
6 | 112 | 47% |
5 | 79 | 33% |
4 | 47 | 20% |
3 | 31 | 13% |
Foundation (Max = 240)
Grade | Mark | % of Max |
|---|---|---|
5 | 182 | 76% |
4 | 147 | 61% |
3 | 109 | 45% |
2 | 71 | 30% |
1 | 33 | 14% |
The tables above show the marks required for each grade in the summer 2024 exam. In the higher Edexcel tier, students needed at least 47 out of 240 points for grade 4, which is 20% of the maximum score. In the foundation tier, 147 marks were required for grade 4, or 61% of the maximum score. This does not mean grade 4 is easier in the higher tier, as the questions are more difficult despite the lower mark requirement.
Grade | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | U |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% Students | 4% | 6% | 8% | 11% | 16% | 17% | 17% | 12% | 7% | 2% |
The table above shows the percentage of students who achieved a given grade across both tiers. For example, grade 6 was achieved by 11% of all test takers in the Summer 2024 Edexcel GCSE Maths exam.
3.OCR
Higher (Max = 240)
Grade | Mark | % of Max |
|---|---|---|
9 | 245 | 82% |
8 | 195 | 65% |
7 | 145 | 48% |
6 | 110 | 37% |
5 | 76 | 25% |
4 | 42 | 14% |
3 | 25 | 8% |
Foundation (Max = 240)
Grade | Mark | % of Max |
|---|---|---|
5 | 180 | 60% |
4 | 131 | 44% |
3 | 93 | 31% |
2 | 55 | 18% |
1 | 18 | 6% |
The tables above show the marks required for each grade in the summer 2024 exam. In the higher OCR tier, students needed at least 42 out of 300 points for grade 4, which is 14% of the maximum score. In the foundation tier, 131 marks were required for grade 4, or 44% of the maximum score. This does not mean grade 4 is easier in the higher tier, as the questions are more difficult despite the lower mark requirement.
Grade | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | U |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
% Students | 3% | 5% | 8% | 8% | 18% | 21% | 14% | 12% | 8% | 2% |
The table above shows the percentage of students who achieved a given grade across both tiers. For example, grade 6 was achieved by 8% of all test takers in the Summer 2024 OCR GCSE Maths exam.
GCSE Maths 2025 Exam Dates & Format
The tables below summarise the 2025 GCSE Maths exam dates and formats for the three major examination boards: AQA, Edexcel, and OCR.
1. AQA & Edexcel GCSE Mathematics Exam Dates (2025)
Examination Date | Foundation | Higher | Duration | Marks | % of Total Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15/05/2025 | Paper 1* | Paper 1* | 90 min | 80 | 33% |
04/06/2025 | Paper 2 | Paper 2 | 90 min | 80 | 33% |
11/06/2025 | Paper 3 | Paper 3 | 90 min | 80 | 33% |
(* Paper 1 is a non-calculator paper)
2. OCR GCSE Mathematics Exam Dates (2025)
Examination Date | Foundation | Higher | Duration | Marks | % of Total Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15/05/2025 | Paper 1 | Paper 4 | 90 min | 100 | 33% |
04/06/2025 | Paper 2* | Paper 5* | 90 min | 100 | 33% |
11/06/2025 | Paper 3 | Paper 6 | 90 min | 100 | 33% |
(* Paper 2 and Paper 5 are non-calculator paper)
Useful resources
GCSE Maths is an important subject that can shape your future studies and career.
Now that you understand the exam structure, topics, and grading, it’s time to start preparing!
FAQ: GCSE Mathematics Guide
1. When do students take the GCSE Maths exam?
Typically at the end of Year 11, around the age of 16.
2. What are the different tiers for the GCSE Maths exam?
- Higher Tier: Targets grades 9 to 4, with a “Safety Net” grade of 3
- Foundation Tier: Targets grades 5 to 1
3. What is the "Safety Net" in the Higher Tier?
The safety net allows students who miss grade 4 in the higher tier to receive grade 3.
4. How do I decide between Foundation or Higher Tier?
The decision is based on mock exam results, predicted grades, and teacher assessments.
6. Are topic weightings different for Foundation and Higher Tiers?
- Foundation Tier: Number and Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change carry the most weight.
- Higher Tier: Algebra and Geometry carry the most weight.
7. What is the structure of the GCSE Maths exam?
The exam consists of three papers, each lasting 90 minutes, with a mix of topics in each paper. The topics follow a consistent weighting across all exam boards.
8. How does the grading system work for different exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR)?
Each exam board has different grade boundaries, determining the marks required for each grade. However, the difficulty of achieving the same grade is comparable across boards.
9. What are the GCSE Maths exam dates for 2025?
For AQA, Edexcel, and OCR (Higher and Foundation):
– Paper 1: 15 May 2025
– Paper 2: 4 June 2025
– Paper 3: 11 June 2025
(OCR Papers 4, 5, and 6 follow the same dates as above)
10. Are any of the exam papers non-calculator?
Yes, Paper 1 for AQA and Edexcel, and Paper 2 for OCR, are non-calculator papers.
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