Edexcel GCSE Maths
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Mathematics
A tiered, linear GCSE assessed by three equally weighted written papers - the most widely used Maths GCSE in UK schools and international centres.
Three 1 hour 30 minute papers, each worth 80 marks (240 total, 4½ hours of exam time). Paper 1 is non-calculator; Papers 2 and 3 allow a calculator. All sat in the same series at the same tier.
- Foundation:Grades 1–5
- Higher:Grades 4–9 (with grade 3 allowed)
Official resources
Specification, papers, mark schemes and grade boundaries - straight from Edexcel.
- Past papers (filtered): Past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports are co-located on this filtered hub.
A formulae sheet ("Exam Aid") is inserted into every paper, reissued each series. Higher tier includes the quadratic formula, sine and cosine rules, ½ab sin C, compound interest, Pythagoras, circle and prism formulae, and the addition and conditional probability rules. The Foundation sheet is a subset (no quadratic formula or non-right trig).
Assessment objectives
How marks are split across the three things examiners look for.
Accurately recall facts, terminology and definitions; use and interpret notation correctly; carry out routine procedures or multi-step solutions.
Make deductions and draw conclusions, construct chains of reasoning, interpret and communicate information accurately, present arguments and proofs, and critically evaluate methods.
Translate problems into mathematical processes, make connections between different parts of mathematics, interpret results in context, and evaluate methods and assumptions used.
What Edexcel tests
The Edexcel specification organises content into the sections below. Each one shows the GCSEwiz topics that practise material from that strand.
Place value and four operations, primes / factors / multiples, powers, roots, indices and surds, standard form, fractions, decimals and percentages, and limits of accuracy.
Notation, manipulating and factorising, graphs of linear, quadratic, cubic, reciprocal, exponential and trig functions, solving equations and inequalities, and arithmetic, quadratic and geometric sequences.
Ratio, scale and proportion, percentage change and reverse percentages, direct and inverse proportion, compound units, growth and decay, and gradient as rate of change.
Angle and polygon properties, congruence and similarity, transformations, constructions and loci, mensuration of 2D / 3D shapes, Pythagoras and trigonometry, circle theorems, and vectors.
Frequency, theoretical and experimental probability, sample spaces, Venn diagrams, tree diagrams, and independent / dependent combined events.
Sampling, tables and charts, measures of central tendency and spread, scatter graphs and correlation, and comparing distributions.
Topics that appear on the Higher paper but not Foundation.
- Surds and rationalising denominators
- Recurring decimals to and from fractions
- Quadratic formula, completing the square and turning points
- Inverse and composite functions in formal notation
- Equation of a circle and the tangent at a point
- Sine rule, cosine rule and 3D trigonometry
- Circle theorems (full set)
- Iterative numerical solutions
- Gradients and areas under non-linear graphs as instantaneous rate / total change
Worth knowing
Pearson also offer the Edexcel International GCSE in Mathematics (Specification A), code 4MA1, designed for international centres.
Open linkThe exam-aid formulae sheet and past-paper PDFs are dated per series, so direct PDF links go out of date - the filtered past-papers hub above is the stable entry point.
Edexcel in other GCSE subjects
Maths is the deep dive above; here is what Edexcel offers across the rest of the GCSE catalogue - each subject's specification, its code and how the papers are structured, with the full syllabus guide a click away.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Language (1EN0)
2 written papers plus a Spoken Language endorsement. Paper 1 'Fiction and Imaginative Writing' (1h45, ~40%): unseen 19th-century fiction extract (Reading) and imaginative writing (choice of two tasks). Paper 2 'Non-fiction and Transactional Writing' (2h05, ~60%): unseen 20th/21st-century non-fiction and transactional writing. Untiered. Spoken Language is non-examination, graded Pass/Merit/Distinction.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Literature (1ET0)
2 closed-book written papers, untiered. Paper 1 'Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature' (1h45, 80 marks, 50%): Section A Shakespeare, Section B post-1914 British play/novel. Paper 2 '19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789' (2h15, 80 marks, 50%): Section A 19th-century novel, Section B anthology-poetry comparison plus unseen-poetry comparison.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Biology (1BI0)
2 written papers, each 1h45, 100 marks, 50% each; tiered Foundation (1BI0/1F, 1BI0/2F) / Higher (1BI0/1H, 1BI0/2H); linear. No NEA - 8 core practicals assessed within the written papers. Paper 1: Key concepts in biology; Cells and control; Genetics; Natural selection and genetic modification; Health, disease and the development of medicines. Paper 2: Plant structures and their functions; Animal coordination, control and homeostasis; Exchange and transport in animals; Ecosystems and material cycles.
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Chemistry (1CH0)
2 written papers, each 1h45 and 100 marks (50% each), tiered Foundation/Higher. Paper 1 (1CH0/1F or 1H) and Paper 2 (1CH0/2F or 2H). First teaching 2016, first certification 2018. No NEA; 8 Core Practicals assessed through the written papers, with at least 15% of marks relating to practical work.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Physics (1PH0)
2 papers, each 1h45 and 100 marks (50% each), tiered F/H, linear. No NEA; 8 core practicals taught during the course and assessed in the exams. Content is split into 15 numbered topics (Topic 1 Key concepts shared across both papers); Paper 1 covers topics 1–7, Paper 2 covers topic 1 plus topics 8–15. An equation/exam-aid sheet is provided; further equations must be recalled.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Combined Science (1SC0)
6 written papers - Biology 1 & 2, Chemistry 1 & 2, Physics 1 & 2; each 1h10 and 60 marks; tiered Foundation/Higher (all papers entered at one tier). No NEA; 18 core practicals assessed in the written papers. Double award (two GCSE grades).
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Computer Science (1CP2)
Untiered, linear; 2 papers, each 50%. Paper 1 'Principles of Computer Science' (1CP2/01) is a written theory paper covering Topics 1–5. Paper 2 'Application of Computational Thinking' (1CP2/02) is an on-screen programming exam (2 hours, 75 marks) where candidates complete programming tasks on a computer in Python 3. No NEA/coursework.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Geography A (Geographical Themes and Concepts) (1GA0)
3 papers, untiered. Component 1 The Physical Environment (94 marks, 37.5%); Component 2 The Human Environment (94 marks, 37.5%); Component 3 Geographical Investigations: Fieldwork and UK Challenges (64 marks, 25%). From September 2025 Papers 1 and 2 changed from 1h30 to 1h45; Paper 3 is 1h30. No NEA; fieldwork in two contrasting environments (one physical from river/coastal landscape, one human from urban/rural) assessed in Component 3.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Geography B (Investigating Geographical Issues) (1GB0)
3 papers, untiered. Component 1 Global Geographical Issues (94 marks, 37.5%); Component 2 UK Geographical Issues (94 marks, 37.5%); Component 3 People and Environment Issues - Making Geographical Decisions (64 marks, 25%). No NEA; fieldwork in two contrasting environments assessed within Component 2 (UK Geographical Issues). Paper timings updated alongside the A spec.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) History (1HI0)
3 papers, no NEA, untiered. Paper 1 (1h15, 30%) Thematic study + historic environment (options: Crime and Punishment c1000–present with Whitechapel c1870–c1900; Medicine in Britain c1250–present with the British sector of the Western Front 1914–18; Warfare and British society c1250–present; Migrants in Britain c800–present). Paper 2 (1h45, 40%) a Period study (e.g. Superpower relations and the Cold War 1941–91; Conflict in the Middle East 1945–95) PLUS a British depth study (e.g. Anglo-Saxon and Norman England 1060–88; Early Elizabethan England 1558–88; Henry VIII; Reigns of King Richard I and King John). Paper 3 (1h20, 30%) a Modern depth study (e.g. Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918–39; Russia and the Soviet Union 1917–41; The USA 1954–75 conflict at home and abroad).
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Religious Studies A (Faith and Practice in the 21st Century) (1RA0)
Untiered, linear, 100% exam. Religion-focused route: a Study of Religion paper plus an Area of Study paper for a second religion, and Paper 3 - Philosophy and Ethics (based on a chosen religion). Each studied religion is examined across four sections: Beliefs and Teachings; Practices; Sources of Wisdom and Authority; Forms of Expression and Ways of Life.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Religious Studies B (Beliefs in Action) (1RB0)
Untiered, linear, 100% exam. Three papers offered, of which students sit two: Paper 1 Religion and Ethics, Paper 2 Religion, Peace and Conflict, Paper 3 Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice (each based on a chosen religion). All seven religions are offered for each paper.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) French (1FR1)
New 2024 spec (first teaching Sept 2024, first exams 2026). 4 papers, each 50 marks/25%: Paper 1 Speaking (teacher-conducted/externally assessed; F 7–9 min + 15 min prep, H 10–12 min + 15 min prep; read-aloud with short interaction, role-play, picture/conversation); Paper 2 Listening (F 45 min, H 60 min, includes dictation); Paper 3 Reading; Paper 4 Writing (F 1h15, H 1h20). Tiered F/H, linear.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Spanish (1SP1)
New 2024 spec (first teaching Sept 2024, first exams 2026). 4 papers, each 50 marks/25%: Paper 1 Speaking (teacher-conducted/externally assessed; F 7–9 min + 15 min prep, H 10–12 min + 15 min prep; read-aloud with short interaction, role-play, picture/conversation); Paper 2 Listening (F 45 min, H 60 min, includes dictation); Paper 3 Reading; Paper 4 Writing (F 1h15, H 1h20). Tiered F/H, linear.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) German (1GN1)
New 2024 spec (first teaching Sept 2024, first exams 2026). 4 papers, each 50 marks/25%: Paper 1 Speaking (teacher-conducted/externally assessed; F 7–9 min + 15 min prep, H 10–12 min + 15 min prep; read-aloud with short interaction, role-play, picture/conversation); Paper 2 Listening (F 45 min, H 60 min, includes dictation); Paper 3 Reading; Paper 4 Writing (F 1h15, H 1h20). Tiered F/H, linear.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Business (1BS0)
2 papers, each 1h30 and 90 marks, each 50%. Paper 1 (1BS0/01): Investigating small business (Theme 1); Paper 2 (1BS0/02): Building a business (Theme 2). Each paper has calculations, multiple-choice, short-answer and extended-writing questions. Untiered, no NEA; calculators allowed.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Economics A (1EC0)
2 papers, each 1h30, each 50%. Paper 1: Introduction to markets and market failure (microeconomics); Paper 2: The national and global economy (macroeconomics). Both externally assessed with multiple-choice, short-answer, calculation/data-response and extended-response questions. Untiered, linear, no NEA; calculators allowed.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Psychology (1PS0)
2 written papers, unequal. Paper 1 (1PS0/01) 1h45, 98 marks, 55% - five compulsory core topics: development, memory, psychological problems, the brain and neuropsychology, social influence. Paper 2 (1PS0/02) 1h20, 79 marks, 45% - students study TWO optional topics from criminal psychology, the self, perception, sleep and dreaming, and language/thought/communication, plus compulsory research methods. Untiered, linear; no NEA.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Art and Design
No written exam. Component 1 Personal Portfolio (72 marks, 60%; 18 marks per AO) and Component 2 Externally Set Assignment (72 marks, 40%) with a preparatory period and 10 hours of sustained focused study. Six titles: Art, Craft and Design (1AD0), Fine Art (1FA0), Graphic Communication (1GC0), Textile Design (1TE0), Three-Dimensional Design (1TD0), Photography (1PY0).
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Design and Technology (1DT0)
Component 1 written exam (2 hours, 100 marks, 50%) with a core section taken by all and a material-category section; Component 2 NEA - a non-examined design-and-make task (100 marks, 50%) responding to a contextual challenge. Min 15% maths, min 10% science.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Music (1MU0)
Three components. Component 1 Performing: NEA, 30%, solo and ensemble performance, combined minimum 4 minutes. Component 2 Composing: NEA, 30%, two compositions (one free, one to an Edexcel-set brief), each at least 1 minute, minimum 3 minutes total. Component 3 Appraising: written/listening exam, 1h45, 80 marks, 40%, based on the eight prescribed set works; Section A questions on extracts of set works, Section B an extended comparison of a set work with an unfamiliar work from the same area of study.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Drama (1DR0)
Three components. Component 1 Devising: NEA, 40% - devised piece plus a portfolio (AO1 30 marks + AO4 15 marks) and the devised performance (AO2 15 marks). Component 2 Performance from Text: NEA, 20% - performance of two key extracts from a chosen text, assessed by a visiting examiner. Component 3 Theatre Makers in Practice: written exam, 1h45, 60 marks, 40% - Section A on a studied performance text (interpreting it for performance), Section B evaluation of a live theatre production seen.
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Physical Education (1PE0)
2 written components: Component 1 Fitness and Body Systems (1PE0/01) and Component 2 Health and Performance (1PE0/02), together ~60% theory. Component 3 Practical Performance (1PE0/03) is the NEA - 3 activities each marked out of 35 (105 total), one team, one individual and one free choice. A Personal Exercise Programme (PEP) is assessed within Component 1. Untiered, linear; first taught 2016, first certification 2018.
Studying for a different board?
The core content overlaps heavily - pick another board to see the specifics.