Edexcel GCSE Mathematics
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course overview
The PEARSON-EDEXCEL GCSE Mathematics specification covers 13 study areas with 448 learning objectives (1MA1). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 13 study areas
- 122 study pages
- 448 learning objectives
- 369
- verified practice questions
- 122
- verified teaching notes
- 13
- topics
- 11
- explainer videos
- 52
- audio lessons
Your exams
- Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) Foundation TierFriday, 14 May 2027, AM
- Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) Higher TierFriday, 14 May 2027, AM
- Paper 2 (Calculator) Foundation TierThursday, 27 May 2027, AM
- Paper 2 (Calculator) Higher TierThursday, 27 May 2027, AM
- Paper 3 (Calculator) Foundation TierMonday, 14 June 2027, AM
- Paper 3 (Calculator) Higher TierMonday, 14 June 2027, AM
Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) (Foundation) | 90 min | 80 | 33.33% |
| Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) (Higher) | 90 min | 80 | 33.33% |
| Paper 2 (Calculator) (Foundation) | 90 min | 80 | 33.33% |
| Paper 2 (Calculator) (Higher) | 90 min | 80 | 33.33% |
| Paper 3 (Calculator) (Foundation) | 90 min | 80 | 33.33% |
| Paper 3 (Calculator) (Higher) | 90 min | 80 | 33.33% |
Explore your topics
13 study areas
Number3 subtopics
- Number - Fractions, decimals and percentages4 specification points covering work interchangeably with terminating decimals and their corresponding fractions (such as 3.5 and 7/2 or 0.375 or 3/8)…13 objectives · 4 study pages
- Number - Measures and accuracy5 specification points covering use standard units of mass, length, time, money and other measures (including standard compound measures) using decimal…15 objectives · 5 study pages
- Number - Structure and calculation13 specification points covering order positive and negative integers, decimals and fractions; use the symbols =, ≠, <, >, ≤, ≥, apply the four operations,…43 objectives · 13 study pages
Algebra4 subtopics
- Algebra - Graphs13 specification points covering work with coordinates in all four quadrants, plot graphs of equations that correspond to straight-line graphs in the…52 objectives · 13 study pages
- Algebra - Notation, vocabulary and manipulation10 specification points covering use and interpret algebraic manipulation, including: • ab in place of a × b • 3y in place of y + y + y and 3 × y • a² in…33 objectives · 10 study pages
- Algebra - Sequences5 specification points covering generate terms of a sequence from either a term-to-term or a position-to-term rule, recognise and use sequences of…20 objectives · 5 study pages
- Algebra - Solving equations and inequalities9 specification points covering solve linear equations in one unknown algebraically (including those with the unknown on both sides of the equation); find…38 objectives · 9 study pages
Ratio, proportion and rates of change1 topic
Geometry and measures3 subtopics
- Geometry and measures - Mensuration and calculation12 specification points covering use standard units of measure and related concepts (length, area, volume/capacity, mass, time, money, etc.), measure line…43 objectives · 12 study pages
- Geometry and measures - Properties and constructions14 specification points covering use conventional terms and notations: points, lines, vertices, edges, planes, parallel lines, perpendicular lines, right…50 objectives · 14 study pages
- Geometry and measures - Vectors3 specification points covering describe translations as 2D vectors, apply addition and subtraction of vectors, multiplication of vectors by a scalar, and…10 objectives · 3 study pages
About this course
About Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (9-1) is designed to develop fluent knowledge, skills, and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts. The course covers a broad range of topics including number, algebra, ratio, proportion, geometry, measures, statistics, and probability, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving and reasoning.
The specification is structured into two tiers: Foundation (grades 1-5) and Higher (grades 4-9), allowing students to be entered at the level most appropriate to their ability. The course is linear, with all assessments taken at the end of the course, and it aims to prepare students for further study and the mathematical demands of everyday life and the workplace.
Assessment Structure
The Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics qualification is assessed through three written papers, each worth 80 marks and contributing equally to the final grade (33.33% each). Paper 1 is a non-calculator paper, while Papers 2 and 3 allow the use of a calculator. Each paper is 1 hour and 30 minutes long, and the total assessment time is 4 hours and 30 minutes. There is no coursework or controlled assessment; all assessment is through external examinations taken at the end of the course.
Why Choose Pearson Edexcel?
- Pearson Edexcel offers a clear and accessible specification with a strong focus on problem-solving and reasoning, which helps students develop deep mathematical understanding. The exam papers are designed to be engaging and relevant, with a variety of question styles that reward both fluency and application.
- The tiered entry system (Foundation and Higher) provides flexibility for students of all abilities, ensuring that each student is assessed at an appropriate level. Additionally, Edexcel provides extensive support resources, including past papers, mark schemes, and online tools, which are invaluable for revision and exam preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Foundation and Higher tier in Edexcel GCSE Maths?
How many exams are there in Edexcel GCSE Maths and are they all written?
Can I use a calculator in all Edexcel GCSE Maths papers?
What is the pass mark for Edexcel GCSE Maths and how are grades awarded?
Are there any formulae sheets provided in the Edexcel GCSE Maths exams?
Assessment and exam guidance
Assessment Objectives
Use and apply standard techniques. Students should be able to: accurately recall facts, terminology and definitions; use and interpret notation correctly; accurately carry out routine procedures or set tasks requiring multi-step solutions.
Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically. Students should be able to: make deductions, inferences and draw conclusions from mathematical information; construct chains of reasoning to achieve a given result; interpret and communicate information accurately; present arguments and proofs; assess the validity of an argument and critically evaluate a given way of presenting information. Where problems require students to use and apply standard techniques or independently solve problems, a proportion of those marks is attributed to the corresponding assessment objective.
Solve problems within mathematics and in other contexts. Students should be able to: translate problems in mathematical or non-mathematical contexts into a process or a series of mathematical processes; make and use connections between different parts of mathematics; interpret results in the context of the given problem; evaluate methods used and results obtained; evaluate solutions to identify how they may have been affected by assumptions made. Where problems require students to use and apply standard techniques or to reason, interpret and communicate mathematically, a proportion of those marks is attributed to the corresponding assessment objective.
Exam Structure
Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) (Foundation)
1h 30m
Duration
80
Marks
33.33%
Weighting
Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) (Higher)
1h 30m
Duration
80
Marks
33.33%
Weighting
Paper 2 (Calculator) (Foundation)
1h 30m
Duration
80
Marks
33.33%
Weighting
Paper 2 (Calculator) (Higher)
1h 30m
Duration
80
Marks
33.33%
Weighting
Paper 3 (Calculator) (Foundation)
1h 30m
Duration
80
Marks
33.33%
Weighting
Paper 3 (Calculator) (Higher)
1h 30m
Duration
80
Marks
33.33%
Weighting
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Writing 0.375 as 375/100 instead of 375/1000. Correction: Count the decimal places carefully; three places means the denominator is 1000.
- •Stopping at 375/1000 when the question asks for the simplest form. Correction: Always check if the numerator and denominator share common factors.
- •Reading 3.5 as 3/5 rather than as three and a half (7/2). Correction: The number before the decimal point is a whole number.
- •Dividing the denominator by the numerator, so turning 3/8 into 8 ÷ 3 = 2.666... instead of 3 ÷ 8 = 0.375. Correction: The fraction bar means divide the top by the bottom.
- •multiplying by ten when the repeating block has two digits, so the tails do not line up and nothing cancels
- •writing only the digits shown on the page rather than continuing the decimal, which hides the fact that the tails are identical
- •leaving the answer as 45/99 when the question asks for the simplest form
- •treating a decimal such as 0.375 as recurring and starting the algebra on it when short cancelling would finish the job
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Learn common conversions by heart, such as 1/8 = 0.125, 1/4 = 0.25, and 3/4 = 0.75, to save time in non-calculator questions.
- •Check a conversion by multiplying back: if you found 3/8 = 0.375, check that 0.375 × 8 = 3.
- •When ordering a list of mixed decimals and fractions, it is usually easiest to convert everything to decimals first, order them, then write the answer using the original numbers.
- •Write both lines one under the other with the decimal points aligned, so the subtraction is obviously exact.
- •Test your fraction on the calculator when the paper allows one; it should reproduce the recurring digits.
- •If the question says show that, finish with a line naming the fraction you were asked to reach rather than stopping at the algebra.
- •Sketch a bar split into the parts and label one part; most ratio questions then read straight off the bar.
- •Add your final shares together and compare with the total in the question as a check before moving on.
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