Edexcel GCSE Maths (1MA1)
Pearson's flagship maths qualification, the second most-sat GCSE Maths spec in England. Edexcel papers are known for structured, methodical questions and detailed mark schemes — this page covers every aspect you need to revise.
Paper structure
Three papers, 240 marks total
Paper 1
Non-calculator
80 marks · 1 hr 30 min
Paper 2
Calculator
80 marks · 1 hr 30 min
Paper 3
Calculator
80 marks · 1 hr 30 min
Edexcel matches AQA's structure: three 80-mark papers. Foundation (grades 1–5) and Higher (grades 4–9) sit different question sets. The non-calculator paper is sat first.
Recent grade boundaries
Edexcel typically asks for slightly more
Higher tier · out of 240
| Grade | Marks |
|---|---|
| 9 | 200–220 |
| 8 | 178–202 |
| 7 | 155–180 |
| 6 | 122–148 |
| 5 | 90–115 |
| 4 | 58–84 |
Foundation tier · out of 240
| Grade | Marks |
|---|---|
| 5 | 150–172 |
| 4 | 110–135 |
| 3 | 75–98 |
Edexcel boundaries sit slightly higher than AQA's for the same grade, reflecting subtle differences in paper difficulty year on year.
Edexcel style
What sets Edexcel papers apart
Structured, methodical questions
Edexcel questions tend to scaffold a clear method. Show-that and prove questions are common, with each step contributing one mark. This rewards careful, well-laid-out working.
Detailed mark schemes
Pearson's mark schemes spell out exactly what counts as a method mark and what counts as an accuracy mark. Following the standard layout (write the formula, substitute, calculate) maximises mark recovery on tough questions.
Strong on functional maths
Edexcel includes more "real-world maths" style questions — bills, percentages of money, time and distance scenarios — particularly at Foundation tier.
Higher tier puts proofs at the back
Algebraic proof, vector proof and circle theorem proof typically appear in the last few questions of each paper. Practise these specifically — they are predictable and high-value.
Practise calibrated to Edexcel mark schemes.
Instant marking that follows the M-A-C structure — method, accuracy, communication.
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