AQA vs Edexcel GCSE Maths: Key Differences and How to Prepare

If you’re taking GCSE Maths, you’re sitting either AQA or Edexcel papers (or possibly OCR, though that’s less common). While both boards assess the same curriculum, there are subtle but important differences in how they structure exams, word questions, and mark your work. Understanding these differences helps you revise more strategically.

The Basic Structure (Same for Both)

Both AQA and Edexcel follow this format:

• Three papers: Two calculators, one non-calculator
• 80 marks per paper (240 marks total)
• 1 hour 30 minutes per paper
• Foundation tier (grades 1-5) or Higher tier (grades 4-9)
• Mix of short and extended response questions

The core content is identical because both boards follow the national curriculum. So what’s different?

Key Differences

Question Style and Wording

AQA tends to ask questions more directly. They’re clear and concise, with less “wordy” context. If you struggle with literacy or find long word problems confusing, AQA’s style might suit you better.

Edexcel is known for more context-heavy questions, especially in their “problem-solving” questions. You’ll get scenarios about shops, gardens, or mobile phone contracts. This tests your ability to extract mathematical information from real-world contexts. If you’re good at applied maths and don’t mind reading, Edexcel is fine.

Calculator Paper Difficulty

AQA calculator papers have a reputation for being slightly more predictable. The questions follow familiar patterns, making it easier to prepare with past papers.

Edexcel calculator papers often include a few curveball questions that test your problem-solving in unfamiliar contexts. These can throw students who rely heavily on pattern recognition.

Non-Calculator Paper

AQA non-calculator papers test mental arithmetic and standard techniques thoroughly. You need solid times tables and fraction skills.

Edexcel non-calculator papers sometimes include algebraic or geometric questions that don’t require much calculation, focusing more on method and reasoning.

Mark Schemes

AQA mark schemes tend to be more generous with method marks. Even if you make a calculation error, you can still earn marks for showing correct working.

Edexcel mark schemes are stricter. They expect more precise mathematical communication, and marks can be lost for unclear or incomplete method.

Topic Weighting

While both boards cover the same curriculum, their emphasis differs slightly:

AQA often features more:

• Algebra (especially simplifying and solving equations)
• Ratio and proportion questions
• Standard geometry (angles, circle theorems)

Edexcel tends to include more:

• Data handling and probability (often with unusual contexts)
• Problem-solving across multiple topics in one question
• Questions requiring extended written explanations

Grade Boundaries

This is where things get interesting. Grade boundaries vary between boards and between papers.

Generally, Edexcel boundaries are slightly lower than AQA boundaries for the same grade—but this doesn’t mean Edexcel is “easier.” Lower boundaries often reflect harder papers. If you need 170/240 for a grade 7 on Edexcel versus 180/240 on AQA, it’s because the Edexcel papers were more challenging that year.

Don’t choose your exam board based on grade boundaries. You don’t get to choose anyway—your school decides based on their experience and resources.

Which Board Is “Easier”?

Neither. They’re different, not easier or harder.

You’ll find AQA easier if you:

• Prefer straightforward, clearly worded questions
• Like predictable question styles
• Struggle with reading comprehension
• Want generous method marks

You’ll find Edexcel easier if you:

• Enjoy problem-solving and applied maths
• Don’t mind reading longer questions
• Like varied, less formulaic questions
• Have strong mathematical reasoning skills

How to Revise for Your Board

For AQA Students

1. Master standard techniques: AQA rewards solid mastery of core methods
2. Do lots of past papers: Questions follow predictable patterns
3. Focus on algebra and geometry: These come up heavily
4. Practice showing your working clearly: Method marks are your friend
5. Don’t skip “easy” topics: Foundation skills earn lots of marks

For Edexcel Students

1. Practice problem-solving: Work through unfamiliar contexts
2. Read questions twice: Make sure you understand what’s being asked
3. Mix your revision: Don’t just drill individual topics
4. Work on mathematical communication: Be clear and precise
5. Get comfortable with wordy questions: Practice extracting information

For Both Boards

• Learn your formulas: The formula sheet doesn’t include everything
• Time yourself: Practice under exam conditions
• Review mistakes: Understand why you got things wrong
• Non-calculator skills matter: Don’t rely on your calculator for everything
• Check your answers: Use the last 5 minutes wisely

Switching Between Boards

If you’re using revision resources from a different board, that’s fine. The content is the same. Just be aware of style differences when you do past papers. Some students find doing both AQA and Edexcel past papers helpful—it exposes you to a wider range of question styles.

The Bottom Line

You’re stuck with whichever board your school chooses, so there’s no point worrying about which is “better.” Focus your energy on understanding the specific style of your board:

• Do past papers from your exam board
• Read mark schemes to understand what examiners want
• Learn the specific topics your board emphasises
• Practice the question styles that appear most often

Whether you’re sitting AQA or Edexcel, the fundamentals remain the same: understand concepts, practice extensively, show your working, and manage your time well.

UpGrades supports both AQA and Edexcel specifications, providing practice questions tailored to your exam board’s style and helping you identify areas that need more focus before exam day.