Number
5 topicsFoundation for all other units. Examiners test surds, bounds, and reverse percentage frequently in higher-tier papers.
- Integers, decimals, fractions
- Powers, roots, surds
- Standard form
- Percentages and ratio
- Bounds and error intervals
🇬🇧 GCSE reference page
GCSE Mathematics Syllabus Reference
A topic-grouped study map for GCSE Maths — covering all five AQA/Edexcel/OCR areas with revision cues that highlight what examiners actually test, not just what is in the spec.
5
topic areas
3
exam papers
80
marks per paper
Topic map
Number
~22%Algebra
~30%Ratio & Proportion
~20%Geometry
~25%Statistics
~15%Approximate mark weighting across all three papers (Edexcel higher tier)
Syllabus by topic group
Study by concept cluster, not spec order
AQA, Edexcel, and OCR GCSE Maths share the same five topic areas. The groupings below show how topics connect within each area, which is more useful for revision than reading the spec page by page.
Algebra
6 topicsHighest mark allocation on paper 2 and 3. Algebraic proof and function notation are common 4–5 mark questions.
- Expanding and factorising
- Solving equations and inequalities
- Simultaneous equations
- Sequences (nth term)
- Quadratics and completing the square
- Functions and graphs
Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change
4 topicsOften tested in context — read the question carefully for units. Compound measures appear in science crossover questions.
- Direct and inverse proportion
- Speed, distance, time
- Percentage change
- Compound measures (density, pressure)
Geometry & Measures
7 topicsCircle theorems require stating the theorem name to gain full marks. Vectors are a consistent higher-tier topic.
- Angles and parallel lines
- Area and perimeter
- Circle theorems
- Pythagoras and trigonometry
- 3D shapes and volume
- Vectors
- Transformations
Probability & Statistics
4 topicsHistograms (frequency density) and combined probability are reliably tested. Check whether events are mutually exclusive.
- Mean, median, mode, range
- Frequency tables and histograms
- Probability trees and Venn diagrams
- Scatter graphs and correlation
Practice bridge
From syllabus to practice test in one step
Step 1
Paste a GCSE Maths topic (e.g. 'circle theorems') and generate 10 practice questions with full working.
Step 2
Upload a photo of a past paper question — the AI builds 5 similar questions at the same difficulty.
Step 3
Ask for a mixed paper covering Number, Algebra, and Geometry with mark-scheme style answers.
Commonly searched questions
What students ask most about GCSE Maths
How to revise GCSE Maths effectively
Work through past papers topic by topic rather than paper by paper. Identify your weakest area from the five domains (Number, Algebra, Geometry, Ratio, Statistics) and drill that first. Use mark schemes — understanding why an answer gets marks is more useful than just checking if you got it right.
Where to find GCSE Maths past papers
Past papers are available free on the official board websites: AQA, Edexcel (Pearson), and OCR each publish at least five years of papers with mark schemes. Links are in the official resources section below.
What grade do I need in GCSE Maths for sixth form?
Most sixth forms and colleges require a grade 4 (standard pass) as a minimum for A-Level entry, and grade 6 or 7 for Maths, Sciences, or Economics A-Levels. Check your specific school's entry requirements as they vary.
What is the hardest topic in GCSE Maths?
Circle theorems, algebraic proof, and histograms (frequency density) are the topics students lose the most marks on. Circle theorems require naming the theorem — not just using it. Histograms confuse frequency and frequency density. Both appear in every series.
Official resources
From the exam boards directly
This page covers the current GCSE Mathematics specification. Verify the official board site before your exam if a spec update has been announced.