Edexcel GCSE Maths past papers and mark schemes
Pearson Edexcel publishes its GCSE Maths (1MA1) past papers and mark schemes free through its own past paper search. The exam is three papers at Foundation or Higher tier: Paper 1 is non-calculator, Papers 2 and 3 allow a calculator, and each is 80 marks in 1 hour 30 minutes. The most recent papers, from the last 12 months, are only available to teachers.
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Where to find every Edexcel GCSE Maths paper
Pearson publishes Edexcel GCSE Maths question papers, mark schemes and examiners' reports free on its own past paper search, rather than as a fixed list of links, so we send you straight there.
Open Pearson's free past paper search
- Choose GCSE and Mathematics (2015) if they are not already selected.
- Pick the exam series, then open the question paper, mark scheme or examiners' report.
- Papers from the last 12 months are for teachers only; ask your teacher for them after your mocks.
Edexcel GCSE Maths paper structure
| Paper | Questions or marks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: non-calculator | 80 marks | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Paper 2: calculator | 80 marks | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Paper 3: calculator | 80 marks | 1 hour 30 minutes |
For the 2025, 2026 and 2027 exams, every student gets a formulae sheet with the key formulas, such as the area of a trapezium and the quadratic formula. Practise with it, but still learn the formulas: knowing them saves time.
What the papers cover
| Topic area | Foundation | Higher |
|---|---|---|
| Number | 22 to 28% | 12 to 18% |
| Algebra | 17 to 23% | 27 to 33% |
| Ratio, proportion and rates of change | 22 to 28% | 17 to 23% |
| Geometry and measures | 12 to 18% | 17 to 23% |
| Probability and statistics | 12 to 18% | 12 to 18% |
Every GCSE Maths board must follow these weightings. Any topic can appear on any of the three papers, so practise full papers rather than expecting a topic on a particular paper. Higher tier leans much more on algebra, which is why it is the topic to strengthen first if you are aiming for grades 7 to 9.
Tips for Edexcel GCSE Maths papers
- Edexcel papers usually start with short, accessible questions and get harder, so do not spend too long early on.
- Look out for 'show that' and 'give reasons' questions: the marks are for the written reasoning, not just the number.
- If your school uses the most recent papers as mocks, ask your teacher for the mark scheme afterwards to review properly.
- Edexcel Higher questions often combine topics, such as ratio with area or algebra with geometry. Practise mixed papers, not only topic tests.
Free Edexcel GCSE Maths practice questions
Ten original questions written by our tutors in the style of the exam. Choose an answer to see if you are right and why.
Answered 0 of 10 · 0 correct
1. Work out 3/4 + 2/5.
Show answer
C. Use a common denominator of 20: 15/20 + 8/20 = 23/20, which is 1 3/20.
2. Increase £80 by 15%.
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B. 15% of £80 is £12, so the new amount is £92. (Or multiply by 1.15.)
3. Factorise x² + 7x + 12.
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A. Find two numbers that multiply to 12 and add to 7: 3 and 4.
4. What is the area of a circle of radius 5 cm, in terms of π?
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B. A = πr² = π × 5² = 25π cm².
5. Solve 3(x − 2) = 2x + 5.
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D. Expand: 3x − 6 = 2x + 5, so x = 11.
6. What is the nth term of the sequence 5, 8, 11, 14, …?
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B. It goes up by 3, so 3n, and the first term 5 is 3 + 2: 3n + 2.
7. A car travels 150 km in 2.5 hours. What is its average speed?
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B. Speed = distance ÷ time = 150 ÷ 2.5 = 60 km/h.
8. What is the sum of the interior angles of a hexagon?
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C. (n − 2) × 180° = 4 × 180° = 720°.
9. Simplify (2x³)².
Show answer
C. Square the 2 and double the power: 4x⁶.
10. What is the mean of 4, 7, 7, 10 and 12?
Show answer
B. The total is 40, and 40 ÷ 5 = 8.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I download Edexcel GCSE Maths past papers?
From Pearson's free past paper search, linked on this page. Choose GCSE, Mathematics (2015), then the series you want.
Why can't I find the newest Edexcel paper?
Pearson keeps papers from the last 12 months for teachers only, so schools can use them as mocks. Your teacher can share them.
Which Edexcel GCSE Maths paper is non-calculator?
Paper 1, at both Foundation and Higher tier.