← Back to UK Blog
Exam Structure by Board
A-Level Mathematics is examined across two or three papers depending on the board. All boards include Pure Mathematics, Statistics, and Mechanics.
| Board | Papers | Format | Duration |
|---|
| Edexcel | 3 papers (Pure 1, Pure 2, Stats/Mechanics) | Mixed calculator/no-calc | 2h each |
| AQA | 3 papers (Pure, Stats/Mechanics, Pure) | Paper 1 no-calc; 2 & 3 calc allowed | 2h each |
| CIE (A2) | 4 papers (Pure 1, Pure 2, Pure 3 + applied) | All calc allowed | 1h 50min each |
| OCR A | 3 papers (Pure & Stats, Pure & Mechanics, Mixed) | Paper 1 no-calc | 2h each |
2026 A-Level exams run May–June 2026. Edexcel and AQA publish exact timetables in February. CIE May/June papers start in late April. Check your exam board's website for your specific paper dates.
Pure Maths: Highest-Yield Topics
Pure Mathematics makes up approximately 67% of all A-Level Maths marks. These are the topics that appear on virtually every paper:
| Topic | All Boards | Marks Impact |
|---|
| Differentiation (incl. chain, product, quotient rules) | ✓ | Very High |
| Integration (definite, by parts, by substitution) | ✓ | Very High |
| Algebra & functions (factor theorem, partial fractions) | ✓ | High |
| Trigonometry (identities, addition formulae, radians) | ✓ | High |
| Proof (by contradiction, by induction) | ✓ | High |
| Sequences & series (binomial, geometric, arithmetic) | ✓ | High |
| Exponentials & logarithms | ✓ | Medium-High |
| Coordinate geometry (circles, parametric) | ✓ | Medium-High |
| Numerical methods (Newton-Raphson, iteration) | ✓ | Medium |
| Vectors (3D, dot product) | ✓ | Medium |
The Integration Imperative
Integration is consistently the highest-mark topic across all exam boards. Students who master all integration techniques — including integration by parts, substitution, and partial fractions — typically gain 20–30 marks across a three-paper set. Prioritise this above all other Pure topics.
Statistics & Mechanics
Applied topics (Statistics and Mechanics) make up approximately 33% of the total marks, split roughly equally between the two.
Statistics — Key Topics
- Hypothesis testing — the most reliably examined stats topic. Know how to set up H₀ and H₁, calculate critical regions, and interpret p-values in context.
- Normal distribution — standardising to Z, finding probabilities, inverse normal.
- Binomial distribution — identifying when to use it, cumulative probabilities.
- Correlation and regression — interpreting gradient and intercept in context is regularly worth marks.
Mechanics — Key Topics
- Newton's laws of motion — F = ma applied to connected particles, pulleys, inclined planes.
- Kinematics — SUVAT equations and variable acceleration (using calculus).
- Moments — equilibrium of a rigid body with multiple forces.
- Projectile motion — horizontal/vertical components, maximum height, range.
Exam Technique
- Show every step. A-Level mark schemes award method marks for correct intermediate working. A wrong answer with correct method still earns partial credit.
- Don't skip algebraic steps. Even if you can simplify mentally, write each step. Examiners cannot give marks for steps they cannot see.
- Interpret your answer. In Statistics and Mechanics, always state what your numerical answer means in context.
- Check the question. "Find the exact value" means leave in surd/logarithm form. "Sketch" means label key features. "Hence" means use the previous part.
Common Mistakes
Frequent errors:
- Differentiating when the question asks you to integrate (or vice versa)
- Forgetting +C on indefinite integrals
- Using degrees when the question requires radians (especially in integration and differentiation of trig)
- Not checking whether to use the one-tailed or two-tailed critical region in hypothesis tests
- Using g = 9.8 when the question specifies g = 10 (or vice versa) in Mechanics
12-Week Revision Plan
| Weeks | Focus |
|---|
| 1–3 | Pure: Differentiation, Integration (all techniques), Trigonometry identities |
| 4–5 | Pure: Proof, Sequences & Series, Logarithms & Exponentials |
| 6–7 | Stats: Normal distribution, Binomial, Hypothesis testing, Regression |
| 8–9 | Mechanics: Kinematics, Newton's laws, Projectiles, Moments |
| 10–11 | Past paper practice (full timed papers) |
| 12 | Weak areas only + formula sheet review |
Textbook resource: Work through our
A-Level Maths chapter library — pure maths, statistics, and mechanics are all covered with worked examples and exam-style questions.
A-Level Maths Tutoring
Struggling with integration by parts or hypothesis testing? Our A-Level tutors cover every topic from the Edexcel, AQA, and CIE specifications. Book a free first session.
Book a Free Session
Related Posts