How to Get an A* in IGCSE Maths

Getting an A* or grade 9 in IGCSE Maths isn't just about being brilliant at numbers. It's about smart strategies, focused revision, and mastering the art of exam technique.

Whether you're aiming to push from a B to an A* or you're determined to nail that top grade from the start, this guide will show you exactly what it takes.

What It Takes to Get an A*

Understanding A* grade boundaries is your first step to success. The A* grade typically requires around 80-85% of total marks across all papers, though this varies slightly each year depending on paper difficulty.

In June 2025, students needed to achieve

• 78% in timezone 1 to get an A* in Cambridge IGCSE Maths 0580

• 88% in timezone 2 to get an A* in Cambridge IGCSE Maths 0580

• 89% in timezone 3 to get an A* in Cambridge IGCSE Maths 0580

• 92% to get a grade 9 in Cambridge IGCSE Maths 0980

• 81% to get a grade 9 in Edexcel IGCSE Maths A

Top-performing students share three key qualities: consistency, precision, and excellent exam technique. They don't just solve problems – they solve them efficiently and present their work clearly.

You might get tired of your teacher telling you to show your working. However, I once had a student who was 3 marks away from an A*. I received her exam papers back from Edexcel. There was a four mark question where she just wrote down her answer without any working. Her answer was wrong so she scored no marks. However, if she had written some working, she might have scored some marks and achieved that A*!

Examiners look for students who can apply mathematical concepts confidently, show their working clearly, and avoid careless errors that cost valuable marks.

Know the Syllabus Inside Out

Your official syllabus is your roadmap to success. Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580 (opens in a new tab) and Edexcel IGCSE Mathematics A (opens in a new tab) both cover the core areas: Number, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics & Probability.

Create a topic checklist to track your progress through each syllabus point. This prevents you from missing crucial areas that could appear in your exam. I used to print out a condensed version of the specification for my students so that they could use it when revising.

The most frequently tested topics include:

• Quadratic equations and functions

• Trigonometry (including sine and cosine rules)

• Circle theorems and properties

• Probability calculations

• Coordinate geometry

• Indices and surds

These high-weighted topics deserve extra attention in your revision schedule. They often appear as multi-mark questions that can significantly boost your overall score.

You can use our revision notes for Cambridge or Edexcel to help you work through the topics in the specification.

Master the Hardest Topics First

A* students tackle challenging concepts early in their revision cycle. This gives you time to truly understand complex topics rather than cramming them at the last minute.

The most challenging A* topics typically include:

• Functions and inverse functions

• Area and volume of similar shapes

• Vector geometry and calculations

• Advanced circle theorems

• Histograms

• Differentiation

Start with these difficult areas when your brain is fresh and motivated. Break complex problems into smaller steps to make them manageable.

Use the "teach someone else" method – if you can explain a concept clearly to a friend or family member, you truly understand it. 

Tutoring weaker students or young students is a great way to do this if you find it awkward practising with your friends and family. At the first school I worked in, I used to get willing Year 11 students to teach Year 10 students during enrichment time.

Practice similar problems repeatedly until the method becomes automatic. This builds confidence for exam conditions.

Use Past Papers Like a Pro

Past papers are your most valuable revision tool. They show you exactly what examiners expect and help you develop crucial exam techniques.

You can access past papers for Cambridge and Edexcel on our site. Use papers from the last three years for the most relevant practice.

If you are studying Cambridge, then from 2025 the papers have changed. Paper 2 is now non-calculator. And both Paper 2 and 4 now contain short and extended questions. Older papers are still useful, but beware that they were all calculator questions.

Follow this proven past paper strategy:

1. Attempt papers under timed conditions

2. Mark your work using the official mark scheme

3. Identify patterns in your mistakes

4. Practice similar question types until you master them

Pay close attention to mark scheme language. Examiners use specific phrases that indicate exactly what they want to see in your answer.

Time management is crucial – aim to complete each paper with 10-15 minutes spare for checking your work.

Learn from Your Mistakes

Building an "error log" transforms your weaknesses into strengths. Record every mistake you make during practice, noting the topic, question type, and reason for the error.

When I have marked exam papers, I found that the most common reasons why students lose marks include:

• Forgetting units in final answers

• Incorrect rounding or decimal places

• Poor algebraic manipulation

• Misreading question requirements

• Inadequate diagram labelling

Review your error log weekly to spot patterns. If you consistently struggle with bearings, for example, dedicate extra time to that topic. You can use Save My Exams to create your own personalised test covering these topics.

Think like an examiner when reviewing your work. Ask yourself: "Is my working clear?" and "Have I answered what was actually asked?"

Remember, the examiner will not know you. Your teacher might understand what you meant in your answer. If it is not clear to an examiner, however, then you will not get the mark.

Aim for Full Marks in Easy Questions

A* grades come from consistency across all difficulty levels. While solving complex problems can be impressive, dropping marks on straightforward questions damages your grade.

I once taught a student who decided to work from the back of the paper to focus on the harder questions first. He got most of them correct. However, he spent so long on them that he ran out of time and missed the first three questions. These were worth 12 marks! 

Master these "easy mark" areas:

• Basic arithmetic and calculator work

• Simple algebraic manipulation

• Reading values from graphs

• Converting units and measurements

• Basic probability calculations

Always double-check calculations, even simple ones. Use your calculator wisely but don't rely on it for everything.

Present your working neatly and logically. Examiners award method marks even if your final answer is incorrect.

Show all steps clearly – what seems obvious to you might not be obvious to the examiner.

Make Your Revision Smarter, Not Longer

Effective revision techniques maximise your learning while minimising time waste. Research shows that active recall and spaced repetition are far more effective than passive re-reading.

Use our flashcards for formulas, definitions, and key concepts. Test yourself regularly rather than just reviewing notes.

Interleaved practice involves mixing different types of problems in one study session. This builds stronger connections between concepts. Use our expertly written questions to help you.

Follow the 25-minute focused study rule: work intensively for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. This maintains concentration and prevents mental fatigue.

Create a weekly revision schedule that revisits topics at increasing intervals. Review new topics after one day, then three days, then one week.

Use the Best Resources

Quality resources accelerate your progress significantly. Combine multiple sources for comprehensive understanding.

Save My Exams offers:

• Revision notes for quick summary of topics

• Flashcards to test yourself of the key knowledge

• Topic questions to practise exam-style questions

• Past papers and mark schemes

• Mock exams to test yourself once you’ve mastered the topics

Consider forming a study group with motivated classmates. Explaining concepts to others reinforces your own understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Hours Should I Revise to Get an A* in IGCSE Maths?

Quality matters more than quantity. Aim for 4-6 hours of focused maths revision weekly, starting at least 3-4 months before your exam.

Consistency beats intensity – regular 90-minute sessions are more effective than occasional marathon study days.

Track your progress rather than just hours spent. Focus on mastering topics and improving practice scores.

What Are the Best Topics to Focus on for an A*?

Prioritise high-weighted topics that appear frequently: quadratic functions, trigonometry, circle theorems, and probability.

However, don't neglect any syllabus areas completely. A* students demonstrate competence across all topics.

Focus extra time on your personal weak points identified through past paper practice.

How Do I Stay Consistent with My Revision?

Create a realistic study schedule that fits around your other commitments. Small, regular study sessions build momentum.

Set specific, achievable daily goals like "complete 5 algebra questions" rather than vague aims like "study maths."

Celebrate small victories along the way.

Can I Get an A* Without a Tutor?

Absolutely! Many A* students are self-taught using quality resources and disciplined practice.

Tutoring can help if you're struggling with specific concepts or need accountability, but it's not essential for success.

Save My Exams has always got your back!

What's the Best Way to Practise IGCSE Maths Past Papers?

Use recent papers (last 3 years) under timed conditions. Start with older papers for practice, saving the most recent for final preparation.

Always mark your work immediately using official mark schemes. This identifies gaps in understanding.

Create a question bank of problems you got wrong, returning to them regularly until mastery is achieved. Read more about how to revise for IGCSE Maths.

Final Thoughts

Getting an A* in IGCSE Maths is absolutely achievable with the right strategy and consistent effort. Success comes from understanding what examiners want, mastering challenging topics early, and developing excellent exam technique.

Remember that everyone learns differently. Experiment with the techniques in this guide to find what works best for you.

Start implementing these strategies today – consistent daily action over several months leads to outstanding results. Your A* is waiting for you to claim it!

Improve your grades with Save My Exams

Save My Exams is here to help you achieve the best grade possible in IGCSE Maths by offering expert-written resources specifically made for your exam board. We’ve got everything you need:

• Detailed, exam-aligned revision notes

• Exam-style questions with student friendly worked solutions

• Past papers with mark schemes

Whether you want to improve your understanding of key topics, test your knowledge, or sharpen your exam techniques, Save My Exams makes it easier and more effective for you to revise.

Explore Our IGCSE Maths Resources

References

Cambridge IGCSE Maths 0580 Grade Boundaries (opens in a new tab) June 2025

Cambridge IGCSE Maths 0980 Grade Boundaries (opens in a new tab) June 2025

Edexcel IGCSE Grade Boundaries (opens in a new tab) June 2025