How Many GCSE Further Maths Papers Are There?

Choosing your GCSEs is a big decision. And if you're a top maths student, you might be wondering about GCSE Further Maths and how the exams work.

It's confusing when you don't know what to expect. You need to understand the exam structure before committing to another qualification on top of your other GCSEs.

This guide breaks down exactly how many papers you'll sit for GCSE Further Maths. You'll learn what each paper covers, how they're marked, and what you need to do to prepare.

This is sometimes a course that students study outside of the normal timetable. I have tutored students who only had after-school sessions with their class teacher and had to do a lot of self-studying.

Here at Save My Exams, we've helped thousands of students ace their GCSEs. Our expert-written revision resources cover every major exam board, and we know exactly what it takes to succeed in Further Maths.

Key Takeaways

• GCSE Further Maths consists of 2 written papers, each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes

• Paper 1 is non-calculator and Paper 2 allows a calculator

• Each paper is worth 80 marks and counts for 50% of your final grade

• Both papers assess content from across the entire specification, covering topics like calculus, matrices, and advanced algebra

What Is GCSE Further Maths?

GCSE Further Maths isn't actually a GCSE at all. It's officially called the (opens in a new tab)AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics (opens in a new tab).

But everyone calls it GCSE Further Maths because it's studied alongside GCSE Maths in Year 10 and Year 11. The course is pretty much the same as GCSE as far as you are concerned.

This qualification is designed for high-achieving students. It's for you if you're already getting (or expected to get) grades 7-9 in GCSE Maths.

Further Maths introduces more advanced topics that aren't covered in standard GCSE Maths. You'll study things like calculus, matrix transformations, advanced trigonometry, and proof.

The main difference between Further Maths and standard GCSE Maths is depth. Further Maths takes the topics you know and pushes them further. It also introduces completely new areas of maths.

This qualification bridges the gap between GCSE and A Level Maths. If you're planning to take A Level Maths or Further Maths, this course gives you a head start.

In my experience, the students who studied GCSE Further Maths are the ones that manage the jump to A Level quicker. It is not essential for A Level Maths, but it does help.

Number of Papers in GCSE Further Maths

Let's get straight to the point. GCSE Further Maths has 2 papers in total.

According to the (opens in a new tab)AQA specification (opens in a new tab), here's what you need to know:

Paper 1: Non-calculator

• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

• Total marks: 80 marks

• Worth 50% of your final grade

Paper 2: Calculator

• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

• Total marks: 80 marks

• Worth 50% of your final grade

Both papers must be taken in the same exam series. You can't take one paper in November and the other in June, for example.

The total number of marks available across both papers is 160 marks.

What Does Each Paper Cover?

Here's something important to understand: both papers can test any content from the entire specification.

Unlike some GCSE subjects where Paper 1 covers certain topics and Paper 2 covers others, Further Maths doesn't work that way.

The (opens in a new tab)AQA specification states (opens in a new tab) that "content from any part of the specification may be assessed" on both papers.

This means you need to revise everything for both exams.

However, teachers (like me!) usually analyse the questions that came up on Paper 1 and create a list of most likely topics for Paper 2 before students sit the second paper.

The specification covers six main topic areas:

1. Number This includes manipulation of surds, rationalising denominators, and the product rule for counting.

2. Algebra You'll tackle functions and their inverses, factor theorem, algebraic proof, completing the square, and sequences. This is the biggest section, making up over 50% of the course.

3. Coordinate Geometry Study the equations of straight lines and circles, plus finding tangent equations at points on a circle.

4. Calculus You'll learn differentiation, finding gradients of curves, equations of tangents and normals, and using calculus to find maximum and minimum points.

5. Matrix Transformations This covers multiplication of 2×2 matrices, transformations of shapes, and combining transformations.

6. Geometry Advanced topics like circle theorems, sine and cosine rules, trigonometry in 3D, trigonometric identities, and solving trigonometric equations.

Both papers contain a mix of question styles. You'll get short, single-mark questions and longer, multi-step problems. The difficulty increases as you work through each paper.

Assessment and Grading

Each paper contributes equally to your final grade. Paper 1 is worth 50% and Paper 2 is worth 50%.

Your performance across both papers is combined to give you an overall grade.

According to the (opens in a new tab)AQA grading information (opens in a new tab), GCSE Further Maths uses a grade scale of 5 to 9.

Students who don't reach grade 5 can be awarded an allowed grade 4. If you don't meet the minimum standard for grade 4, you'll receive a U (unclassified).

Here's how the grades compare to traditional letter grades:

• Grade 7 = A

• Grade 8 = A/A*

• Grade 9 = A*

Your overall grade is determined by your combined mark from both papers. There's no requirement to achieve a certain grade in each individual paper.

This means if you perform better on one paper than the other, it balances out. A strong Paper 2 can compensate for a weaker Paper 1, and vice versa.

Which Exam Boards Offer Further Maths?

Not all exam boards offer a Further Maths qualification which can be taken alongside GCSEs. Here are your main options:

AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics

This is by far the most popular option in England. It's the qualification we've been discussing throughout this article.

Most schools offering Further Maths use AQA. The (opens in a new tab)specification is available on the AQA website (opens in a new tab).

OCR Level 3 FSMQ: Additional Mathematics

OCR offers a Free Standing Mathematics Qualification (FSMQ) in Additional Mathematics. However, this is technically Level 3, not Level 2.

This means it's more advanced than GCSE Further Maths. It's closer to AS Level in difficulty.

According to (opens in a new tab)OCR (opens in a new tab), this qualification is graded A-E and carries UCAS points. It introduces topics like differentiation, integration, and the binomial distribution.

Some schools choose this route for their top students instead of the AQA Level 2 certificate.

I’ve taught and tutored both the AQA and OCR courses. The AQA course is definitely more manageable alongside GCSEs. The OCR course worked well for my students who completed their GCSE Maths in Year 10 and wanted a challenge in Year 11.

Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Extended Mathematics Certificate

Edexcel launched a brand new qualification in September 2024, with (opens in a new tab)first exams in summer 2025 (opens in a new tab).

This is Edexcel's answer to AQA's Further Maths certificate. It's designed for students aiming for grades 7-9 in GCSE Maths.

The qualification extends GCSE content and includes topics like factor theorem, algebraic proof, and vector geometry to bridge the gap to A Level.

It's still very new, so most schools currently stick with AQA.

I really like the idea of Edexcel’s course. The focus is on deepening your skills with the GCSE Maths content rather than learning new content. For A Level success, it is better to have a solid understanding of GCSE topics rather than a surface level understanding of new topics.

Tips for Preparing for GCSE Further Maths Papers

Preparing for Further Maths requires a different approach than standard GCSE Maths. Here's how to get ready:

Focus on unfamiliar topics first

The topics that are completely new to you (like calculus and matrices) need extra attention.

These are the areas where you're most likely to struggle. Start revising them early so you have time to really understand them.

Practise past papers under timed conditions

Further Maths papers are challenging. You need to get used to the time pressure.

Set a timer for 1 hour 45 minutes and complete full papers without stopping. This builds your exam stamina.

You can find past papers on Save My Exams’ website.

Review mark schemes carefully

Don't just check if your answer is right or wrong. Study the mark scheme to understand what examiners are looking for.

Notice which steps earn method marks and which earn accuracy marks. This helps you structure your working in exams.

My most successful students have been the ones who spend the time learning from mark schemes. My thought is, if they know how mark schemes work, then they are more likely to present their answers in the best way.

Work through worked solutions

When you get a question wrong, don't just move on. Read through worked solutions to understand the correct method.

Then try the question again without looking at the solution.

Revise both calculator and non-calculator skills

Half of your exam is non-calculator. Make sure you're comfortable manipulating surds, fractions, and algebra without a calculator.

For Paper 2, learn how to use your calculator efficiently. Know how to find angles, solve equations, and work with matrices on your specific calculator model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GCSE Further Maths Harder Than GCSE Maths?

Yes, GCSE Further Maths can be harder than standard GCSE Maths for some students.

It includes more advanced content and introduces topics you otherwise won't see until A Level. According to the (opens in a new tab)AQA specification (opens in a new tab), it "places an emphasis on higher order technical proficiency, rigorous argument and problem solving skills."

The topics go much deeper than GCSE Maths. For example, you'll learn calculus, which is completely new. You'll also study matrices, advanced coordinate geometry, and proof.

However, it's designed to be achievable for students who are strong at GCSE Maths. If you're comfortably working at grades 7-9, you should be able to handle Further Maths with the right preparation.

Read our more in-depth article on this topic to get a more involved answer to this question.

Do I Need to Take GCSE Further Maths?

No, GCSE Further Maths is completely optional.

You don't need it to apply to university or to get into sixth form. Even if you want to study A Level Maths, Further Maths isn't required.

However, it's highly beneficial if you're planning to take A Level Maths or Further Maths. It gives you a head start on topics like calculus and makes the transition to A Level much smoother.

Many students take it simply because they enjoy maths and want an extra challenge. It's also impressive on university applications if you're applying for maths, science, or engineering degrees.

Most schools only offer Further Maths to students in their top maths sets. If it's available to you, and you're interested in maths, it's worth considering.

Can I Use a Calculator in the Exam?

Yes and no, depending on which paper you're sitting.

Paper 1 is non-calculator. You cannot use a calculator for this paper at all.

Paper 2 allows a calculator. You can (and should) use a calculator for this paper.

This is stated clearly in the (opens in a new tab)AQA assessment structure (opens in a new tab).

Make sure you're comfortable working without a calculator. Paper 1 tests your ability to manipulate algebra, work with surds, and perform calculations by hand.

For Paper 2, bring a calculator you're familiar with. Scientific calculators are fine, but graphing calculators can be helpful for some questions.

How Is GCSE Further Maths Different from FSMQ?

GCSE Further Maths (the AQA Level 2 Certificate) and OCR's FSMQ: Additional Mathematics are different qualifications at different levels.

Level:

• AQA Further Maths is Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE)

• OCR FSMQ is Level 3 (equivalent to AS Level)

Difficulty: The FSMQ is harder. It introduces more A Level content, including integration and the binomial distribution.

Grading:

• AQA Further Maths is graded 4-9

• OCR FSMQ is graded A-E

Recognition: Both qualifications are well-respected. However, the FSMQ carries UCAS points, which can count towards university applications.

Content: There's overlap, but the FSMQ goes deeper into A Level topics. AQA Further Maths focuses on extending GCSE content and introducing some A Level concepts.

Most schools choose AQA because it's more appropriate for Year 11 students. The FSMQ is typically taken by students who have already completed GCSE Maths early or who are extremely confident mathematicians.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the exam structure is your first step towards success in GCSE Further Maths.

You now know you'll sit 2 papers: one without a calculator and one with. Each paper lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and is worth 80 marks.

Remember, both papers can test anything from the specification. This means thorough revision across all six topic areas is essential.

The key to success is starting early and practising regularly. Work through past papers, study mark schemes, and focus extra time on the topics that are new to you.

With the right preparation, you can absolutely succeed in this challenging qualification. The skills you develop will give you a huge advantage when you progress to A Level Maths.

If you do decide to study GCSE Further Maths, then you can count on Save My Exams to have your back. We have concise revision notes to help you focus your studies. As well as exam-style questions organised by topic to help you prepare for the final assessments.

Start using our GCSE Further Maths resources today and join the thousands of students who are acing their exams.

References

• AQA Certificate Mathematics 8365 Specification (opens in a new tab)

• AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics | AQA (opens in a new tab)

• AQA All About Maths - Level 2 Certificate Further Maths (opens in a new tab)

• OCR Level 3 FSMQ: Additional Maths Specification (opens in a new tab)

• Level 2 Extended Maths Certificate | Pearson Qualifications (opens in a new tab)

• Level 2 Extended Maths Certificate FAQs | Pearson Qualifications (opens in a new tab)