How to get an A* in A Level Maths

Getting an A* in A Level Maths isn't just about being naturally brilliant with numbers and algebra. It's about having a smart game plan, staying consistent, and knowing exactly what examiners want to see.

Whether you're starting Year 12 or pushing for that final grade boost in Year 13, this guide will show you the proven strategies that my previous A* students have used to succeed.

What It Takes to Get an A* in A Level Maths

Understanding grade boundaries is your first step to success. An A* in A Level Maths typically requires around 75-85% of the total marks across all papers, though this varies slightly each year.

Top-performing A Level students share these key traits:

• They start revision early and stick to consistent study schedules

• They focus on understanding concepts, not just memorising methods

• They practice exam technique rigorously using past papers

• They learn from every mistake and avoid repeating errors

Examiners award top marks to students who can apply mathematical knowledge confidently, show clear working, and communicate solutions effectively.

At A Level, it is not enough to just get the correct answer, you have to show sufficient working to get the marks. In the past, I have been in the situation where my most mathematically able student missed out on an A* because he did not show his methods clearly. Please make sure you do not make the same mistake!

Create a Winning Revision Plan

Start Early and Set Milestones

When you are in Year 12, you should begin serious revision at least 6 months before your first exam. When you are in Year 13, you need a full academic year of structured preparation to maximise your chances of getting an A*.

Break your content into manageable weekly units. For example:

• Week 1: Algebraic methods and coordinate geometry

• Week 2: Sequences and series

• Week 3: Trigonometry

Set monthly assessments to track your progress. Use past papers or topic tests to identify strengths and weaknesses regularly.

Create specific milestones like "master integration by parts by the end of October" rather than vague goals like "get better at calculus".

I used to set my students weekly revision tasks until they got into the habit of setting their own goals. The ones that achieved the top grades were the ones who created their own revision plan. The ones who saw my revision tasks as homework tended to be the ones who tried to cram at the last minute. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult for even the best students to cram for A Level exams.

Use a Mix of Active Recall and Spaced Practice

Active recall means testing yourself regularly rather than just re-reading notes. This technique strengthens memory pathways and improves long-term retention.

Create flashcards for key formulas, theorems, and method steps. Test yourself weekly on randomised selections of topics.

Spaced practice involves revisiting topics at increasing intervals. Review new material after one day, then three days, then one week, then one month.

Schedule mixed-topic problem sets rather than focusing on single topics for hours. This builds flexible thinking and prevents compartmentalised learning. Read our article on spaced practice for more information.

I used to start every lesson with five quick skills questions based on previous topics. And once a week, I gave my classes a past exam question on a random topic that we had previously studied.

Prioritise Topics by Weight and Difficulty

Analyse past papers from your exam board to identify high-frequency topics. These typically include:

• Differentiation and applications

• Integration techniques and applications

• Proof methods and mathematical reasoning

• Trigonometric proof and equations

Pure Mathematics carries two thirds of total marks, making it crucial for A* grades. Focus extra time on challenging Pure topics like proof and advanced calculus.

Applied Mathematics topics (Mechanics and Statistics) often have more predictable question patterns, making them excellent for securing reliable marks.

The challenge with the Applied topics, is that the questions tend to be wordy. Each year, I would dedicate a revision lesson to deciphering these questions. Students had to rewrite these questions as standard questions without any context. This is a crucial skill to learn if you want that A* grade.

Master Problem-Solving and Exam Technique

Don't Just Practise—Reflect on Mistakes

Create a "mistake logbook" to track every error you make during practice. Record the question type, your incorrect method, and the correct solution.

Review your mistake log weekly to spot patterns. If you consistently struggle with trigonometric identities, dedicate focused study time to that area.

Categorise mistakes as either conceptual errors (misunderstanding) or procedural errors (silly mistakes). Address each type differently.

For conceptual errors, revisit the underlying theory and practice similar problems until mastery is achieved. For procedural errors, train yourself to spend time checking your work and considering whether your solution makes sense.

Sometimes, my best students were adamant that their mistakes were all due to silly errors. For these students, it can be difficult to comprehend that they do not fully understand a topic. The quicker these students were honest with themselves and sought help, the better chance they had of getting the top grades.

Learn How to Show Working Clearly

Examiners award method marks even when final answers are incorrect. Clear working can earn you 70-80% of available marks on challenging questions.

Structure your solutions logically:

1. State what you're finding or proving

2. Show each mathematical step clearly

3. Explain your reasoning where appropriate

4. Check your answer makes sense

Common layout pitfalls include:

• Jumping steps without showing working

• Poor algebraic notation and unclear equals signs

• Missing units or incorrect rounding

• Failing to state conclusions clearly

Know What Examiners Want

Recent examiner reports highlight common student weaknesses that cost valuable marks:

Students often lose marks by:

• Not reading questions carefully and missing key information

• Using inappropriate methods for specific question types

• Showing insufficient working for complex calculations

• Making careless arithmetic errors under time pressure

Examiners consistently reward students who:

• Use appropriate mathematical language and notation

• Show systematic approaches to problem solving

• Check answers for reasonableness

• Clearly communicate their mathematical thinking

Read our summary of the Edexcel June 2023 examiner report.

Recommended Resources and Tools

Past Papers and Mark Schemes

Use our range of past papers and mark schemes 

• AQA

• Edexcel

• OCR A

• OCR B (MEI)

Use mark schemes actively, not just for checking answers. Study the language examiners use and the level of detail required for full marks. Read the first few pages of notes in a mark scheme to see what instructions the examiners are given.

I used to train my students to mark each other’s questions using the marking codes that the examiners will use. This helped them to understand common reasons for losing marks.

Practice papers from the last 3 years under timed conditions. This builds familiarity with current question styles and time management skills.

Common Mistakes That Stop Students Getting an A*

Mistake 1: Cramming instead of consistent practice 

A Level Maths requires regular practice to build fluency. Cramming doesn't work because mathematical skills need time to develop properly.

Mistake 2: Neglecting Applied Mathematics topics 

Students focus heavily on Pure Maths but underestimate Mechanics and Statistics. These topics often have more predictable question patterns and can boost overall grades significantly.

Mistake 3: Not revising older topics regularly 

Students often master new topics but forget earlier material. Year 12 content frequently appears in Year 13 papers, so continuous revision is essential.

Mistake 4: Practising without time pressure 

Working slowly during practice creates false confidence. Regular timed practice builds speed and identifies areas needing more fluency.

Mistake 5: Focusing only on difficult questions 

A* grades come from consistency across all difficulty levels. Master easier questions first to build confidence and secure baseline marks.

Mistake 6: Ignoring examiner feedback and reports 

Official examiner reports contain valuable insights into common errors and expectations. Review these annually to understand what examiners really want.

Final Preparation Tips Before the Exam

During your final month, focus on consolidation rather than learning new material. Complete full past papers under strict exam conditions twice weekly.

Schedule regular mock exams to build stamina for 90-minute papers. Many students struggle with concentration during longer papers. You can test yourself using our mock exams.

Create formula sheets for quick revision, but don't rely on them during exams. Aim to memorise all essential formulas and key results.

Maintain healthy sleep patterns and manage stress levels. Mathematical thinking requires clear mental focus, which suffers when you're tired or anxious. You can access your free exam anxiety relief kit to help you cope during the revision and exam periods.

Build confidence by reviewing your strongest topics regularly. This ensures you feel positive going into the exam room.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much revision do I need to do to get an A*?

Quality matters more than quantity. Aim for 2-3 hours of focused maths revision daily during serious preparation periods.

Consistency beats intensity - regular 2-hour sessions are more effective than occasional 8-hour cramming marathons.

Start structured revision at least 6 months before your exams for the best results.

Is it possible to go from a B to an A* in A Level Maths?

Absolutely! The gap between B and A* grades is often about exam technique and consistency rather than raw ability.

Focus on past paper practice, mistake analysis, and improving your working presentation. Many students jump full grade boundaries in their final term.

Identify your weakest topics and address them systematically. Often, mastering 2-3 challenging areas can push you over the grade boundary.

What are the hardest topics in A Level Maths?

The most challenging topics typically include:

• Proof by contradiction

• Differential equations

• Projectiles

• Hypothesis testing

However, difficulty varies by student. Focus on your personal weak areas rather than commonly difficult topics.

Which exam board is easiest for A Level Maths?

No exam board is significantly easier than others. All must meet the same national standards and grade boundaries adjust accordingly. The subject content (opens in a new tab) is prescribed by the Department for Education.

Choose based on your school's expertise and available resources. AQA and Edexcel are the most popular boards with extensive online resources available.

What percentage do I need for an A* in A Level Maths?

Grade boundaries vary yearly, but an A typically requires 65-75% of total marks, while an A* needs 75-85%.

The table below shows the percentages needed for an A* for each exam board.

Note that the boundaries for 2020 to 2022 were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Focus on maximising your performance rather than targeting specific percentages, as boundaries adjust based on paper difficulty.

Consistent performance across all papers is more important than exceptional performance in just one area.

Can I get an A* in A Level Maths without a tutor?

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

Tutoring can help with specific concepts or motivation, but it's not essential for success with the right approach.

Online resources, study groups, and teacher support during school hours can provide the guidance you need.

Final Thoughts

Getting an A* in A Level Maths is absolutely achievable with smart strategies and consistent effort. Success comes from understanding what examiners want, practising regularly, and learning from every mistake.

The key strategies are starting early, creating structured revision plans, mastering exam technique, and using quality resources effectively.

Remember that mathematical ability develops gradually through practice. Don't be discouraged by initial difficulties - persistence and smart work always pay off.

Your A* is waiting for you to claim it. Start implementing these strategies today, stay consistent, and watch your confidence and grades improve together!

Improve your grades with Save My Exams

Save My Exams is here to help you achieve the best grade possible in A Level 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 A Level Maths Resources

References

Mathematics AS and A level content (opens in a new tab), Department for Education