Edexcel GCSE Statistics specification (1ST0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel GCSE Statistics exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel GCSE Statistics specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel GCSE Statistics (1ST0) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
GCSE Statistics develops learners’ ability to collect, analyse, interpret and present numerical data. It equips students with statistical fluency and reasoning essential for modern decision-making in everyday contexts. The course fosters critical thinking and real-world application through investigation, interpretation, and comparison. It encourages understanding of how statistics are used across disciplines including science, social science, business and media, preparing learners for future study or employment requiring data literacy.
Subject content breakdown
1. The collection of data
- Types of data: qualitative, quantitative, discrete, continuous
- Populations and sampling methods
- Planning investigations and designing questionnaires
2. Processing, representing and analysing data
- Grouped and ungrouped frequency distributions
- Charts and diagrams: bar, pie, stem and leaf, histograms, cumulative frequency, box plots
- Averages and measures of spread: mean, median, mode, range, quartiles, interquartile range, standard deviation
- Comparisons between data sets
3. Probability
- Language and rules of probability
- Venn diagrams, tree diagrams, sample space diagrams
- Experimental and theoretical probability
- Independent and mutually exclusive events
4. Statistical enquiry cycle
- Formulate hypotheses
- Identify and collect data
- Analyse data and interpret results
- Evaluate reliability and limitations of conclusions
5. Use of statistics
- Interpretation of data in context (e.g. media, health, finance)
- Misuse and bias in statistics
- Communicating statistical findings clearly
Assessment structure
Paper 1 – Non-calculator
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 marks
- Covers all areas of the specification
- Students must show working clearly
Paper 2 – Calculator
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- 80 marks
Covers all areas of the specification
- Each paper contributes 50% to the final grade
- Both Foundation and Higher tier available
- Assessments include structured, short and extended response questions
- Emphasis on application, interpretation and communication of statistical information
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel GCSE Statistics isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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