Is GCSE Further Maths Hard?

If you're weighing up whether to take GCSE Further Maths, you're probably wondering just how tough it really is. The short answer? It can definitely be challenging, but it's a subject you can excel in if you have a good foundation of mathematical knowledge, and a great work ethic.

GCSE Further Maths is designed for students who are looking to stretch themselves beyond GCSE Maths. It covers more advanced topics that you won't see in standard GCSE Maths and stretches other topics that you will be familiar with. 

I have taught GCSE Further Maths for several years, and I know that many students feel like Further Maths moves at a faster pace than GCSE Maths. This will depend on how much time is scheduled to learn it, but you should remember that thousands of students take it every year and do brilliantly.

I’m going to use my experience from teaching GCSE Further Maths to break down exactly what can make Further Maths challenging, who it's suitable for, and whether it's the right choice for you.

What makes Further Maths challenging?

Advanced mathematical content

The biggest worry for most students is the jump in complexity. While GCSE Maths covers fundamental topics, Further Maths dives into areas that can feel much more like A level content.

You'll encounter topics like matrices, advanced trigonometry, and basic calculus. Some of these are just harder versions of what you know, but others are completely new mathematical concepts.You (opens in a new tab) might assume that the “brand new” topics are the hardest, but in my experience from teaching, it is often the other way around. I find that students often struggle more with the extensions to coordinate geometry and trigonometry than they do with the basics of new topics like calculus.

Abstract problem-solving

Regular GCSE Maths often uses real-world contexts to help you understand problems. Further Maths can be more abstract. You might find yourself working with more complex coordinate geometry problems or solving equations that don't have obvious practical applications. I have previously found that this shift from concrete to abstract thinking can catch some students off guard and they find it more difficult to work out where to start with a problem.

Faster learning pace

Further Maths is typically taught alongside regular GCSE Maths, so the pace can be intense.This does depend on how much learning time has been scheduled however, and different schools will schedule different amounts of time for teaching the content.

This often means there is less time for repetition and consolidation compared to your other subjects. You will therefore need to be comfortable with independent learning and practice, which is something our Further Maths resources at Save My Exams can help you with.

How it compares to GCSE Maths

Topic overlap

While Further Maths builds on your algebra and problem-solving skills, much of the actual content will be completely new.

Some GCSE Further Maths topics are extended versions of what you have studied in GCSE Maths, but others are new. In the new topics, the skills you have learnt in GCSE Maths are essential tools to help you.

Different thinking required

GCSE Maths can sometimes follow predictable patterns and methods. Further Maths can require more problem-solving and the ability to link different mathematical ideas together.

You'll need to think more like a mathematician - spotting patterns, making connections, and sometimes working backwards from the answer.

Assessment style

The questions in Further Maths are typically longer and multi-stepped. Instead of quick calculations, you might spend 10-15 minutes on a single problem that requires several different techniques.

The mark schemes reward mathematical reasoning and clear explanations, not just getting the right answer.

Who is Further Maths for?

The ideal candidate

Further Maths suits students who find regular GCSE Maths genuinely enjoyable rather than just manageable. If you often finish maths homework quickly and look for extra challenges, you wwill really enjoy Further Maths.

You should be comfortable with algebra, confident in your problem-solving abilities, and curious about mathematical concepts beyond the standard curriculum.

In my teaching I found that the students who got the most out of the course were those willing to ask questions in lessons, as well as looking things up in their own time to really figure out why something works (or doesn’t work!).

Future academic plans matter

Most students who take Further Maths are planning to study A level Maths, and many go on to study STEM subjects at university. The qualification is particularly valuable if you're considering engineering, physics, economics, or computer science.

If you're not planning to take A level Maths, there are of course still benefits. Having evidence on your CV that you are confident in mathematics, as well as demonstrating your ability to learn something difficult, is very valuable.

If you know that you definitely won’t be pursuing any kind of mathematics-related course beyond GCSE level, then you may wish to focus your studies on achieving the best GCSE Maths grade you can, rather than stretching yourself across Further Maths too.

When to seek advice

Talk to your current maths teacher about your suitability. They know your working style, your natural ability, and how you handle mathematical challenges. As a maths teacher myself, I would always be happy to have an honest conversation with a student about their suitability for Further Maths.

Be honest about your current performance. If you're struggling to maintain high grades in GCSE Maths, adding Further Maths to your workload may not be wise. The current GCSE Maths specification, which goes up to grade 9, already allows plenty of scope to show a very strong maths ability.

It's okay to say no

Remember, not taking Further Maths doesn't limit your future options; it’s purely an optional extra. You can still excel in A level Maths, get into top universities, and pursue STEM careers without this qualification.

The decision should be based on your interests, abilities, and goals - not pressure from others or the assumption that "more GCSEs are always better".

How hard is it to get a top grade?

Getting high grades in Further Maths is definitely achievable, but the statistics show it's selective. The subject attracts mathematically strong students, so the competition for top grades can be fierce.

The student population

Further Maths has a much smaller entry than regular GCSE subjects. While standard GCSE Maths sees hundreds of thousands of entries each year, Further Maths typically attracts only the most mathematically confident students.

This self-selecting group means that grade boundaries can be higher than you might expect, as exam boards adjust for the ability of the cohort.

Grade distribution patterns

Students who take Further Maths tend to perform well across the grade spectrum. The proportion of students achieving grades 7-9 is typically higher than in most other GCSE subjects.

However, this doesn't mean the subject is easier - it reflects the fact that most students only attempt Further Maths if they're already strong mathematicians.

The table below shows the percentage of students achieving each grade in June 2024 for AQA level 2 Further Mathematics. (AQA (opens in a new tab))

Preparation is key

With the right preparation and mindset, high grades are very achievable. The key is starting with a solid foundation in algebra and problem-solving, then building systematically through the Further Maths topics.

Usually when teaching a class, I find that once students adjust to the style of thinking and the amount of independent practice required, their grades improve significantly throughout the course.

Is it worth taking GCSE Further Maths?

Clear benefits

Smoother A level transition: Students with Further Maths often find A level Maths less overwhelming. You'll already be familiar with topics like calculus and advanced trigonometry that appear in Year 12.

University applications: For competitive STEM courses, Further Maths demonstrates mathematical passion and ability beyond the standard requirement.

Confidence building: Successfully tackling challenging mathematics builds problem-solving confidence that transfers to other subjects and situations.

Mathematical maturity: You'll develop a deeper understanding of how mathematics fits together as a subject, not just a collection of techniques.

When it might not be worth it

Overloaded schedule: If you're already taking many GCSEs or struggling to balance your current workload, adding Further Maths might hurt your performance elsewhere.

Different career focus: If you're definitely not planning A level Maths or STEM subjects, the time might be better spent on subjects more relevant to your goals, or on optimising your GCSE Maths grade.

Struggling with Maths: If you're finding GCSE Maths challenging, focus on securing the best grade you can in that, rather than taking on additional mathematical content.

Making your decision

Consider your genuine interests first. Do mathematical puzzles and problems excite you, or do you see maths purely as a necessary skill?

Think about your time management. Further Maths requires consistent practice and engagement - it's not a subject you can cram for at the last minute.

Look at your future plans realistically. If you're genuinely unsure about A level Maths, Further Maths might help you decide whether mathematical study is right for you.

Frequently asked questions

What is GCSE Further Maths?

GCSE Further Maths is a level 2 qualification (or level 3 in the case of OCR) that goes beyond regular GCSE Maths. Think of it as an extension or add-on to your standard GCSE maths studies.

Find out more in our article, “What is GCSE Further Maths? (opens in a new tab)”.

Is GCSE Further Maths harder than A level Maths?

No, A level Maths is significantly more demanding than GCSE Further Maths. However, Further Maths does cover some topics that appear in A level, so it provides valuable preparation.

Think of Further Maths as a bridge between GCSE and A level. It introduces you to advanced mathematical thinking without the full complexity of A level study.

The pace and depth of A level Maths far exceed what you'll experience in Further Maths, but having that foundation makes the transition much smoother.

Can I do A level Maths without GCSE Further Maths?

Absolutely. Thousands of students successfully study A level Maths every year without taking Further Maths at GCSE level.

A level Maths courses are designed to teach all necessary concepts from the beginning. While Further Maths provides helpful background knowledge, it's not essential.

What matters most for A level success is a strong grade in GCSE Maths (typically grade 7 or above) and genuine interest in mathematical study.

How much extra work is GCSE Further Maths?

Expect Further Maths to require a similar time investment to any other GCSE subject.

The key difference is that the homework tends to be more challenging and time-consuming than in other subjects. Problem-solving takes time, and you can't rush through Further Maths exercises.

Many students find they need extra practice beyond set homework to fully grasp new concepts, especially early in the course.

What topics are in Further Maths?

Some of the topics that will be new to you include calculus, matrices, and advanced trigonometry. We have a full list of GCSE Further Maths topics.

Is it worth taking Further Maths if I'm not doing A level Maths?

This depends entirely on your interests and career plans. If you genuinely enjoy mathematical challenges and want to develop your problem-solving skills, it can be worthwhile regardless of future study plans.

However, the practical benefits are more limited if you're not continuing with mathematical subjects. The time investment might be better directed towards other subjects or on optimising your GCSE Maths grade.

Consider whether you have space in your schedule and whether Further Maths aligns with your genuine interests rather than it just “seeming like a good idea."

Final thoughts

From teaching the course, I know that GCSE Further Maths can be challenging. It is absolutely manageable though if you're a confident and engaged mathematician who enjoys tackling new problems. The subject rewards curiosity, persistence, and genuine mathematical interest.

It's an excellent choice for students planning A level Maths or STEM careers, providing valuable preparation and demonstrating mathematical commitment to universities and employers.

Make your decision thoughtfully. You should take Further Maths because you're excited by advanced mathematical concepts and wanting to push yourself, not because you feel you should or because others are pushing you towards it.

Remember, there's no shame in deciding it's not right for you. It can be more sensible to focus on excelling in the subjects that genuinely interest you and align with your goals, or focusing on maximising your GCSE Maths grade. 

If you do decide to take it on, approach it with confidence and curiosity. With the right mindset and consistent effort, Further Maths can be not just manageable, but genuinely rewarding.

Improve your grades with Save My Exams

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

References

AQA Results Statistics (opens in a new tab)

AQA GCSE Further Mathematics (opens in a new tab)

OCR Additional Mathematics (opens in a new tab)

Edexcel Extended Maths (opens in a new tab)