What Is GCSE Further Maths?

Written by: Jamie Wood

Reviewed by: Roger B

Published

31 July 2025

Contents

Thinking about taking GCSE Further Maths but not sure what it's all about? You're not alone. Many students hear about this qualification and wonder if it's right for them.

I will break down everything you need to know about GCSE Further Maths in simple terms. By the end of this guide, you'll understand exactly what it is, who it's for, and whether you should consider taking it.

A Quick Overview of 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.

According to AQA (opens in a new tab), this qualification is specifically designed for high-achieving students who are confident with regular GCSE Maths and want to push themselves further. In my experience as an A level Maths teacher, students who have studied GCSE Further Maths will have some familiarity with some of the new topics, and an increased confidence. It is certainly not essential for A level study, but it may help boost your confidence in the first few months.

It’s important to understand that GCSE Further Maths isn't a required subject. It's completely optional. You can only take it alongside regular GCSE Maths, not instead of it.

Most students who take Further Maths are aiming for top grades (7-9) in their standard Maths GCSE and are planning to study A Level Maths or Further Maths.

Different GCSE Further Maths courses have slightly different names. AQA’s offering is called Further Maths, whilst Edexcel’s is called Extended Mathematics and OCR’s is called Additional Mathematics. However they are all often referred to as “GCSE Further Maths”.

How Does It Compare to Regular GCSE Maths?

Key Differences in Content

GCSE Further Maths covers topics that don't appear in regular GCSE Maths at all. These include:

Matrices: Working with arrays of numbers and matrix operations
Algebraic proof: Learning to prove mathematical statements formally
Basic calculus: Introduction to differentiation and integration
Advanced trigonometry: Beyond basic sine, cosine and tan
Mathematical modelling: Applying maths to real-world problems

The different exam boards that offer GCSE Further Maths will differ slightly in their content.

The difficulty level is definitely higher than standard GCSE Maths. You'll need to think more abstractly and tackle problems that require multiple steps and apply deeper reasoning.

However, don't let this put you off. If you're comfortable with GCSE Maths content and enjoy problem-solving, you'll likely find Further Maths challenging but achievable and rewarding.

When I have taught GCSE Further Maths, students enjoy the course content greatly. They generally find it makes GCSE Maths feel a bit easier, as so many of the concepts are revisited and reinforced with greater depth and a higher level of difficulty.

Grading and Assessment

The different exam boards use different systems of grading.

AQA (opens in a new tab) Level 2 Further Maths uses grades 4-9
OCR (opens in a new tab) FSMQ uses traditional grades A-E
Edexcel (opens in a new tab) Level 2 Extended Mathematics is graded from Pass to Distinction*

Edexcel and AQA both assess students over two papers, one with a calculator and one without. OCR’s qualification only has one paper, where students may use a calculator.

Who Should Take GCSE Further Maths?

Is It Right for You?

In my experience of teaching GCSE Further Maths, the students who get the most out of the course are students who:

Find regular GCSE Maths relatively easy and want more challenge
Enjoy solving complex mathematical problems
Are planning to take A Level Maths or Further Maths
Love discovering how maths connects to real-world applications
Don't mind extra workload on top of their other subjects

Consider carefully if you're already struggling to balance your current GCSEs. Further Maths requires significant time and effort, so make sure you can handle the additional workload.

Think about your other subject choices too. If you're taking lots of demanding subjects, adding Further Maths might spread you too thin.

Can You Take It If Your School Doesn't Offer It?

Many schools don't offer GCSE Further Maths, but that doesn't necessarily mean you can't take it.

You have several options for private entry:

Independent study with private exam entry: Register with an exam centre as a private candidate
Online courses and tutoring: Use platforms that specialise in Further Maths tuition
Distance learning providers: Some colleges offer correspondence courses

If you're considering self-study, you'll need excellent self-discipline and access to quality resources. Consider using revision materials from Save My Exams, along with recommended textbooks and online tutorials.

Remember that self-study requires more commitment than classroom learning, but it's definitely possible with the right approach and support.

Exam Boards and Specifications

There are three GCSE Further Maths qualifications available.

AQA (opens in a new tab) Level 2 Certificate in Further Maths
OCR (opens in a new tab) Free Standing Mathematics Qualification (FSMQ): Additional Mathematics (Level 3 Certificate)
Edexcel (opens in a new tab) Level 2 Extended Mathematics Certificate

The different exam boards differ slightly in their content.

Benefits of Studying GCSE Further Maths

Prepares You for A Level Maths and Further Maths

Taking GCSE Further Maths gives you a massive advantage when you start A Level studies.

You'll already be familiar with calculus, matrices, and advanced algebraic techniques. This means you can focus on deepening your understanding rather than learning everything from scratch.

In my experience teaching A level Maths, students who take Further Maths often find the transition to A Level much smoother. They're less likely to struggle with the jump in difficulty that catches many students off guard. However, it is certainly not essential. At parents evenings and open evenings working in a sixth form, I have recommended to some students that they may be better off focusing just on GCSE Maths to ensure they achieve the highest grade they can.

Stands Out in Applications

GCSE Further Maths demonstrates several valuable qualities to admissions tutors:

Academic ambition: You chose to challenge yourself beyond the minimum requirements
Mathematical ability: You can handle advanced mathematical concepts
Work ethic: You managed additional study alongside your other subjects

This qualification can strengthen applications to competitive sixth forms, especially for students planning to study maths, physics, engineering, or economics at A Level.

It also shows universities that you're serious about mathematical subjects, which can be helpful for STEM degree applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need Further Maths to take A Level Maths?

No, you don't need GCSE Further Maths to study A Level Maths. A good grade (typically 6 or above) in regular GCSE Maths is sufficient for most sixth forms and colleges.

However, Further Maths can give you an advantage and can make the transition much easier.

How is GCSE Further Maths graded?

This depends on your exam board:

AQA Level 2 Further Maths uses grades 4-9
OCR FSMQ uses grades A-E
Edexcel Level 2 Extended Mathematics is graded from Pass to Distinction*

Can I study GCSE Further Maths on my own?

Yes, but it requires dedication and good study habits. You'll need access to quality textbooks, online resources, and ideally some form of tutoring support. You will then need to arrange to sit your exams at a centre, usually your school.

Many students successfully self-study using a combination of textbooks, online courses, and practice papers. The key is staying disciplined with your study schedule and seeking help when you get stuck.

Final Thoughts

GCSE Further Maths is an excellent choice for mathematically confident students who want to challenge themselves and prepare for advanced study.

It's not essential, nor suited for everyone, but if you enjoy maths and are considering A Level Maths or Further Maths, it can give you a real head start. Having taught many A level Maths classes, I have seen that students who study GCSE Further Maths often have a higher level of confidence in the first few months of study.

Before deciding, think honestly about your current maths ability, your future plans, and whether you can handle the extra workload alongside your other subjects.

Remember, Further Maths is challenging but incredibly rewarding. It opens doors to advanced mathematical study and shows that you're willing to push yourself academically.

If you're still unsure, speak to your maths teacher about your options. They can help you decide whether Further Maths aligns with your abilities and future goals.

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