Additional Maths vs Further Maths GCSE: What Are the Differences?

If you’re a confident maths student looking to push yourself beyond the standard GCSE course, you might have come across two intriguing options: Additional Maths and Further Maths GCSE. At first glance, they sound almost identical, but in reality, they’re quite different.

So, what exactly sets them apart? Which one is the right stepping stone if you want to stretch your problem-solving skills, prepare for A-Level Maths, or simply challenge yourself?

It’s no surprise that many students (and even parents!) get confused here. The two qualifications have similar names, but they’re offered by different exam boards, follow different structures, and aim at slightly different kinds of students. 

In this guide, we’ll show you what each course involves, how they compare, and the key things to consider when deciding which path is best for you.

Key Takeaways

• Both Additional Maths and Further Maths are advanced maths qualifications you take alongside your regular GCSE Maths (not instead of it).

• Additional Maths is usually an FSMQ (Free Standing Maths Qualification) offered by OCR.

• GCSE Further Maths is offered by AQA and counts as a full GCSE.

• Both are brilliant preparation if you're planning to take A Level Maths or pursue STEM subjects at university.

What Is Additional Maths?

Additional Maths refers to the OCR FSMQ: Additional Mathematics qualification (opens in a new tab). This is a Level 3 qualification, which means it sits somewhere between GCSE and A Level. You could think of it as a stepping stone that helps bridge the gap.

Additional Maths is graded from A to E, rather than on the 9–1 scale you're used to with GCSEs. This is because it's technically an FSMQ (Free Standing Maths Qualification) rather than a full GCSE.

The course covers topics like: 

• Algebra

• Pythagoras and Trigonometry

• Calculus

• Numerical Methods

• Exponentials and Logarithms

• Coordinate Geometry

These are all topics you'll meet again in A Level Maths, so taking Additional Maths gives you a fantastic head start. It's designed as a bridge to A Level, not as a replacement for GCSE Maths. You'll still need to complete your regular GCSE Maths alongside it.

What Is GCSE Further Maths?

GCSE Further Maths is offered by AQA (opens in a new tab) and is a full Level 2 qualification - the same level as other GCSEs. It's graded on the familiar 9–1 scale, just like all of your other GCSE subjects. This means it counts towards your total number of GCSEs, which can be useful for your future A Level plans and university applications.

The course builds on higher-tier GCSE content and adds extension topics like:

• Matrices

• Advanced Algebra

• Calculus

• Coordinate Geometry

• Surds and Irrational Numbers

It pushes you beyond what's covered in regular GCSE Maths, stretching the highest achievers.

GCSE Further Maths is aimed at top-set students who are working at Grade 7–9 level in their regular maths GCSE. If you're finding maths relatively straightforward, love number-crunching, and enjoy the academic challenge, this could be the perfect subject for you. Still not sure? Take a look at our Hardest GCSE Maths Questions Overview and see how many you can solve. If you understand how to work out these maths problems, chances are you can overcome the challenges of GCSE Further Maths.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Here's a quick comparison to help you see the differences at a glance:

Which One Should You Take?

When you are weighing up Additional Maths vs Further Maths GCSE, both qualifications are excellent choices. The "right" one for you depends on what your school offers and what you're hoping to achieve.

Take GCSE Further Maths if:

• You want an extra full GCSE qualification that counts on the 9–1 scale.

• You're targeting top grades and feel confident in GCSE Maths.

• Your school offers AQA Further Maths, and it fits with your timetable.

Take Additional Maths (FSMQ) if:

• You want to prepare specifically for A Level Maths with Level 3 content.

• You're in Year 11 and already excelling in Higher Tier Maths.

• Your school offers the OCR FSMQ qualification.

Both will challenge you and develop your mathematical thinking. Neither is a "wrong" choice.

How Do They Help with A Level Maths or Further Maths?

They introduce you to topics you'll meet in Year 12, such as calculus, more advanced algebra, and coordinate geometry. This means when you start A Level Maths, you won't be seeing these concepts for the first time.

Either qualification will give you a solid advantage in both A Level Maths and A Level Further Maths. Students who have studied Additional Maths or GCSE Further Maths typically find the transition to A Level much smoother. Topics and concepts are already familiar, and you will continue building your understanding and application of them.

Take Additional Maths or Further Maths and you'll develop: 

• Stronger problem-solving skills

• Better algebraic fluency

• A more advanced understanding of geometry

• An ability to manipulate numbers, equations, and data

• More confidence tackling unfamiliar questions

These benefits extend beyond just maths. They'll help with A Level Physics, Economics, and other numerate subjects too.

What If My School Doesn't Offer Either?

Unfortunately, not all schools offer these qualifications. And most schools that do only tend to offer one option: either Additional Maths or Further Maths.

If your school doesn't offer the qualification you want, you still have options:

• Take the FSMQ as an external candidate: Some exam centres accept external candidates for Additional Maths, though availability is limited.

• Study GCSE Further Maths through online providers: Several online tutoring platforms and distance learning providers offer GCSE Further Maths courses. Providers, like King’s InterHigh (opens in a new tab), will also help you find your local exam centre, if needed.

• Speak to your maths teacher or exams officer: They may be able to arrange something or suggest alternatives.

Don't be afraid to ask for support. Schools want to help ambitious students, and there may be options you haven't considered yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Additional Maths harder than Further Maths GCSE?

Additional Maths is a Level 3 qualification, so it sits between GCSE and A Level in terms of difficulty. GCSE Further Maths is Level 2, the same as other GCSEs. However, both are challenging courses designed for strong maths students. The difficulty you experience will depend on your own strengths and how the topics are taught.

Level 3 content in Additional Maths introduces more A Level-style thinking, whilst GCSE Further Maths extends GCSE topics in greater depth. Neither is "easy", but that's what makes them valuable.

Will either qualification help with university applications?

Yes, both qualifications can strengthen your university application, especially if you're applying for maths, engineering, computer science, or other STEM courses. But they are not a requirement.

Additional Maths and GCSE Further Maths demonstrate to universities that you're passionate about the subject and willing to go beyond the minimum requirements. They also show you've challenged yourself academically. But it’s important to remember that universities will focus more on your A Level results. These are what contribute points to your application. 

Do you need to take Further Maths GCSE to do A Level Maths?

No, you don't need to take either Additional Maths or GCSE Further Maths to study A Level Maths.

The standard requirement for A Level Maths is usually a Grade 6 or 7 in GCSE Maths (this varies by school or college). Additional or Further Maths will give you extra preparation and challenge you to develop more advanced mathematical thinking. 

If you're considering A Level Further Maths (the really advanced one), then having studied Additional Maths or GCSE Further Maths will give you a much better foundation.

Final Thoughts

Both Additional Maths and Further Maths GCSE are brilliant choices for confident maths students who want to push themselves further.

They offer a head start for A Levels and are great preparation for STEM pathways at university and beyond. Whichever qualification your school offers, you'll benefit from the challenge and develop skills that will serve you for years to come. If you love problem-solving and want to deepen your mathematical understanding, either route will reward you.

If you do take the Additional Maths or Further Maths plunge, Save My Exams will be with you every step of the way with excellent revision resources to support your learning, whichever path you take. 

References

OCR FSMQ Additional Maths Specification (opens in a new tab)

AQA GCSE Further Mathematics Specification (opens in a new tab)

King’s InterHigh GCSE Further Maths Online Course (opens in a new tab)