What Is the Easiest A Level Exam Board?

Lots of students wonder if some A Level exam boards are easier than others. But is there really such a thing as the “easiest” A Level exam board? 

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the three main exam boards in England: AQA (opens in a new tab), Edexcel (Pearson (opens in a new tab)), and OCR (opens in a new tab).

Do Exam Boards Really Differ in Difficulty?

First things first: all exam boards in England are all regulated by Ofqual (opens in a new tab), the government body that makes sure exams are fair and consistent across the country.

This means that, technically, no exam board should be easier or harder than another. They’re all designed to be equally challenging. That said, there are some small differences in: 

• Marking Approach: Some boards are a bit more flexible in marking, while others expect more detailed answers. This can influence how straightforward it is to earn the marks you need.

• Grade Boundaries: Each board sets its own grade boundaries based on student performance. Although these shift each year, some students feel boards with lower boundaries make it easier to reach higher grades.

• Question Style: Certain boards tend to include more analytical questions, whereas others emphasise factual recall. Depending on your strengths, one style may suit you better than another.

• Resources and Support: The availability and quality of textbooks, revision guides, and past papers vary between boards. Some provide more comprehensive resources, which can be a real advantage when preparing for exams.

Exam Board Comparison

Here’s how AQA, Edexcel, and OCR compare across key factors:

So, which feels easiest?

• AQA often feels the most accessible because of the wide range of textbooks, revision notes, and past papers available.
  

• Edexcel can feel more demanding in Maths and Sciences because of higher grade boundaries, but many students like the structured style of the questions.
  

• OCR is often perceived as the trickiest because of data-heavy questions and fewer support materials, though logical thinkers may find it suits them.

Why not take a look at Save My Exams for A Level past papers, revision notes, and mark schemes? These can help you get exam-ready, no matter which board you're sitting your exams with.

How to Choose an Exam Board for A Levels

Most students don’t actually get to choose their exam board – your school or college decides for you. However, you may get to choose in these situations:

• Private candidates: If you’re taking exams independently (outside of school), you can decide which exam board to use.
  

• Changing centres:  If you transfer to a new school or college, you might find they work with a different exam board.

If you do have a say, don’t pick based on which one you think is “easiest.” Instead, consider:

• Resources available: Does the exam board provide plenty of textbooks, past papers, and revision notes?
  

• Your strengths: Do you prefer essay-style answers, structured calculations, or data analysis?
  

• Teacher experience: A teacher who knows a board inside out is often more important than the board itself.

The key point: choose the exam board that fits your learning style and offers the strongest support, rather than the one you assume will be “easier.” 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AQA easier than Edexcel?

Not really. It depends on the subject. AQA tends to have more wordy and essay-style questions, while Edexcel papers can be more analytical. Some students find that AQA’s wide range of resources makes it feel easier to prepare for.

Which exam board is best for Sciences?

There’s no single “best” exam board. It all comes down to your learning style. Here’s a quick overview for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics:

• AQA: The mark schemes are well-organised, though Biology includes essay-style questions that demand detailed written answers.

• Edexcel: Often viewed as more challenging at the higher levels, particularly in Chemistry and Physics, with complex problem-solving questions. A good fit for students who enjoy in-depth analysis and calculations.

• OCR: Recognised for its data-focused questions, especially in Biology and Physics. If you’re strong at applying knowledge to practical contexts and interpreting graphs or experimental results, OCR could be a good match.

Can I switch exam boards mid-course?

Yes, but it’s not always simple. Each board covers slightly different topics, so you might need to learn extra material to catch up. It’s usually best to switch early in Year 12, before you’ve covered too much content.

Do universities prefer certain exam boards?

No. Universities treat all exam boards equally. An A in AQA Chemistry is worth the same as an A in OCR Chemistry. What matters is your grade, not the exam board.

Final Thoughts

There isn’t a single “easiest” A Level exam board. They’re all designed to be fair and consistent, but they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. What feels easy to one student might feel tough to another.

The best strategy? Focus on mastering the content and practising past papers from your exam board. The more familiar you are with the question style and mark scheme, the easier your exams will feel.

And that’s exactly where Save My Exams can help. With heaps of A Level revision tools, such as past papers, mocks exams, and revision notes by exam board, you can set yourself up for success no matter which board you’re sitting with.

Good luck with your A Levels!

Sources

AQA | Education Charity Providing GCSEs, A-levels and Support  (opens in a new tab)

Edexcel | About Edexcel | Pearson qualifications (opens in a new tab)

Cambridge OCR - awarding body for A Levels, GCSEs, Cambridge Nationals, Cambridge Technicals and other qualifications  (opens in a new tab)

Ofqual - (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)