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Side-by-side comparison of AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and Cambridge IGCSE maths exams. Compare paper structure, calculator policy, grade scales, topic coverage, and more. Not sure which board is right? Take our 5-question quiz.
Choose 2 to 4 boards.
| Dimension | CIE 0580 | AQA 8300 | Edexcel 1MA1 |
|---|---|---|---|
4 papersTotal: 7h | 3 papersTotal: 4h 30min | 3 papersTotal: 4h 30min | |
| Calculator Policy | ✓Calculator allowed in all papers | !Paper 1 is non-calculator. Papers 2 and 3 allow calculators. | !Paper 1 is non-calculator. Papers 2 and 3 allow calculators. |
| Coursework | ✓No coursework component | ✓No coursework component. 100% examined. | ✓No coursework component. 100% examined. |
A* - EExtended tier | 9 - 4Higher tier | 9 - 4Higher tier | |
4 unique topics | 4 unique topics | 1 unique topic | |
M, A marks | M, A, B marks | M, A, B marks | |
| International Availability | ✓ Worldwide — 160+ countries The most widely taken international maths qualification. Available through registered Cambridge International schools and as a private candidate. | ✗ UK only AQA GCSEs are designed for UK state and independent schools. Not widely available internationally, though some British international schools may offer them. | ✓ UK, Limited international availability Edexcel International GCSE (4MA1) is available worldwide and is a popular alternative to CIE 0580 in some regions. The domestic 1MA1 is primarily UK-based. |
✗Not provided — must memorise all | ✓Provided in exam | ✓Provided in exam | |
| Resit Policy | Available in June and November sittings each year. Students may resit as many times as needed. Best result counts. | Main sitting in May/June. November resit available for students who have already sat the exam. Students in Year 11 typically sit in June. | Main sitting in May/June. November resit available for students who have already completed the course. Results typically released in August. |
| Popularity | Dominant in international education; smaller UK market share compared to AQA/Edexcel Over 1 million entries worldwide annually across all Cambridge IGCSE subjects. The global standard for international school maths. | Approximately 35% of UK GCSE Maths entries One of the two dominant boards in UK state schools, alongside Edexcel. Particularly popular in the north of England. | Approximately 35% of UK GCSE Maths entries One of the two dominant boards in UK state schools, alongside AQA. Particularly popular in London and the south of England. |
Answer 5 quick questions and we will recommend the best exam board fit for your child.
GCSE (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) is primarily taken in UK schools and uses a 9-1 grading scale. IGCSE (Cambridge 0580) is the international equivalent, using an A*-G scale, and is taken in 160+ countries. Key differences include: IGCSE allows calculators in all papers, covers matrices and basic differentiation at Extended level, and offers two sitting opportunities per year (June and November).
No board is objectively easier — they all assess the same national curriculum content. However, the experience differs: Cambridge IGCSE 0580 allows calculators in every paper and has no non-calculator component. AQA and Edexcel provide a formula sheet in the exam, while CIE 0580 requires all formulae to be memorised. The best board depends on your child's strengths and circumstances.
In UK state schools, the school typically selects the board. UK independent schools and international schools have more flexibility. Home-educated students can choose any board and register as a private candidate at an exam centre. Cambridge IGCSE 0580 is the most accessible option for home educators and international students.
No. UK universities (including Oxbridge and Russell Group) accept all four boards equally. GCSE grades 9-1 and IGCSE grades A*-G are treated as equivalent. What matters is the grade achieved, not which board awarded it.
AQA 8300 and Edexcel 1MA1 have very similar structures: both have three papers (one non-calculator, two calculator) of 1 hour 30 minutes each, both use 9-1 grading, and both provide a formula sheet. The main differences are in question style — AQA places more emphasis on "quality of written communication" (QWC), while Edexcel is known for "hence or otherwise" style questions. AQA is more popular in northern England, Edexcel in the south.
No. Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580 allows calculators in all papers. This is one of the biggest differences from UK GCSE boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR), which all have a Paper 1 non-calculator component worth one-third of the total marks.
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