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About GCSE Maths
GCSE Maths is the qualification students sit at the end of Year 11, and the one most courses and careers check first. It covers number, algebra, ratio, geometry, and probability and statistics. Students sit either Foundation or Higher tier, and that choice decides which grades they can reach.
The two boards we teach are almost identical here, which is unusual. AQA and Edexcel both set three papers of 1 hour 30 minutes and 80 marks, each worth a third of the GCSE. Paper 1 is non-calculator and Papers 2 and 3 allow a calculator on both boards. Even the topic weightings are set by Ofqual and are the same everywhere.
So the difference is not the board. It is the tier and the technique. We check which tier your child's school has entered them for, work through real past papers from their board, and coach the method and presentation marks that decide grades near the boundary.
Who GCSE Maths Is For
This course suits students who want a Maths grade they can rely on.
- Year 10 and Year 11 students sitting GCSE Maths this summer
- Students aiming for grades 7 to 9
- Learners moving up from Foundation to Higher tier
- Students who understand the method but lose marks on working and presentation
- Students who need more speed and accuracy under exam timing
GCSE Maths Exam Boards We Cover
Maths is the subject where the board matters least. AQA and Edexcel set the same three papers of 1 hour 30 minutes and 80 marks, each worth a third of the qualification, with the same calculator rules and the same Ofqual-set topic weightings. What changes between them is small: Edexcel's Higher tier allows a grade 3, where AQA's Higher starts at grade 4.
AQA
Three question papers, all taken at the same tier and in the same exam series. Each paper is a 1 hour 30 minute written exam worth 80 marks and a third of the GCSE. Paper 1 is non-calculator, and Papers 2 and 3 allow a calculator. Content from any part of the specification can appear on any paper, so topics are not divided between them. Foundation tier covers grades 1 to 5 and Higher tier covers grades 4 to 9. Questions run from single-mark starters to multi-step problems, and the demand builds as the paper goes on.
Edexcel
Three papers with the same shape as AQA's: 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks and 33.33% of the qualification each. Paper 1 is non-calculator and Papers 2 and 3 are calculator papers, with codes such as 1MA1/1F for Foundation and 1MA1/1H for Higher. Foundation tier covers grades 1 to 5. Higher tier covers grades 4 to 9, and Edexcel also allows a grade 3 on Higher, which AQA does not. Each paper assesses all three assessment objectives in the percentages set for that tier.
How Centaurus Helps GCSE Maths Students Excel
Tier-Aware Teaching
Foundation and Higher cover different content. Your child's tutor teaches only what their tier examines, so no lesson is wasted.
Method and Presentation Marks
Marks are awarded for clear working, not just the final answer. We coach the layout examiners reward.
Problem-Solving Under Time
Later questions are multi-step. We build the speed and the calm to reach them.
Calculator and Non-Calculator Skills
Paper 1 bans the calculator, so written method still decides grades. We practise both modes.
Classes in Your Local Time
Live sessions scheduled around your time zone, so no late nights or early mornings just to make a class.
24/7 Progress Reporting
Families get access to the Centaurus Academy LMS, with attendance, progress and lesson notes available to parents, students and teachers at any time.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right GCSE Maths support makes a real difference. Here is how Centaurus Academy compares with typical online providers.
Meet our Team Of Experts
Our expert tutors bring deep subject knowledge and a passion for teaching — helping every student reach their full potential.
What Parents Say About Us
Hear from the parents and students who have experienced our personalised teaching first-hand.
Excellent long-term experience
We have an excellent long-term experience with the academy and Sir Awais. Our three children studied with them during different periods and succeeded well. We highly recommend the academy.
Excellent academy
Centaurus Academy is truly one of the best educational institutions I've come across. The environment is nurturing, the staff are incredibly dedicated, and the quality of education is outstanding. They focus not only on academic excellence but also on character building and personal growth. The teachers are supportive and go the extra mile to ensure every student feels confident and motivated.
My child has gained confidence
I'm very satisfied with the dedication and teaching approach. My child has gained confidence and improved significantly in understanding math concepts, thanks to the teacher's clear explanations and supportive guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About GCSE Maths
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