GCSE Maths Topics — AQA 2025/26 Specification Explained

The AQA structure

AQA GCSE Maths (spec 8300) has three papers — Paper 1 non-calculator, Papers 2 and 3 with calculator. Each paper is 90 minutes and worth 80 marks. Total: 240 marks across the six topic areas below.

1. Number (approximately 15% of Foundation, 10% of Higher)

Basic arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, standard form, indices, surds (Higher only), rounding and estimation. Where marks are lost: standard-form conversions, HCF/LCM word problems, and Higher-tier surd manipulation.

2. Algebra (20% Foundation, 30% Higher)

The single biggest topic area, especially on Higher. Includes simplifying expressions, expanding brackets, factorising (single and double brackets on Higher, quadratics extensively), solving linear and simultaneous equations, quadratic formula, completing the square, algebraic fractions, functions, iteration. Where marks are lost: quadratic completion, algebraic fraction manipulation, and functional notation.

3. Ratio, proportion and rates of change (25% Foundation, 20% Higher)

Ratio problems, direct and inverse proportion, compound measures (speed, density, pressure), percentages including compound interest, growth and decay. Where marks are lost: inverse proportion questions with algebra, and compound-interest word problems.

4. Geometry and measures (15% Foundation, 20% Higher)

Angles in polygons, congruence and similarity, Pythagoras, trigonometry (SOHCAHTOA), 3D shapes, transformations, vectors (Higher), circle theorems (Higher), sine and cosine rules (Higher). Where marks are lost: circle theorems (many students never really learn them), sine/cosine rule identification, and vectors.

5. Probability (15% Foundation, 10% Higher)

Sample spaces, tree diagrams, Venn diagrams, conditional probability (Higher). Where marks are lost: reading probability from a Venn diagram, and conditional probability where the denominator changes.

6. Statistics (15% Foundation, 10% Higher)

Averages, cumulative frequency, box plots, histograms with unequal widths (Higher), sampling. Where marks are lost: histograms with unequal class widths, and interpreting box plots.

What actually matters for grade improvement

On Higher tier, algebra alone accounts for roughly 30% of marks — meaning a student solid in algebra has a 30-mark head start over one who isn't. That's why we usually attack algebra first in any structured programme, regardless of which topic the student says they're struggling with.

On Foundation, ratio and proportion is the equivalent lever — high mark share, and the topic where a Grade 4 student is most likely to be a Grade 5 student in disguise.

Foundation vs Higher — the decision

Foundation covers Grades 1-5. Higher covers Grades 4-9. Grade 4 appears on both — so if your child is a genuine Grade 4 borderline, Foundation is the safer bet. If they're a solid Grade 5 or moving upward, Higher becomes essential to unlock Grades 6-9. See our full Foundation vs Higher guide.