GCSE maths: Foundation or Higher?
Both tiers are full GCSEs. Higher adds the harder topics; your teacher enters you for one.
What the tiers are
Foundation papers allow grades 1 to 5. Higher papers allow grades 4 to 9, with a grade 3 allowed in some cases. The two share many topics, and Higher papers spend more marks on the harder ones.
| Foundation | Higher | |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | 1 to 5 | 4 to 9 (a 3 in some cases) |
| Topics | The core | The core and the harder topics |
| Papers | Three | Three |
How to choose
Look at your recent results on mixed questions, not just one topic. If you can usually finish the Foundation questions and want a 6 or above, ask your teacher about Higher. If the harder topics still feel new, Foundation lets you aim for a secure 5.
Talk to your teacher before you decide anything: they know how your board's papers are set.
- Look at your results on mixed questions
- Aiming for a 6 or above? Ask about Higher
- Harder topics still new? Foundation lets you aim for a secure 5
- Decide with your teacher
Try the Higher topics for free
Each unit has a free topic test. Try a few Higher units and see how they feel.
Try a Higher-only topic testSurds, free and marked as you go
Printable exam-style practiceIn the Shop Questions
Can I get a grade 9 on Foundation?
No. The highest grade on Foundation papers is a 5.
Is Higher harder to pass?
Higher papers start at harder questions, so a weak result on Higher can be lower than the same effort on Foundation. That is why the choice matters.
Related
Helps with GCSE maths (AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR). AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR are trade marks of their owners. Brainlag is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any exam board.