See how it works
Watch a tutor work through a question.
Say what you're studying, choose a tutor, then work through your homework step by step, take a quick quiz or call your tutor. This one is IGCSE Maths, and every subject works the same way.
The essentials
How Pearson Edexcel GCSE works
- Grading
- 9 (highest) to 1, from your total mark. Results below grade 1 are “U” (unclassified).
- Tiers
- Maths and the sciences have Foundation (grades 1–5) and Higher (grades 4–9) tiers. English isn’t tiered.
- Exam series
- May and June. Maths and English Language can also be taken in November by students who were 16 by the previous 31 August.
- Reform
- The government plans reformed GCSEs for first teaching from 2029, so exams in 2027 and 2028 use the current specifications.
Core practicals
Biology, Chemistry and Physics each have eight core practicals, and Combined Science has 18. There is no coursework: Pearson sets at least 15% of the marks in science exams on practical work. Your tutor can walk you through the method, variables and results for each one.
From Pearson Edexcel’s published information, checked 2026-10-27. Official source
Command words
Know what the question is asking.
Each question starts with a command word that tells you what kind of answer earns the marks. These are Pearson Edexcel’s own definitions. Ask your tutor to practise any of them.
- Calculate
- Obtain a numerical answer, showing relevant working. If the answer has a unit, this must be included. This can include using an equation to calculate a numerical answer.
- Compare
- Looking for the similarities or differences of two (or more) things. Should not require the drawing of a conclusion. Answer must relate to both (or all) things mentioned in the question.
- Describe
- To give an account of something. Statements in the response need to be developed as they are often linked but do not need to include a justification or reason.
- Evaluate
- Review information (e.g. data, methods) then bring it together to form a conclusion, drawing on evidence including strengths, weaknesses, alternative actions, relevant data or information. Come to a supported judgement of a subject’s qualities and relation to its context.
- Explain
- An explanation requires a justification/exemplification of a point. The answer must contain some element of reasoning/justification, this can include mathematical explanations.
- Give/State/Name
- All of these command words are really synonyms. They generally all require recall of one or more pieces of information.
- Justify
- Give evidence to support (either the statement given in the question or an earlier answer).
FAQ
Pearson Edexcel GCSE questions, answered.
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