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Assessment
How Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Chemistry is assessed
Two papers, each worth 50%, both taken at the same tier in May and June of one year. Foundation tier covers grades 1–5 and Higher tier grades 4–9. A Higher student a few marks below grade 4 can be awarded a 3.
Specification 1CH0, first examined in 2018. Reformed GCSEs are planned for first teaching from 2029, so exams in 2027 and 2028 use this one.
Foundation or Higher tier
Paper 1
Topics 1–5, from key concepts to separate chemistry 1
- Time
- 1 h 45 min
- Marks
- 100
- Weight
- 50%
Paper 2
Topics 1 and 6–9, from the periodic table to separate chemistry 2
- Time
- 1 h 45 min
- Marks
- 100
- Weight
- 50%
Each paper has ten questions: multiple choice, short answers, calculations and extended open responses. Calculators are allowed.
There is no coursework. You carry out eight core practicals, and exam questions test what you learned from them.
From the official Pearson Edexcel syllabus, checked October 2026. Read the syllabus
Syllabus content
What’s on the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Chemistry syllabus
Paper 1
- Key concepts in chemistry
- States of matter and mixtures
- Chemical changes
- Extracting metals and equilibria
- Separate chemistry 1
Paper 2
- Key concepts in chemistry
- Groups in the periodic table
- Rates of reaction and energy changes
- Fuels and Earth science
- Separate chemistry 2
Where marks are lost
Common Pearson Edexcel GCSE Chemistry mistakes
Saying a reaction at equilibrium has stopped.
Equilibrium is dynamic: the forward and reverse reactions carry on at the same rate, so the amounts stay constant. It only happens in a closed system.
Reading the burette from the top of the meniscus.
In a titration, read the bottom of the meniscus with your eye level with it, and record volumes to the nearest 0.05 cm³.
Thinking the rate speeds up as a reaction goes on.
The rate is fastest at the start, when the reactants are most concentrated. The graph levels off when a reactant is used up.
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FAQ
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Chemistry questions, answered.
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