A Level 2026 Exam Trends: Pearson Edexcel International A Level Chemistry

Pearson Edexcel International A Level Chemistry is assessed with Unit 1 (structure, bonding, organic), Unit 2 (energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, etc.), Unit 3 (practical), and Units 4/5 (further topics). Check the current spec for exact unit titles. Here are recent trends for 2026.

Paper format and structure

• Structure is unchanged for 2025–2026: written units (MCQ and/or structured) and Unit 3 (practical). Calculations (mole, enthalpy, equilibrium, kinetics, titration) are consistently examined; working and units (mol, kJ mol⁻¹) are required.
• Equations (balanced, ionic, half-equations) are mark-bearing. Organic – mechanisms, synthesis, reagents and conditions; application to unfamiliar molecules. Practical – planning, analysis, evaluation within written papers or Unit 3.
• Application to unfamiliar contexts (e.g. new compound) is common.

Question types and topics that keep coming up

• Physical: Enthalpy (Hess, bond enthalpy), equilibrium (Kc, Kp, Le Chatelier), kinetics (rate equation, order, Arrhenius). Calculations with working and units; explanation (cause–effect).
• Inorganic: Periodicity, Group 2, Group 17, transition elements (colour, catalysis). Equations and explanation.
• Organic: Mechanisms (nucleophilic substitution, electrophilic addition, condensation); synthesis (multi-step); reagents and conditions; identification (tests, spectra). Application to unfamiliar contexts.
• Practical: Planning (method, variables, safety); analysis (calculations, graphs, conclusions); evaluation (errors, improvements).

Are papers getting easier or harder?

• Standards are maintained via grade boundaries. Reports highlight calculation errors (formula, units), mechanism arrows and intermediates wrong, practical planning and evaluation underperforming.
• No reported shift in difficulty; accuracy in calculations and precision in organic/inorganic explanation are key.

Similarity to past papers and predictability

• Format and style match past Edexcel International series. Past papers are a good guide to topic balance and practical style.
• Topics are predictable from the spec; contexts vary. Marking focus (working, units, mechanism, evaluation) is consistent.

Examiner expectations and marking

• Calculations: Formula, substitution, answer with unit; working credited. Equations balanced; state symbols where required. Mechanisms: Curly arrows (direction); intermediates and products correct. Explanations – cause–effect with correct terminology. Practical: method clear; evaluation with specific errors and improvements. Marking consistent with past series.

Assessment style and skills in demand

• Recall (definitions, equations), application (calculations, mechanisms, synthesis), practical (planning, analysis, evaluation), synoptic (linking topics).

Focus areas for 2026 revision

1. Calculations – mole, enthalpy, Kc/Kp, rate; working and units.
2. Organic – mechanisms (arrows, intermediates); synthesis; reagents and conditions; unfamiliar applications.
3. Inorganic – transition elements; equations; explanation (colour, catalysis).
4. Practical – planning (variables, method, safety); analysis (graphs, conclusions); evaluation (specific errors, improvements).
5. Past papers – written units and Unit 3 under timed conditions.

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Based on current specification and examiner reports. Always use the latest Pearson Edexcel International A Level Chemistry specification for your series.