A-Level Maths Past Papers: How to Use Them Effectively
Past papers are the single most effective revision tool for A-Level Mathematics. This guide explains how to use them strategically across all four major exam boards: CIE (Cambridge), Edexcel (Pearson), OCR, and AQA.
Understanding the Exam Boards
| Exam Board | Specification Code | Components | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIE (Cambridge) | 9709 | Pure 1, Pure 2/3, Statistics, Mechanics, Probability | International syllabus, modular structure, multiple sessions per year |
| Edexcel | 9MA0 | Pure 1, Pure 2, Statistics & Mechanics | Three papers, all linear (sat at the end), integrated stats/mechanics |
| OCR | H240 | Pure, Pure & Statistics, Pure & Mechanics | Integration of pure with applied in Papers 2 and 3 |
| AQA | 7357 | Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3 (any applied) | Two pure papers plus one applied paper |
The 4-Phase Past Paper Strategy
Phase 1: Topic Practice (8-12 weeks before exam)
Don't start with full papers. Instead, work through questions by topic:
- Identify the topics in your syllabus (differentiation, integration, vectors, etc.)
- Find questions on each topic from multiple years of past papers
- Work through them untimed, checking mark schemes after each question
- Build a list of recurring question types and standard methods
Phase 2: Timed Sections (4-8 weeks before exam)
Once you're confident with individual topics, start doing timed sections:
- Take one full paper and split it into 30-minute chunks
- Complete each chunk under timed conditions
- Mark your work using the official mark scheme
- Note which topics slow you down or cause errors
Phase 3: Full Papers (2-4 weeks before exam)
Now tackle complete papers under exam conditions:
- Set a timer for the full exam duration
- Work in a quiet environment without notes
- After completing, mark strictly using the mark scheme
- Aim to complete at least 4-6 full papers per component
Phase 4: Review & Refine (final week)
In the last week, focus on:
- Reviewing all errors from past papers you've completed
- Re-doing questions you got wrong (without looking at solutions)
- Memorising formulae not given on the formula sheet
- Practising time management on one final paper
Tips by Exam Board
CIE 9709 Tips
Cambridge papers follow very predictable patterns. Common patterns include:
- Pure 1 always has a trapezium rule question and a coordinate geometry problem
- Statistics questions follow standard hypothesis testing formats
- Papers from different sessions (February/March, May/June, October/November) have similar difficulty
- Use papers from 2015 onwards for the current syllabus
Edexcel Tips
- Paper 1 and Paper 2 are both pure mathematics — practise both equally
- The Statistics & Mechanics paper requires knowing which distribution to use for each scenario
- Large data set questions appear frequently — familiarise yourself with the data set
- Edexcel mark schemes include "alternative methods" which can earn full marks
OCR and AQA Tips
- OCR integrates pure topics into the applied papers — don't treat them as separate
- AQA Paper 3 can be either Statistics or Mechanics — check which your school teaches
- Both boards include "synoptic" questions that combine multiple topics
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the mark scheme: Always check the mark scheme after each question, not just at the end
- Only doing recent papers: Older papers test the same concepts and provide extra practice
- Not showing working: A-Level mark schemes award method marks — always show your steps
- Ignoring examiner reports: These documents explain common errors and what examiners expect
- Starting too late: Begin past paper practice at least 8 weeks before your exam
Free A-Level Past Papers
Download papers for CIE, Edexcel, OCR, and AQA — organised by year and component.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free A-Level maths past papers?
MathHub hosts free A-Level maths past papers for CIE (9709), Edexcel, OCR, and AQA exam boards. Papers include question papers, mark schemes, and worked solutions where available. Visit our A-Level papers page for direct PDF downloads.
How many past papers should I do before the exam?
Aim for at least 6-8 full papers per component. For CIE 9709, that means 6-8 Pure 1 papers, 6-8 Pure 3 papers, etc. Start with untimed topic practice, then progress to full timed papers 2-4 weeks before the exam.
Are CIE 9709 past papers harder than Edexcel?
CIE and Edexcel test similar concepts at similar difficulty levels, but in different styles. CIE papers tend to have more predictable question patterns, while Edexcel papers may include more problem-solving questions that combine topics. Neither is definitively harder.
Should I use past papers from older years?
Yes, but check your syllabus first. For CIE 9709, papers from 2015 onwards follow the current syllabus. For UK boards (Edexcel, OCR, AQA), the current A-Level specification started in 2017. Older papers may cover slightly different content but are still useful for core topics.
How do A-Level maths mark schemes work?
A-Level mark schemes use M marks (method), A marks (accuracy), and B marks (independent). You earn M marks for using the correct method even if you get the wrong answer, which is why showing working is essential. A marks depend on previous M marks being earned.