Proposed changes to the assessment of mathematics, physics and combined science GCSEs in 2025, 2026 and 2027
Applies to England
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
Summary of decisions
Ofqual has decided to implement the proposals set out in the consultation document. The majority of respondents were in favour of students being given formulae sheets for GCSE mathematics (94% agreement) and equations sheets for physics and combined science (95% agreement). No issues were raised by those responding to the consultation that make it necessary to revise the proposals.
Ofqual will change its rules to require exam boards to provide students with support materials in the form of formulae and equations sheets for GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science exams in 2025, 2026 and 2027. The support materials will set out the formulae and equations that students must memorise in a normal year, as set out in DfE’s subject content and as included on the sheets provided for 2022, 2023 and 2024. Ofqual’s updated conditions will require exam boards to:
- publish the formulae and equations sheets for the exams in 2025 in December 2024 so that students may become familiar with them before the exams
- publish the formulae and equations sheets for the exams in 2026 and 2027 by 1 September 2025 and 1 September 2026 respectively so that students may become familiar with them before the exams
- provide clean copies with their 2025, 2026 and 2027 exam papers
This means the formulae and equation sheets to be used in the 2025 exams will be the same as those used for exams in 2024. As such, before the exam boards republish the sheets in December 2024, students and teachers may access exam boards’ 2024 sheets for practice purposes, if they wish.
The decision relates to GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science exams being taken in summer 2025, 2026 and 2027. For GCSE mathematics this will also apply to exams taken in November 2025, 2026 and 2027. The longer-term expectations will be confirmed after DfE’s Curriculum and Assessment Review.
Feedback received
Detail of feedback received
Ofqual consulted on the assessment arrangements for GCSEs in mathematics, physics and combined science in England in 2025, 2026 and 2027. Ofqual’s consultation sought views on whether the use of formulae and equations sheets, as used in 2022, 2023 and 2024 for GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science, should be continued for students taking these exams in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Ofqual received 15,796 responses to the consultation.
The majority of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that:
- a formulae sheet should be provided in the exams for GCSE mathematics in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
- an equations sheet should be provided in the exams for GCSE physics and combined science in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Ofqual’s proposal was in response to the decision by the Department for Education (DfE) that it is not necessary for students taking exams in 2025, 2026 and 2027 to memorise all the formulae for GCSE mathematics or equations for GCSE physics and combined science.
Original consultation
Consultation description
The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed its decision in relation to the subject content for which it is responsible that it is not necessary for students taking exams in 2025, 2026 and 2027 to memorise formulae for GCSE mathematics and equations for GCSE physics and combined science. DfE has confirmed that any decision beyond these dates is subject to the outcome of DfE’s Curriculum and Assessment Review.
As a result of this, Ofqual proposes carrying forward from summer 2024 the provision of support materials, in the form of formulae and revised equation sheets, in the exams for GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science. This proposal relates to exams taken in 2025, 2026 and 2027 and will include the November exams for students taking GCSE mathematics.
Documents
Updates to this page
Published 3 October 2024Last updated 13 November 2024 + show all updates
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Added the analysis and decisions pages.
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First published.