AQAGCSE106 resourcesFoundation & Higher

AQA GCSE Chemistry Past Papers & Mark Schemes

Download free AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) past papers, mark schemes & examiner reports. Foundation & Higher tiers. 98 resources from June 2018 to 2024.

📅June 2018 – June 2024📄106 resources available✅Free to download

Papers Overview Paper Structure Key Info Key Topics Command Words Grade Boundaries Revision Tips Try AI Tutor ✦

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Year

106 of 106 resources — page 1 of 5

June 2023

5 files

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (Foundation) : Paper 2 – June 2023

Question PaperFoundation

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (Higher) : Paper 1 – June 2023

Question PaperHigher

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (Higher) : Paper 2 – June 2023

Question PaperHigher

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (Higher) : Paper 1 – June 2023

Question PaperHigher

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (Foundation) : Paper 1 – June 2023

Question PaperFoundation

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June 2022

6 files

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (Higher) : Paper 1 – June 2022

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (Higher) : Paper 2 – June 2022

Question PaperHigher

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (Higher) : Paper 1 – June 2022

Question PaperHigher

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (Foundation) : Paper 1 – June 2022

Question PaperFoundation

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (Foundation) : Paper 1 – June 2022

Question PaperFoundation

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (Higher) : Paper 2 – June 2022

Question PaperHigher

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November 2021

2 files

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (Foundation) : Paper 2 – November 2021

Question PaperFoundation

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (Higher) : Paper 1 – November 2021

Question PaperHigher

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November 2020

5 files

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (Foundation) : Paper 2 – November 2020

Question PaperFoundation

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (Higher) : Paper 1 – November 2020

Question PaperHigher

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (Higher) : Paper 2 – November 2020

Question PaperHigher

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (Higher) : Paper 1 – November 2020

Question PaperHigher

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (Foundation) : Paper 1 – November 2020

Question PaperFoundation

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June 2019

3 files

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GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (Higher) : Paper 1 – June 2019

Question PaperHigher

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📄

GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (Higher) : Paper 1 – June 2019

Question PaperHigher

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📄

GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (Foundation) : Paper 1 – June 2019

Question PaperFoundation

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June 2018

4 files

📄

GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (Higher) : Paper 1 – June 2018

Question PaperHigher

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📄

GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A3 36pt) (Higher) : Paper 2 – June 2018

Question PaperHigher

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📄

GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (Foundation) : Paper 1 – June 2018

Question PaperFoundation

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📄

GCSE Chemistry – Question paper (Modified A4 18pt) (Higher) : Paper 2 – June 2018

Question PaperHigher

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About AQA GCSE Chemistry

AQA GCSE Chemistry (specification code 8462) is a Triple Science qualification assessed through two written exams, each worth 100 marks and lasting 1 hour 45 minutes. Both papers are available at Foundation (grades 1–5) or Higher (grades 4–9) tier. A periodic table is provided with each paper. Paper 1 covers Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table, Bonding/Structure/Properties of Matter, Quantitative Chemistry, Chemical Changes, and Energy Changes. The atomic structure topic includes the history of atomic models, electronic configuration, and isotopes. Bonding covers ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding. Quantitative Chemistry is mathematically demanding — it includes moles calculations, empirical and molecular formulae, and gas volumes at Higher tier. Paper 2 covers the Rate and Extent of Chemical Change, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Analysis, Chemistry of the Atmosphere, and Using Resources. Rate of reaction connects to required practical work (temperature, concentration, surface area, catalyst effects). Organic chemistry introduces hydrocarbons, polymers, alcohols, and carboxylic acids. Chemical analysis covers pure substances, formulations, chromatography, and flame tests. The Using Resources topic includes the Haber process, life cycle assessment, and potable water treatment. Required practicals are embedded throughout both papers. Students should expect at least 3–5 questions per paper relating to practical methods, safety, and data analysis. Equations — both word equations and symbol equations including state symbols — are expected to be written correctly and are regularly examined. The periodic table is provided but groups, periods, and trends must be learned alongside it.

Exam Paper Structure

Paper 1Calculator ✓

Atomic structure, bonding, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes and energy

⏱ 1 hour 45 minutes🎯 100 marks📊 50% of grade

Atomic structure and the periodic tableBonding, structure and propertiesQuantitative chemistryChemical changesEnergy changes

Paper 2Calculator ✓

Rate and equilibrium, organic chemistry, analysis, atmosphere and using resources

⏱ 1 hour 45 minutes🎯 100 marks📊 50% of grade

Rate and extent of chemical changeOrganic chemistryChemical analysisChemistry of the atmosphereUsing resources

Key Information

Exam Board	AQA
Specification Code	8462
Qualification	GCSE
Grading Scale	9–1
Assessment Type	2 written exams (no coursework)
Tiers	Foundation (grades 1–5) and Higher (grades 4–9)
Number Of Papers	2
Exam Duration	1 hour 45 minutes per paper
Total Marks	200 (100 per paper)
Calculator Status	Calculators permitted on both papers
Available Sessions	June 2018 – June 2024
Total Resources	98

Key Topics in Chemistry

Topics you need to know

Atomic structure and the periodic tableBonding, structure and properties of matterQuantitative chemistry (moles and calculations)Chemical changes and electrochemistryEnergy changes in reactionsRate and extent of chemical changeOrganic chemistryChemical analysis

Exam Command Words

Command word	What the examiner expects
Calculate	Work out a numerical answer, showing all working including units
Describe	State what you observe or what happens in a reaction or experiment
Explain	Give chemical reasons for an observation or trend
Predict	State what you expect based on trends in the periodic table or reaction patterns
Write	Give a balanced symbol equation or ionic equation with state symbols if required
Suggest	Apply your knowledge to an unfamiliar context to propose a reason or solution
Compare	State similarities and differences between two substances, processes or properties
Identify	Name a specific chemical, ion or element from the information given

Typical Grade Boundaries

Grade	Approximate mark needed
Grade 9	76–86%
Grade 8	63–75%
Grade 7	51–62%
Grade 6	43–50%
Grade 5	35–42%
Grade 4	27–34%

⚠️ Typical Higher tier boundaries across two papers (200 total marks). Actual boundaries vary by series — check AQA's website.

How to Use AQA GCSE Chemistry Past Papers Effectively

Chemistry past papers reward students who can move fluently between qualitative description, balanced equations, and quantitative calculation. When you practise with papers, notice which of these three modes each question is asking for — mixing them up is a common source of lost marks. Quantitative Chemistry questions (moles, concentration, percentage yield, atom economy) are consistently the most discriminating questions at Higher tier. Work through every moles calculation in your past papers, checking each step against the mark scheme. A single error in unit conversion or rearranging the moles formula will cascade through your answer — but AQA mark schemes award follow-through marks (ecf), so it's worth finishing the calculation even if you think an earlier step is wrong. For required practical questions, examiner reports highlight that students often describe what they do without explaining why. For example, writing 'I measured 25 cm³ of acid' scores nothing — 'I used a measuring cylinder to measure 25 cm³ to ensure accurate volume' scores marks by linking the technique to its purpose. Equation writing is frequently tested and is a reliable source of marks for prepared students. Practise writing symbol equations with state symbols for all the common reactions: neutralisation, combustion, precipitation. The mark scheme typically awards one mark for correct formulae and one mark for balancing — these are separate marks.

More AQA GCSE Subjects

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AQA GCSE Chemistry Past Papers & Mark Schemes

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June 2023

June 2022

November 2021

November 2020

June 2019

June 2018

About AQA GCSE Chemistry

Exam Paper Structure

Key Information

Key Topics in Chemistry

Exam Command Words

Typical Grade Boundaries

How to Use AQA GCSE Chemistry Past Papers Effectively

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