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AQA Level 1 Mathematics Past Papers

Download AQA Level 1 Certificate in Mathematics past papers. Paper 1 non-calculator and Paper 2 calculator. 73 resources for foundation-level maths learners.

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

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190 of 190 resources — page 1 of 8

June 2023

2 files

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 2 Calculator – June 2023

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 1 Non-calculator – June 2023

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November 2022

2 files

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 1 Non-calculator – November 2022

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 2 Calculator – November 2022

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June 2022

2 files

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 2 Calculator – June 2022

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 1 Non-calculator – June 2022

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November 2021

3 files

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 1 Non-calculator – November 2021

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 2 Calculator – November 2021

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GCSE Mathematics – Mark scheme (Higher) : Paper 1 Non-calculator – November 2021

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November 2020

2 files

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 1 Non-calculator – November 2020

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 2 Calculator – November 2020

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November 2019

3 files

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 1 Non-calculator – November 2019

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 2 Calculator – November 2019

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Foundation) : Paper 1 Non-calculator – November 2019

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June 2019

2 files

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 2 Calculator – June 2019

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 1 Non-calculator – June 2019

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November 2018

3 files

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 1 Non-calculator – November 2018

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 2 Calculator – November 2018

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Foundation) : Paper 1 Non-calculator – November 2018

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June 2018

2 files

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 2 Calculator – June 2018

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 1 Non-calculator – June 2018

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June 2017

2 files

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 2 Calculator – June 2017

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 1 Non-calculator – June 2017

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November 2017

2 files

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 2 Calculator – November 2017

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GCSE Mathematics – Question paper (Higher) : Paper 1 Non-calculator – November 2017

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Foundation Numeracy, Basic Shape, and Functional Mathematics at Level 1

AQA Level 1 Certificate in Mathematics assesses learners at the entry point of secondary-level mathematics, equivalent to GCSE grades 1–3 or below. It is designed for learners in further education, adult education, and community settings who are developing the mathematical skills needed for everyday life, employment, and progression to Level 2 study. Paper 1 (non-calculator) focuses on arithmetic fluency: adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing with whole numbers, simple fractions, and decimals; working out simple percentages; understanding and using money; and recognising and extending simple number patterns. Questions are set in familiar, everyday contexts — calculating change, working out a bill, or sharing quantities equally — rather than abstract mathematical notation. Paper 2 (calculator allowed) extends into slightly more demanding applied problems where the calculator supports the learner in tackling larger numbers and multi-step calculations. Topics include reading and interpreting tables, charts, and timetables; calculating with units of measure (length, weight, capacity, time); basic probability; simple ratio; and interpreting straightforward statistical diagrams. The language of the questions is kept accessible, with contexts drawn from everyday situations such as shopping, cooking, travel, and home management. Questions are designed to build learner confidence, beginning with accessible retrieval items and progressing to slightly more challenging problem-solving tasks. Throughout both papers, the ability to communicate mathematical reasoning clearly — showing working and giving a sensible explanation — is rewarded.

Exam Paper Structure

Paper 1No calculator

Non-Calculator Foundation Maths

⏱ Timed examination🎯 marks📊 50% of grade

Whole number arithmeticSimple fractions and decimalsPercentages in everyday contextsMoney calculationsBasic number patterns and sequences

Paper 2Calculator ✓

Calculator Foundation Maths

⏱ Timed examination🎯 marks📊 50% of grade

Reading tables, timetables, and chartsUnits of measure (length, weight, capacity, time)Basic probabilitySimple ratio and proportionInterpreting statistical diagrams

Key Information

Exam Board	AQA
Qualification	Level 1 Certificate
Standard	Below GCSE — equivalent to GCSE grades 1–3
Paper 1	Non-calculator (basic arithmetic, fractions, percentages)
Paper 2	Calculator (applied contexts, measure, statistics, probability)
Audience	Adult learners; lower-attaining FE students; pre-GCSE learners
Total Resources	73

Key Topics in Mathematics

Topics you need to know

Whole number arithmetic and basic fractionsEveryday percentages and money calculationsUnits of measure and conversionsReading and interpreting tables and chartsBasic probability and simple ratioTime calculations and timetable readingNumber patterns and sequences

Exam Command Words

Command word	What the examiner expects
Work out	Perform a calculation — show your method, not just the answer
Write down	State a value, word, or answer that does not require complex calculation
Tick	Select the correct answer from a list or diagram by marking it
Complete	Fill in the missing parts of a table, diagram, or calculation
Explain	Give a reason in everyday language for a mathematical result or observation

Typical Grade Boundaries

Grade	Approximate mark needed
Distinction	80%+
Merit	65-79%
Pass	50-64%

⚠️ AQA Level 1 Mathematics is graded Pass/Merit/Distinction or equivalent. Contact AQA for session-specific grade thresholds.

Building Confidence with Number, Measure, and Everyday Problem-Solving

Level 1 Mathematics rewards careful, methodical working above speed. For the non-calculator paper, the most important skills to practise are: multiplying and dividing by 10, 100, and 1000 (moving the decimal point); converting between simple fractions and percentages (50% = 1/2, 25% = 1/4, 10% = 1/10); and reading values from scales and rulers accurately. For percentage calculations without a calculator, the 10% method is the most reliable: to find 10% of a quantity, divide by 10. To find 15%, find 10% and add half of it. To find 30%, find 10% and multiply by 3. This approach avoids the errors that come from trying to divide by percentages directly. For Paper 2, time calculations are a common difficulty. When adding times (e.g., 1 hour 45 minutes + 35 minutes), remember that there are 60 minutes in an hour — you cannot simply add the minutes column as though it were base-10 arithmetic. If the minutes sum exceeds 60, subtract 60 and carry one hour. Timetable questions are best answered by identifying the departure time and arrival time column clearly before performing any calculation. When a question asks you to "explain" or "show your working", write down every step you take, even if it seems obvious. Examiners award marks for each correct step, so a wrong final answer does not necessarily mean zero marks if the method is correct.