Official documents, with a short summary of each. Links open the board's own, current copy in a new tab.
2018 specification (first exams 2019)
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every unit (P1–P4, M1–M3, S1–S3, D1) | 1 h 30 min | 75 | ⅓ of IAS · ⅙ of IAL |
Summarised from the official specification, checked 16 Oct 2026. The board's document is the final word.
One specification covers all three qualifications. Every unit is a 1 h 30 min, 75-mark exam. IAL Mathematics is P1–P4 plus an applied pair: M1+S1, M1+D1, M1+M2, S1+D1 or S1+S2. A unit can count towards only one qualification. Most units are offered in January, June and October.
Pearson’s page for the qualification: the specification, course materials, the subject guide and news of any changes. The formulae booklet (Mathematical Formulae and Statistical Tables) is given to you in every unit exam.
Pearson’s overview of the IAL Mathematics family: how the units fit together and how they lead to university.
First teaching 2017
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 Pure Mathematics 1 | 2 h | 100 | 33⅓% |
| Paper 2 Pure Mathematics 2 | 2 h | 100 | 33⅓% |
| Paper 3 Statistics and Mechanics | 2 h | 100 | 33⅓% |
Summarised from the official specification, checked 16 Oct 2026. The board's document is the final word.
Three 2-hour, 100-mark papers taken in the same May/June series: Pure 1, Pure 2, and Statistics & Mechanics. A formulae booklet is provided, but some formulae must be learnt (Appendix 1). Paper 3 assumes you have studied Pearson’s large data set.
Pearson’s page for 9MA0 and 9FM0: the AS and A Level specifications, course materials and the GCSE-to-A-Level transition guide.
2018 specification
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every unit (FP1–FP3 and applied units) | 1 h 30 min | 75 | ⅙ of IAL |
Summarised from the official specification, checked 16 Oct 2026. The board's document is the final word.
The same document as IAL Mathematics. IAL Further Mathematics is six units: FP1, FP2 or FP3, and four more from the further pure and applied units. None of them can be a unit already used for IAL Mathematics.
First teaching 2017
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 Core Pure Mathematics 1 | 1 h 30 min | 75 | 25% |
| Paper 2 Core Pure Mathematics 2 | 1 h 30 min | 75 | 25% |
| Paper 3 Option (3A–3D) | 1 h 30 min | 75 | 25% |
| Paper 4 Option (4A–4D) | 1 h 30 min | 75 | 25% |
Summarised from the official specification, checked 16 Oct 2026. The board's document is the final word.
Four 1 h 30 min, 75-mark papers: Core Pure 1 and 2 are compulsory, plus two options. You can take any two Paper 3 options, or a matching Paper 3 and Paper 4 pair (for example, Further Statistics 1 and 2).
First teaching 2016
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (F or H) | 2 h | 100 | 50% |
| Paper 2 (F or H) | 2 h | 100 | 50% |
Summarised from the official specification, checked 16 Oct 2026. The board's document is the final word.
Two 2-hour, 100-mark papers at either Foundation (grades 5–1) or Higher (grades 9–4, with a 3 allowed). A calculator is allowed in both papers. Exams are in January and June. The formulae sheets for each tier are in the appendices.
Pearson’s page for 4MA1: the specification, the course materials and news.
The official one-page rules for candidates, used by Pearson Edexcel (including International A Levels and International GCSEs). Bring at least two black pens in a clear pencil case and an approved calculator. Phones, watches of any kind (including ordinary watches), earbuds, smart glasses and notes are not allowed in the exam room. Stay silent: talking to another candidate can disqualify you from all your exams. Keep the contingency day, 23 June 2027, free.
All of JCQ’s current notices for students in one place, including the rules for written exams, using AI in assessed work, social media, access arrangements and post-results services (reviews of marking).
What students may and may not do with AI tools in work that counts towards a qualification, and what happens if AI misuse is found. Mostly relevant to coursework; maths A Levels are assessed entirely by written exams.
The full rulebook exam centres must follow: seating, invigilation, calculators, late arrival, emergencies. Written for exams officers and teachers rather than students.
Exams run 8–25 January 2027. P1 (WMA11) is on Friday 8 January; S1 on 12 January; P2 on 13 January; M1 and FP1 on 14 January; P3 on 15 January; P4 on 19 January. Start times depend on your country, so check the start-times notice.
Exams run 4 May to 10 June 2027. Maths units are all afternoon sessions: P1 on 6 May, S1 on 7 May, P2 on 11 May, M1 on 13 May, P3 on 25 May, FP1 on 27 May and P4 on 7 June.
For UK GCSE and A Level exams. Entry deadline 21 February 2027. Exams run 10 May to 22 June 2027 (GCSE ends 18 June). Contingency day 23 June 2027. A Level results reach candidates on 12 August 2027.
Pearson’s grade boundaries for every qualification and series. Boundaries change every series, so use them as a guide only.
Salam Academy is not affiliated with Pearson Edexcel. Summaries are our own and may lag behind changes, so the board's document is always the final word. Spotted something out of date? Tell your teacher or use “Report an issue” on any lesson.