If you’re navigating the world of GCSEs, you’ve likely encountered a maze of acronyms: AQA, Edexcel, WJEC, Eduqas, OCR… the list continues!
Well, these are all UK exam boards. They’re essentially the gatekeepers and grade-setters for your GCSEs. But are they all equally challenging? And which is best?
In this article, we dissect the differences, delve into the details and answer the burning question: which GCSE exam board is the hardest?
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
GCSE Exam Boards: Differences and Similarities
What is the difference between AQA and Edexcel?
Let’s kick things off with AQA and Edexcel, two of the most popular GCSE exam boards. AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance) and Edexcel (Pearson Edexcel) both cover core subjects like Science, Maths and English Language as well as lesser-known GCSEs like Urdu and Statistics.
The main difference between AQA and Edexcel lies in their approach to assessment. AQA offers a wide array of subjects with traditional exam-style questions (often with a higher percentage of multiple-choice). On the other hand, Edexcel is known for its inclusion of practical and creative elements in many subjects.
For example, in AQA’s English Literature exam, you’ll find questions requiring detailed analysis of texts, terminology and memorised quotations. You’ll get all this with Edexcel, but their mark schemes focus more on students’ creative responses and exploration of historical context alongside textual analysis.
New to GCSEs? Here’s a guide to how many GCSEs students take, when exams happen and what the grading system means.
What is the difference between OCR and AQA?
Next up, we have OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations) and AQA.
OCR is often praised for its rigorous assessments, particularly in the sciences and humanities. Their exams are designed to test deep understanding and application of knowledge. On the other hand, AQA is known for its user-friendly format, with clear mark schemes and straightforward questions.
OCR might challenge you with complex problem-solving scenarios in Maths or demand in-depth scientific explanations. You’ll get this in AQA too, but the questions often appear more accessible, progressively building in difficulty throughout the exam.
Are OCR and Edexcel the same?
Despite the alphabet soup of acronyms, OCR and Edexcel are distinct entities. OCR is part of Cambridge Assessment, while Edexcel is owned by Pearson.
Each has its unique style of exam papers, with OCR often known for its challenging questions and Edexcel for its blend of traditional and modern assessment methods.
OCR and Edexcel are the same in that they’re both one of the four exam boards recognised by Ofqual for setting GCSE and A Level exams in England. The four are:
- AQA
- OCR
- Pearson Edexcel
- WJEC Eduqas
We’ve also written an in-depth guide to IGCSEs vs GCSEs if you’re deciding between these qualifications.
GCSE Exam Boards: Comparing Difficulty
Is OCR or AQA harder?
No exam board should be easier or harder than another.
While they have different paper structures and question styles, Ofqual ensures each exam board is the same in terms of difficulty. So getting a grade 9 in AQA Maths should be the same challenge as a grade 9 with OCR.
…. at least in principle!
In practice, different students will find the different approaches of each exam board harder or easier. So this comes to your learning style.
Let’s stick with Maths as an example.
Both AQA and OCR follow the same national curriculum content and they both have three papers taking 4 hours and 30 minutes in total. While there’s a total of 240 marks with AQA, there are 300 with OCR.
Although the specific questions differ (and AQA focuses more on multiple-choice questions), the main difference comes down to paper order. AQA starts with a non-calculator, followed by two calculator papers (so you might find this easier if you don’t like hopping between topics). On the other hand, OCR goes from calculator to non-calculator and then back to a calculator paper to finish off.
For more information, read our guides to the GCSE Maths syllabus and all the exam boards offering GCSE Maths.
Is AQA or Edexcel easier?
As well as the debate between OCR and AQA, lots of students ask: is Edexcel harder than AQA for GCSE?
Although every exam board is technically the same difficulty, Edexcel often gets the nod for being slightly more approachable than its counterparts.
With a mix of practical and theoretical assessments, Edexcel strikes a balance that suits many students. AQA, while not necessarily harder, might require a bit more finesse in your answers due to its focus on more traditional analysis.
What is the hardest GCSE board?
When it comes to the crown of “hardest,” OCR has a reputation for challenging students academically. Their GCSE exams, especially in the sciences and humanities, are renowned for their in-depth nature.
But do the numbers back this up? Well, it depends on what you’re studying.
Here are the 2023 results statistics for the three largest exam boards. We’ll look at pass rates (that’s a 4 or above) for Maths, English and Science.
| AQA Grade 4 or above | OCR Grade 4 or above | Edexcel Grade 4 or above | |
| Maths | 58% | 64.7% | 62.7% |
| English Literature | 73% | 84% | 78.5% |
| English Language | 65% | 79% | 64.3% |
| Physics | 90% | 90.7% (A)* 86.24% (B) | 90.3% |
| Chemistry | 89.2% | 90.6% (A) 84.3% (B) | 89.8% |
| Biology | 89.7% | 90.4% (A) 82.18% (B) | 90.9% |
Overall, AQA has the lowest pass rates (averaging at 77% across English, Maths and Science), while OCR has the highest average pass rates at 83.5%. Edexcel is in the middle, at 79%.
*Note: OCR offers two science specifications: “A / Gateway Science” and “B / Twenty First Century Science”. The B specification takes a different approach, with a narrative (rather than topic-based) approach to learning and independent practical work.
What is the easiest exam board for GCSE?
On the flip side to OCR’s challenging reputation, Edexcel often stands out as a more approachable option. Their mix of practical elements and clear assessment criteria can make studying feel less daunting.
However, “easiest” is subjective and dependent on your strengths and preferences. We should repeat, no exam board is easier or harder than another – so whoever you’re studying with, rest assured your GCSE exams will be marked fairly.
What is the most popular GCSE board?
AQA is the most popular GCSE board in England, with a vast number of schools choosing their assessments. Indeed, they set and mark over half of GCSE and A Level exams in England.
AQA’s user-friendly format, straightforward mark schemes and plenty of additional learning materials (such as lesson plans, sample work and tailored textbooks) appeal to both students and teachers alike.
GCSE Exam Boards: Subjects and Grades
What is the most passed GCSE subject?
Perhaps surprisingly (given their daunting reputation!), the sciences are some of the most passed GCSE subjects.
In 2023, about 90% of students achieved 9-4 grades in Biology, Physics and Chemistry (studied as individual subjects, rather than Science Double Award).
Just over 70% of students secured a 4 or above in Maths, rising to about 75% for English Literature. German, Music, Art and Drama all had similarly high pass rates.
What is the hardest GCSE to pass?
When it comes to sheer difficulty, many students point to Further Mathematics as the hardest GCSE to pass. Its advanced concepts and demanding coursework can be a significant challenge for even the most mathematically inclined.
In terms of the 2023 statistics though, Science Double Award has one of the lowest pass rates (at about 55%). History, Computer Science and Design Technology all have relatively low pass rates too, around 60%.
Thinking about revision for your GCSE exams? Here’s how to make a revision timetable and use time-blocking techniques.
What is the easiest GCSE to get a 9?
Of course, what’s “easy” for one student might be a monumental challenge for another. So this depends on your strengths and weaknesses.
In terms of 2023 results though, Chemistry, Physics and Biology all have the highest percentage of students achieving 9-7 grades (around 45%).
But does this mean the actual content is “easy”? Not necessarily. This could reflect the dedication of students choosing to sit three separate sciences rather than the combined GCSE double award.
The subjective nature of subjects like Art and Design are often touted as comparatively “easy” options. But they’re tricky for any students lacking creative flair! Art and Design actually has far fewer 9-7 grades, sitting closer to 20%.
What is the best exam board for GCSE?
Ultimately, no exam board is “better” than another. You won’t get much of a choice (if any!) on the exam boards you study with. These decisions are made by schools and teachers, often years in advance.
But rest assured, whichever exam board you’re sitting GCSEs with, you’ll receive a fair examination and marking process.
Success at GCSE is less about your exam board, and more about your approach to study. For expert personal tuition in GCSE English and Maths, or academic coaching in study skills and exam strategies, get in touch with our team at Achieve Learning today. We’ll help you achieve your academic dreams.
