Past papers are revision gold! They help you practise real questions, spot patterns, and learn exactly what examiners want. Not sure where to start? This quick Q&A breaks down how to use past papers properly
— including how to learn from mark schemes, avoid common mistakes, and make the most of every paper you try.
Q: Are past papers actually worth doing?
A: 100% yes.
Past papers are the best way to practise real exam questions, test your knowledge, and learn how marks are awarded. They show you exactly what the exam board is looking for — no surprises.
Q: When should I start doing them?
A: As soon as you’ve covered the topic in class.
You don’t have to wait until exam season. Start with topic-specific questions first, then move on to full past papers closer to the exam.
Q: What’s the best way to use them?
A: Try this 4-step method:
- Do the paper under timed conditions – no notes, no peeking.
- Mark it using the official mark scheme – be strict but fair.
- Highlight what you got wrong or missed – and why.
- Write down your common mistakes – spelling, timings, forgetting to explain, etc.
Q: What’s a mark scheme and why should I care?
A: It’s the cheat sheet for understanding what examiners want.
It shows you exactly how marks are given — like whether you needed a full explanation, a specific keyword, or just a simple fact.
Top tip: Use the mark scheme to improve your answers, not just to count how many you got right
Q: Should I memorise past paper answers?
A: No — that’s not the point.
Instead, learn the structure of good answers, common question types, and how to stay focused on what the question’s asking.
Q: How many past papers should I do?
A: Aim for little and often.
One full paper per week per subject in the run-up to exams is realistic. Even just doing a few questions a day helps you build confidence and speed.
Q: Where do I find past papers and mark schemes?
A: Check your exam board’s website:
- AQA – AQA | Resources | Past Papers & AQA Mark Schemes
- Edexcel/Pearson – Past papers | Past exam papers | Pearson qualifications
- OCR – Past papers materials finder - OCR
- You can also find them on sites like Maths Genie - Free Online GCSE and A Level Maths Revision and Physics & Maths Tutor
Q: What if I keep getting low marks?
A: That’s okay — the goal is progress, not perfection.
Focus on what the mark scheme says you missed, then go back and fix it. Over time, you’ll get faster, more accurate, and more confident.
Q: Final advice?
A: Don’t just do past papers — learn from them.
Use them to figure out:
✔️ How to answer smarter
✔️ Where you're losing marks
✔️ What to revise next
It’s not about cramming — it’s about training.
