​​Proposed changes to the assessment of mathematics, physics and combined science GCSEs​

This is an Ofqual consultation on assessment arrangements for GCSEs in mathematics, physics and combined science in England. It is proposed that these arrangements will be in place for the lifetime of the current GCSE specifications in these subjects. 

DfE is responsible for setting the curriculum requirements and subject content for all GCSE qualifications. Ofqual is responsible for how the subject content will be assessed and for ensuring that the assessment arrangements can support valid and reliable results.   

Previously DfE decided as a matter of policy that it was not necessary for students taking exams from 2022 to 2027 to memorise the formulae for GCSE mathematics and equations for GCSE physics and combined science that they must in a normal year. Ofqual has consulted 3 times on the assessment arrangements necessary to implement that policy decision. Ofqual then amended its Conditions and Requirements for GCSE qualifications to require exam boards to provide a formulae sheet in the exams for GCSE mathematics and a revised equations sheet in the exams for GCSE physics and combined science. Exam boards provide copies of the formulae and equations sheets for use in teaching and to ensure that students are familiar with them prior to the exams. Clean copies of the formulae and equations sheets are provided in the exams. 

In November 2025, the Curriculum and Assessment Review published its final report, recommending that government evaluate whether students should be required to memorise and recall each formula and equation in these subjects, as well as being able to apply them. As set out in its letter to Ofqual, DfE confirmed in the government response to the Review that it is now considering this as it reviews and develops revised subject content for reformed GCSEs in these subjects. Therefore, the longer-term expectations will be confirmed when new qualifications are developed. As set out in its response to the government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review, DfE intends that these new qualifications will be first taught in 2029 or 2030. Based on this timing, Ofqual expects the proposals below will apply to GCSE exams taken by students up to and including 2030 or 2031, and any resit series after that.    

DfE has now told Ofqual that students will not be expected to memorise all the usual formulae and equations in GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science for the lifetime of the current GCSE specifications in these subjects. This will include resit opportunities for the current qualifications after the introduction of new qualifications. It will also include November exams for students taking GCSE mathematics.  

Ofqual proposes to continue requiring exam boards to provide support materials for exams for the lifetime of the current GCSE specifications in mathematics, physics and combined science. This will include resit opportunities and the November exams for students taking GCSE mathematics. 

Ofqual last consulted on similar arrangements in 2024 and the proposal to introduce these support materials for the exams in 2025, 2026 and 2027 received strong support from all stakeholder groups. The feedback Ofqual gathered before and following the exams in 2022, 2023 and 2024 indicated these assessment arrangements had a positive impact on student confidence when preparing for their exams. Ofqual considered the impact of the changes made to these assessments in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 and found no evidence that the functioning of the assessment was compromised. Ofqual did receive feedback about accessibility issues including that the formulae and equations should be attached to specific questions or included in the question paper. Also, that the presentation of the formulae and equations could be considered to ensure they are accessible to students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).  

As a result of this feedback, Ofqual decided the formulae and equations sheets used in exams should remain consistent with those in previous years and between specifications. Ofqual did, however, confirm that exam boards may consider the possibility of making minimal presentational-only changes, in response to the above feedback, that could be consistent for all specifications.  

Ofqual welcomes your views on the continuation of these arrangements for the lifetime of the current GCSE specifications in GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science. Ofqual will consider all responses and is aiming to announce its decisions as soon as possible.