Proposed changes to the assessment of mathematics, physics and combined science GCSEs, Public Sector article

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

Applies to England

This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

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

Ref: Ofqual/26/7327

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Detail of outcome

Ofqual has decided to implement the proposals set out in the consultation document. This means that, given the decision taken by Department for Education (DfE) to change its subject content expectations, Ofqual will continue to require exam boards to provide students with formulae and equations sheets for GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science exams for the remaining lifetime of the current specifications. The longer-term subject content expectations will be confirmed by DfE when new qualifications are developed.

This decision relates to GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science exams being taken from 2028 onwards for the lifetime of the current qualifications, including any resit opportunities.

As a result, Ofqual’s updated conditions will require exam boards to:

publish the formulae and equations sheets for exams by 1 September the year before each exam series,
provide clean copies of the formulae and equations sheets with their exam papers,
not set questions that can be answered solely by transferring information from the formulae or equations sheets.

Ofqual expects the formulae and equation sheets used to be used in exams remain consistent with those in previous years and between specifications.

Feedback received

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

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Detail of feedback received

Ofqual proposed arrangements reflecting the revised expectations for subject content, which would see the continued provision of formulae and equation sheets in mathematics, physics and combined science GCSEs. It was proposed they apply to the current GCSE qualifications up to and including 2030 or 2031 and the final resit series after that. The expectations for new GCSEs and the precise year of their introduction will be confirmed by the DfE when the subject content requirements are confirmed.

Ofqual received 2,180 responses to the consultation via its consultation platform. A further 2 responses were submitted over email, which have been included in the analysis.

The vast majority of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that for the remaining lifetime of the current qualifications:

a formulae sheet should be provided in the exams for GCSE mathematics
an equations sheet should be provided in the exams for GCSE physics and combined science

Original consultation

Summary

Ofqual has consulted on proposals to continue providing formulae and revised equations sheets as support materials in relevant GCSE exams.

This consultation was held on another website.

This consultation ran from
9:30am on 2 March 2026 to 11:45pm on 23 March 2026

Consultation description

Ofqual invites your views on proposed adaptations to the assessment of GCSEs in mathematics, physics and combined science for students in England taking exams from 2028, for the lifetime of the current GCSE specifications. As set out in its response to the government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review, the Department for Education (DfE) intends that reformed 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 confirmed its decision, in relation to the subject content for which it is responsible, that it is not necessary for students to memorise formulae for GCSE mathematics and equations for GCSE physics and combined science for the lifetime of the current GCSE specifications in these subjects.

As a result of this, Ofqual proposes carrying forward the provision of support materials, in the form of formulae and revised equations sheets, in the exams for GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science. This proposal will be in place for the lifetime of the current GCSE specifications in these subjects. This includes resit opportunities for the current qualifications after the new ones are introduced, and the November GCSE mathematics exams. Ofqual expects to confirm the arrangements for resits for the current GCSE qualifications when it sets out the expectations for the reform of these qualifications in due course.

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