Specification hub

GCSE Sciences specifications.

Find the official Combined Science and Separate Science routes for AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR, including the codes that distinguish each qualification.

Confirm your route: check whether you study Combined Science or separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as your board and tier. OCR schools may use either the Gateway or Twenty First Century suite.

Choose your exam board

Open the correct science specification.

All routes include scientific knowledge, mathematical skills, practical work and the ability to analyse evidence. The depth and paper structure depend on the qualification.

AQA

Combined and Separate Sciences

Combined Trilogy: 8464 · Biology: 8461 · Chemistry: 8462 · Physics: 8463

AQA Combined Science: Trilogy covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics for a double GCSE award. The separate sciences extend the content and result in three GCSEs.

  • Foundation and Higher routes
  • Required practicals and working scientifically
  • Use the subject-specific code for Triple Science
Open AQA Combined specificationOpen AQA BiologyOpen AQA ChemistryOpen AQA Physics
Pearson Edexcel

Combined and Separate Sciences

Combined: 1SC0 · Biology: 1BI0 · Chemistry: 1CH0 · Physics: 1PH0

Pearson provides one Combined Science qualification and separate specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

  • Foundation and Higher routes
  • Core practicals appear within each specification
  • Check the code printed on school materials
Open Edexcel science specifications
OCR

Gateway and Twenty First Century

Gateway Combined: J250 · Separate: J247/J248/J249 · Twenty First Century Combined: J260 · Separate: J257/J258/J259

OCR offers two science suites. Gateway organises content by subject topics, while Twenty First Century uses a different course structure and context.

  • Combined and separate routes in both suites
  • Foundation and Higher routes
  • Confirm the lettered suite and exact code
Open OCR GatewayOpen OCR Twenty First Century

What to track

Use the specification beyond topic names.

Science marks depend on applying content accurately, handling data and understanding practical methods.

Content statements

Turn each statement into a question you can answer without notes, then check the required depth.

Practical skills

Know variables, methods, calculations, sources of error and how evidence supports a conclusion.

Maths and command words

Practise rearranging equations, graphs, units and responses to explain, evaluate and compare.

Want a science plan matched to your course?

Lessons can cover Combined or Triple Science at Foundation or Higher tier.

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