GCSE Maths Foundation: Edexcel (1MA1)
GCSE Maths Foundation is the lower of the two GCSE Maths tiers, covering grades 1 to 5; on Edexcel (1MA1) it is assessed by three 1 hour 30 minute papers, one non-calculator and two calculator. Our Edexcel GCSE Maths Foundation course follows the 1MA1 specification and covers number, algebra, ratio and proportion, geometry and measures, probability and statistics at foundation tier (grades 1 to 5). You prepare for all three 1 hour 30 minute papers, one non-calculator and two calculator. Lessons are live and one-to-one with a verified subject tutor, who works through exam-style questions with you, marks your answers against the Edexcel mark scheme and shows you where marks are won and lost. Suitable for Year 10 and Year 11 students and resit candidates.
Reviewed by M. Wazid, Master's in Mathematics, Jamia Millia IslamiaLast updated
$14 – $37
per hour
Free demo class · pay only if you continue
What you will learn
Learning outcomes
- Develop confidence with numbers and calculations
- Work with fractions decimals and percentages
- Understand factors multiples and prime numbers
- Apply ratio proportion and rates of change
- Simplify algebraic expressions
- Solve linear equations and inequalities
- Work with sequences and graphs
- Interpret coordinates and straight-line graphs
- Calculate perimeter area and volume
- Apply angle rules and geometric properties
- Use transformations and constructions
- Apply Pythagoras theorem
- Use basic trigonometry
- Calculate probabilities
- Interpret statistical tables charts and graphs
- Calculate averages and measures of spread
- Apply mathematics to everyday situations
- Develop mathematical reasoning skills
- Solve multi-step problems
- Answer Edexcel Foundation exam-style questions effectively
Prerequisites
- Basic arithmetic skills
- Addition subtraction multiplication and division
- Basic understanding of fractions decimals and percentages
- Basic knowledge of shapes and measurements
- Ability to read simple graphs and tables
- Basic English comprehension
Tags
Course structure
Syllabus(5 modules)
- Mathematical Operations
- Order of Operations (BIDMAS/BODMAS)
- Place Value
- Negative Numbers
- Money Calculations
- Addition & Subtraction
- Multiplication & Division
- Related Calculations
- Counting Principles
- Types of Number Multiples
- Factors & Primes
- Squares
- Cubes & Roots Reciprocals
- Prime Factor Decomposition
- HCF & LCM Powers & Roots
- Laws of Indices
- Converting to & from Standard Form
- Operations with Standard Form
- Introduction to Fractions
- Fractions of Amounts
- Equivalent & Simplified Fractions
- Mixed Numbers & Improper Fractions
- Adding & Subtracting Fractions
- Multiplying & Dividing Fractions
- Introduction to Percentages
- Percentages of Amounts
- Percentage Increases & Decreases
- Percentage Change
- Reverse Percentages
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest Depreciation
- Exponential Growth & Decay
- Converting Fractions
- Decimals & Percentages
- Ordering Fractions
- Decimals & Percentages
- Rounding to a Given Place Value
- Rounding to Significant Figures
- Estimation
- Error Intervals
- Exact Values
- Using a Calculator
What is Edexcel GCSE Maths Foundation (1MA1)?
In short: this course gives one-to-one online tutoring for Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (1MA1) at Foundation tier, for students aiming for a grade 4 or 5. A verified maths tutor rebuilds core skills and practises Edexcel past papers so you pick up every mark available.
Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (1MA1) Foundation tier gives access to grades 5 to 1. It is assessed by three 1 hour 30 minute papers, each worth 80 marks: Paper 1 is non-calculator and Papers 2 and 3 are calculator papers.
This course covers the full Foundation content one to one with a verified maths tutor, focusing on the topics and question types that will lift your grade.
Official specification: Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (1MA1).
For wider support, see our maths tutoring page, and if you are moving up a tier, the Edexcel GCSE Maths Higher course.
How is Edexcel GCSE Maths Foundation assessed?
GCSE Maths is assessed by three written papers taken at the end of the course, each lasting 1 hour 30 minutes, worth 80 marks and a third of the GCSE. Paper 1 is non-calculator, and Papers 2 and 3 allow a calculator. Any topic can appear on any paper.
| Paper | Calculator | Time | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Non-calculator | 1 hour 30 minutes | 80 | 33⅓% |
| Paper 2 | Calculator | 1 hour 30 minutes | 80 | 33⅓% |
| Paper 3 | Calculator | 1 hour 30 minutes | 80 | 33⅓% |
How should you plan your GCSE Maths revision?
A good revision plan moves from finding gaps, to fixing them, to timed practice. Here is an illustrative 8-week plan before the exams that tutors adapt to your mocks, school calendar and Foundation-tier target.
| Weeks | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Diagnostic paper to find weak topics |
| 2–3 | Reteach the weakest topics with worked examples |
| 4–5 | Mixed practice by content area, including non-calculator skills |
| 6 | Full timed paper 1 (non-calculator), then review |
| 7 | Full timed papers 2 and 3 (calculator), then review |
| 8 | Final gaps, formulae and exam-day routine |
Content areas covered
| Area | Key topics |
|---|---|
| Number | Fractions, decimals, percentages, powers, standard form |
| Algebra | Expressions, equations, sequences, graphs |
| Ratio and proportion | Ratio, percentage change, best buys, speed and density |
| Geometry and measures | Angles, area, volume, Pythagoras, trigonometry |
| Probability | Outcomes, tree diagrams |
| Statistics | Averages, charts, scatter graphs |
What are the assessment objectives for Edexcel GCSE Maths Foundation?
At Foundation tier, the assessment objectives are weighted 50% using standard techniques (AO1), 25% reasoning, interpreting and communicating (AO2) and 25% solving problems (AO3). Half the marks are for standard techniques, so secure core skills earn a large share of the grade.
| Objective | What it tests | Foundation-tier weighting |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Use and apply standard techniques | 50% |
| AO2 | Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically | 25% |
| AO3 | Solve problems in mathematical and other contexts | 25% |
What does a worked Foundation maths question look like?
Here is a typical Foundation-tier question: a jacket costs £40 and its price rises to £46. Find the percentage increase.
| Step | Working |
|---|---|
| Find the increase | £46 − £40 = £6 |
| Divide by the original | 6 ÷ 40 = 0.15 |
| Convert to a percentage | 0.15 × 100 = 15% |
| Check | 10% of £40 is £4 and 5% is £2, so 15% is £6 ✓ |
Where do students lose marks in Edexcel GCSE Maths Foundation?
Foundation students most often lose marks by not showing working, making arithmetic slips on the non-calculator paper, misreading the question, forgetting units and leaving questions blank. Every mark counts at grades 4 and 5, so tutors target these habits.
| Mark-loser | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| No working shown | Write each step to earn method marks |
| Arithmetic slips | Practise written methods and check answers |
| Misreading the question | Underline what is being asked |
| Missing units | Add units to every final answer |
| Blank questions | Attempt every question; partial working scores |
| Weak on ratio and percentages | Practise these regularly; they appear often |
How to reach grade 4 or 5
A grade 4 is a standard pass and a grade 5 a strong pass. Tutors focus on the topics that appear every year, build number and algebra skills, and help you avoid the careless errors that cost easy marks.
Exam technique and past papers
Tutors use Edexcel past papers and mark schemes, teach how method and accuracy marks are awarded, and help you manage time on each paper. Showing full working earns method marks even when the final answer is wrong.
How the lessons work
Lessons are live and one to one on video with a shared whiteboard. Your tutor finds the gaps, plans around them, and sets and marks practice between sessions against the Edexcel mark scheme. For specific questions, try maths homework help or see our Mathematics subject page.
GCSE Maths Foundation tutor online: who this course is for, prerequisites and study plan
A GCSE Maths Foundation tutor online gives you live 1-to-1 lessons on the Edexcel 1MA1 topics that carry the most marks, with calculator and non-calculator practice aimed at securing a grade 4 or 5.
This course suits Year 10 and Year 11 students on Foundation tier, and post-16 and adult learners resitting GCSE Maths.
Prerequisites: basic arithmetic, simple fractions, decimals and percentages, and reading simple graphs.
Course length: 45 one-hour lessons across 5 content areas.
| Stage | Topics | What you can do afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Number | Work with fractions, percentages and standard form |
| 2 | Ratio, proportion and rates of change | Solve ratio and proportion problems |
| 3 | Geometry and measures | Find area, volume and angles |
| 4 | Probability; statistics | Read charts and calculate probabilities and averages |
Where it leads: see the Edexcel GCSE Maths Higher course if you move up a tier, or our maths tutoring page.
GCSE Maths Foundation: Edexcel (1MA1): frequently asked questions
What is the Edexcel GCSE Maths specification code?
The specification code is 1MA1.
How many papers are in Edexcel GCSE Maths?
Three papers, each 1 hour 30 minutes. One is non-calculator and two are calculator papers.
What grades can I get on Foundation tier?
Foundation tier gives access to grades 5 to 1.
Is a grade 4 a pass?
Yes. Grade 4 is a standard pass and grade 5 a strong pass.
Is there a formula sheet in GCSE Maths?
Recent exam series have provided a formulae sheet, but check the arrangements for your exam year.
How can I improve quickly in GCSE Maths?
Secure the topics that come up every year, show full working and practise timed past papers, reviewing every mistake.
Can a tutor help with the non-calculator paper?
Yes. Tutors build fluency with fractions, percentages, powers and algebra so you can work accurately without a calculator.
Do you help with GCSE Maths resits?
Yes. Tutors target the topics and question types that will lift your grade fastest.
How much does a GCSE maths tutor cost?
The price depends on the tutor and session length. You see the hourly rate before booking, with no subscription.
Do you cover AQA and OCR as well?
Yes. We have GCSE Maths courses for AQA, Edexcel and OCR.
Is it hard to pass GCSE Maths Foundation?
Most students can pass GCSE Maths Foundation with steady practice, because many marks come from number, ratio, percentages and basic algebra, which improve quickly with practice. Marks are often lost by misreading questions or not showing working. Regular timed past papers and targeted revision of weak topics make a grade 4 very achievable.
What are the Foundation-tier assessment objectives?
AO1 standard techniques (50%), AO2 reasoning and communicating (25%) and AO3 problem solving (25%).
How do I calculate a percentage increase?
Find the increase, divide it by the original amount and multiply by 100. From £40 to £46 is a 15% increase.
What topics come up most on Foundation papers?
Number, ratio and percentages, basic algebra, area and perimeter, angles, probability and charts appear regularly.
Which GCSE Maths Foundation revision resources are best?
Start with Pearson past papers and mark schemes, a foundation revision guide and free practice-question websites, working topic by topic before moving on to full timed papers. Short daily practice beats long occasional sessions. Your tutor builds a revision plan around these resources, your mock results and your weakest topics.
How can I stop panicking in maths exams?
Practise timed papers, start with questions you can do, and use a checklist for each question type. Confidence grows with routine.
How many marks do I need for a grade 4 in Foundation Maths?
It changes every year, because Pearson sets grade boundaries after each exam series. On Foundation tier the grade 4 boundary has often been around half of the total marks, but treat that as a guide only. Your tutor marks full past papers against recent boundaries so you can see how close you are to a pass.
Should I move up to Higher tier?
Your school decides your entry. If you are securing grade 5 work consistently, talk to your teacher; a tutor can help with the extra content.
Do you offer lessons in my time zone?
Yes. Lessons are online, so you can book times that suit your time zone and school week.
How often should I have lessons?
Weekly lessons suit most students; add extra sessions before mocks and final exams.
Can a GCSE Maths Foundation tutor help me get a grade 4?
Yes. A GCSE Maths Foundation tutor finds the topics costing you the most marks, then teaches them step by step and practises them with past papers. Lessons build speed and confidence on both calculator and non-calculator papers. Progress depends on your starting point and regular practice, and no grade can be guaranteed.
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