Exam boards are supposed to be at the same difficulty level in subject areas regulated by Ofqual. However, even Ofqual admits that the same difficulty level is not always achievable. Difficulty aside, different exam boards have different exam styles.
Schools, primarily teachers and subject heads, indeed choose exam boards. But knowing the structure of each exam helps you be well prepared.
Knowing the exact differences between exam boards helps you make more informed decisions, especially if you are taking the exam outside school.
Edexcel vs AQA vs Ocr, what exam board should you choose? Let’s find out.
A Brief Overview of GCSE Exam Boards
Edexcel, AQA, and OCR are among the major exam boards in the UK. Each exam board has its own style and focus.
The Department for Education (DfE) sets the national curriculum, and exam boards set specifications that take a detailed look into the national curriculum.
Exam boards decide on the topics, skills, and structure. They also design the assessments and exam papers. What’s more? They set the grade boundaries.
What does Ofqual do? They make sure that everything aligns with the national curriculum. They also check exam fairness and consistency across exam boards and previous years.
AQA
Ideal if you need to learn how to apply your knowledge to different scenarios.
AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance) is the largest exam board in England. They offer various subjects for GCSEs and A-levels.
AQA offers more than 60 GCSE subjects and 40 A-level subjects.
AQA focuses on problem-solving and critical thinking development. Students need a deeper understanding of the subject matter to do well on AQA exams.
AQA Grade Boundaries and Exam Papers
Grade boundaries are the minimum marks needed for each grade. AQA publishes these grades on results day.
To maintain fairness, they decide the grade boundaries after marking all exam papers.
The exam papers of AQA test your understanding and critical thinking skills. Generally, each AQA exam paper lasts 2 hours.
What is the Best Way to Revise for AQA Exams?
According to AQA students and parents support, the best way to revise is by studying at shorter intervals with repeated sessions.
GCSE revision apps such as BBC Bitesize and Seneca Learning are valuable resources.
Edexcel
Perfect if you prefer a structured exam.
Edexcel is a UK-based examination board and part of Pearson, the world’s largest education company. It was formed in 1996 by merging the Business & Technology Education Council (BTEC) and the University of London Examinations & Assessment Council (ULEAC).
Edexcel offers qualifications in over 40 GCSE subjects and 20 A-level subjects.
What About the Exam Papers?
Most questions of Edexcel are clear and predictable.
The best ways to revise for Edexcel exams are consistent study sessions with timed practice of past papers. Reviewing the marking schemes after answering the papers will give you an insight into what examiners need.
The length of Edexcel exams varies depending on the subject and level. For GCSEs, exams generally range from 1.5 to 2 hours per paper.
A-levels can take longer, from 2 to 3 hours per paper.
What is the Best Way to Revise for Edexcel Exams?
- ExamWizard: a bank of past papers.
- ResultsPlus: provides a detailed overview of your exam performance.
- REVISE Edexcel: topic summaries and practice exams.
OCR
Ideal for you if you enjoy experiential learning opportunities.
OCR (Oxford, Cambridge, and RSA Examinations) is one of the leading examination boards in the UK. It was formed in 1998. OCR is a part of the Cambridge Assessment Group
This exam board offers various qualifications, including GCSEs, A-levels, and vocational qualifications.
OCR focuses on practical and applied learning.
What about the Exam Papers?
Since the syllabus focuses on hands-on learning, the questions are in the same style. Some subjects, such as biology, have practical exams.
The length of OCR exams varies depending on the subject and the level of the exam. GCSE Exams range from 1.5 to 2 hours per paper. A-Level Exams range from 2 to 3 hours per paper.
What is the Best Way to Revise for OCR Exams?
To do well on OCR exams, you need appropriate resources. For instance, the OCR GCSE Practice Book is an excellent resource for OCR GCSE maths.
OCR Podcast is also a valuable resource to find support and guidance.
AQA vs OCR
AQA offers a broad range of subjects and varied question types. The focus of AQA exams are critical thinking and analytical skills. AQA offers comprehensive resources for students and teachers.
OCR, on the other hand, has a strong reputation for its technical and vocational qualifications alongside traditional academic subjects.
OCR exams are often praised for their clear structure and focus on application, particularly in subjects like Computer Science and STEM.
While both boards are respected and widely recognized, AQA might be more suited for students who prefer various question styles and in-depth analysis. OCR is ideal for those who value clear, application-based assessments and are interested in technical subjects.
What is the Difference Between AQA and Edexcel?
Edexcel offers more structured exams focusing on real-world applications, which is particularly strong in STEM subjects and vocational pathways like BTECs.
Edexcel has a broader international presence, making it a better option for students considering global education or career opportunities.
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Subject-Specific Comparisons: Edexcel, AQA, and OCR
We have provided a general guide here. The table below is based on specifications and past papers. All exam boards have various assessment objectives; this table only focuses on the main focus.
| Difference Between Edexcel and AQA and OCR | |||
| Subject | Exam Board Focus | ||
| AQA | Edexcel | OCR | |
| Maths | Mathematical reasoning | Problem-solving | Real-world contexts |
| Science | Scientific inquiry | Facts and recall | Independent learning |
| English Literature | Literary themes and techniques | Analysis skills | Contextual understanding |
Which Exam Board is Best for You?
Depending on your learning style and goals, the answer can vary. However, remember that all exam boards follow the national curriculum and Ofqual.
What is the hardest GCSE exam board? The exam boards have a different approach to each subject.
Edexcel AQA OCR all offer qualifications accepted by universities and employers. So, what matters more is your preparedness and revision skills.
For more insight, please review each exam board’s specifications on the given subjects.
Past papers are also helpful resources. Reviewing past papers and mark schemes helps you understand what examiners look for.
Each exam board shares past papers and marking schemes on their website: Edexcel AQA OCR.
Revision World is another excellent resource for finding past papers on major exam boards based on topic and tier.
Edexcel vs AQA vs OCR FAQ
- Is OCR the same as Edexcel?No. They are both Ofqual recognised exam boards with unique exam styles. OCR is more challenging, while Edexcel is known for its mix of assessment methods.
- Is there a difference between OCR and AQA?AQA vs OCR: The syllabuses of the two exam boards can vary. Plus, the assessment methods of the two exam boards are not the same.
- What is the difference between Edexcel GCSE and AQA GCSE?Edexcel vs AQA: AQA follows a linear exam structure (assessments at the end of the course). Edexcel focuses on modular exams, which students take throughout the course.
- What is the difference between Edexcel and AQA?Exam structure, teacher support system, syllabus and specifications are different between these two exam boards. Their grading systems also vary. But, Ofqual ensures consistency among exam boards.
- Which GCSE exam board is best?The answer depends on your learning style and goals. Any one of the three major exam boards, Edexcel, AQA and OCR, help develop invaluable skills and knowledge. The qualifications they offer are also highly accepted by employers and universities.
- Is GCSE AQA or Edexcel?Both exam boards offer GCSEs. To get your answer, check with your school. Subject teachers usually choose the exam boards, so you might have different exam boards for each subject.
- Is AQA and Edexcel the same content?Since AQA and Edexcel both follow the national curriculum, the main ideas are the same. The depth of topics and exam format can be different. When thinking about AQA or Edexcel, consider the exact subjects and review past papers and specifications of each exam board to gain insight.