What’s Next? Analysis of 2025 GCSE Maths Paper 2 Topics With Recommended Revision List For GCSE Maths Paper 3 

This article was originally published on 5th June 2025

Students sat the second Edexcel GCSE maths paper on Wednesday this week, which means our resident secondary maths expert, Christine Norledge, returns with a topic analysis of the GCSE Maths Paper 2 2025 to help students prepare for Paper 3 on Wednesday 11th June.

By examining the questions and topics from both Papers 1 and 2, Christine predicts which topics are likely to feature in the final 2025 GCSE maths paper. Stay with us to discover the updated key topics and an updated topic hit list for focused Paper 3 revision!

As always, this blog focuses on the Edexcel papers, rather than AQA, OCR, WJEC or IGCSE. It’s also specifically about GCSE mathematics, rather than any A Level exams or further maths.

Now that Paper 1 and Paper 2 are complete, we can begin to spot which topics are more or less likely to appear in the final Paper 3 exam. However, keep in mind that any topic can still be tested, even if it’s already come up. These insights are designed to help you prioritise and make the most of your remaining revision time.

The following recommendations and detailed analysis are my own interpretation of GCSE Maths Paper 2, and are not endorsed in any way by Edexcel. The question papers and mark schemes are yet to be formally released.

GCSE MATHS 2025: STAY UP TO DATE

Join our email list to stay up to date with the latest news, revision lists and resources for GCSE maths 2025. We’re analysing each paper during the course of the 2025 GCSEs in order to identify the key topic areas to focus on for your revision.

GCSE dates 2025
GCSE results 2025 (when published)
Analysis of GCSE Maths Paper 1 2025
Analysis of GCSE Maths Paper 2 2025
GCSE Maths Teacher Survey Results 2025

Edexcel revision lists for Foundation and Higher Paper 3

If you want to jump straight into the revision lists for the next GCSE maths Paper 3, the key revision areas for Edexcel GCSE Maths Paper 3, keep scrolling.

Or, you can download the lists with links to the relevant revision resources below:

Below are the Foundation and Higher topics that I’d recommend students focus on first. This is intended as a suggested and incomplete list, not a guaranteed prediction of what will appear on the third and final GCSE exam paper.

Remember, any topic can still come up, regardless of whether it’s already been covered in Paper 1 or Paper 2.

These lists are revised versions from our previous GCSE Maths 2025 Paper 1 blog to take Paper 2 content into account.

List of priority Foundation tier maths paper 3 topics

These are the topics I’d recommend learners focus on answering practice papers on fluently before the next paper. Below is an image you can use in your revision slides for Edexcel Paper 3 or, if you prefer, an easy copy and paste text list.

Italics note anything relevant to the previous two papers. Bold topics denote those that are very likely to appear.

Number

• Ordering sets of numbers
• Order of operations and inverse operations
• Calculator use
• Simple number properties (squares, cubes, odd, even, etc)
• Listing strategies
• Integer powers
• Convert percentages
• Percentage calculations
• Errors and bounds

Algebra

• Formulae including a change of subject
• Expand and factorise
• Laws of indices
• Algebraic vocabulary (expression, equation, etc)
• Coordinates
• Draw and interpret a linear graph (less likely as an equation of a line and a quadratic graph appeared on 1F)
• Two-step (or more) linear equations
• Form and solve equations or inequalities
• Solve linear inequalities
• Linear simultaneous equations
• Linear and non-linear sequences

Ration and Proportion

• Distance- and speed-time graphs and other real-life graphs
• Ratio notation
• Inverse proportion
• Proportion graphs
• Percentage change
• Compound percentage change

Geometry

• Properties of circles (naming, etc)
• Constructions
• Transformations
• Congruence and similarity
• Plans and elevations 
• 3D shape properties
• Lines and angles (measuring)
• Perimeter and area of rectilinear shapes
• Cylinders and prisms (volume and SA)
• Cones, spheres and pyramids (volume and SA)
• Volume and SA with compound measures
• Pythagoras’ theorem

Probability

• Single-event probability
• Frequency trees (and tree diagrams)
• Sets and Venns
• Independent and dependent combined events

Statistics

• Data collection and sampling
• Time-series data
• Frequency polygons
• Scatter graphs
• Frequency tables
• Averages and range from grouped data

List of priority topics for your Higher tier paper 3

Number

• Fraction calculations
• Calculator use
• Integer powers
• Fractional powers
• Error intervals and bounds

Algebra

• Change of subject
• Expand and factorise
• Laws of indices
• Complete the square
• Algebraic fractions
• Identify non-linear graphs
• Exponential and trig graphs
• Graph transformations
• Form and solve linear equations or inequalities
• Form and solve quadratic equations or inequalities
• Simultaneous equations (all types)
• Iteration
• Linear sequences
• Quadratic and geometric sequences
• Other non-linear sequences

Ration and Proportion

• Compound measures (density on 2H)
• Real-life graphs (velocity-time on 1H)
• Direct and inverse proportion (simple)
• Proportion graphs
• Percentage change
• Compound percentage change
• Growth and decay

Geometry

• Properties of polygons
• Circle theorems
• Scale drawing and bearings
• Perimeter and area of rectilinear shapes
• Cones, spheres and pyramids (volume and SA)
• Volume and SA with compound measures, possibly pressure
• Using exact trig values in calculations (show that)
• Vector notation, calculation and proofs

Probability

• Sets and Venns
• Independent and dependent combined events

Statistics

• Sampling, capture-recapture
• Time-series data
• Frequency polygons
• Cumulative frequency graphs (already had Higher stats graphs on 1H and 2H)
• Scatter graphs
• Average calculations for grouped data

How best to share revision recommendations

If you’re concerned that students might overinterpret the revision focus lists, consider presenting them differently. For example, as a collection of past exam questions grouped by topic.

Within the accompanying resource for this blog, you’ll find links to targeted maths revision materials, such as questions and worksheets for each of the key topics. This could be a handy starting point for producing Paper 3 revision materials.

Topics tested in depth

Foundation paper 

As on Paper 1, there were no huge surprises in topic distribution, and proportions were again roughly in line with previous June series. However, more marks were available in Statistics than on some previous papers, due to averages and spreads being assessed in some depth.

Looking at the series as a whole so far, Number and Algebra remain on the low side compared to historic data, so these may be a greater focus on Paper 3.

Topics that appeared on this paper in depth and are therefore less likely to appear again include:

• Product of primes and LCM
• Representing inequalities
• Fibonacci sequences
• Speed, distance and time (both the use of a formula and a travel graph)
• Two-way tables
• Averages and spread for listed ungrouped data

Higher paper 

Paper 2 was structured very similarly to previous Higher papers when considering the number of questions, which was closer to the average than we saw with Paper 1. This meant there were more 1- or 2-mark questions, perhaps making the paper more accessible than the first one in this series. 

However, there were a few quirky questions within these low-markers. For example, Q9 required students to expand brackets using laws of indices including the reciprocal. While these skills are all Foundation level, it’s not a particularly routine question, which may have thrown some candidates.

Though there were some easier marks up for grabs, including the unusual appearance of a fairly standard tree diagram question in the Higher-only section of the paper.

This year also marks the first ever assessment of loci as a main topic on the 2015 specification Higher papers.

Topics that appeared on this paper in depth and are therefore less likely to appear again included:

• Product of primes and LCM
• Representing inequalities graphically
• Tree diagrams
• Pythagoras and trigonometry (RA triangle, 3D Pythagoras/trigonometry and sine/cosine all appeared on this paper)

Topics likely to come up on Paper 3 

While there’s no certainty about which topics will or will not appear of Papers 3, based on the GCSE Maths Paper 1, GCSE Maths Paper 2 2025 and previous series of GCSE maths paper series, these topics are likely to come up on the third and final paper. You may want to make a note of the information below to help students action a revision plan.

Foundation papers

Number 

So far in this series, there’s been little work on simple number properties such as odds, evens, primes etc, powers or order of operations.

Paper 2 didn’t include a calculator use question, and as students haven’t been asked to round many answers yet, we might likely see a two-parter on this on Paper 3.

Context-based problem solving with money calculations has also been less commonly seen so far in this series.

We’re also likely to see some work on fraction or percentage representation, such as writing one amount as a fraction or percentage of another. 

There’s been comparatively little work in the domains of equations and substitution, and nothing yet on sequences. These may prove good foci for Paper 3.

Algebra

Paper 2 had a bit more work on equations than Paper 1, but still very little on algebraic manipulation (expand, factorise etc) beyond some very simple 1-mark questions. This is a forerunner for inclusion on Paper 3. 

Also missing were linear sequences and solving simultaneous equations. However, remember that the latter is less frequently assessed on Foundation.

Ratio and Proportion

Ratio and proportion crop up on every paper, and predictably did so on Paper 2. But, there are still a few content gaps:

• Inverse proportion
• Writing a ratio in the form 1:n
• Problem-solving involving combinations of ratios.

Compound measures appeared frequently on this paper, with two questions on speed and one on density.

So far, we’ve seen very little calculation work on percentage change, including repeated change and compound interest. Combined with the lower amount of money problems on Papers 1 and 2, perhaps we’ll see some significant work in this area on Paper 3.

Geometry

As expected, we saw more area and volume work on Paper 2 than the previous paper, but it’s likely there will be yet more on Paper 3. This may present as a more straightforward area problem and more in-depth work on volume.

Students have yet to be asked to identify 3D shapes and properties, or draw plans and elevations. Nor have students been asked to measure lines, angles or do any scale drawing or work with bearings, this might be another area to keep an eye on.

Additionally, there has been nothing yet at the Foundation level on transformations.

Probability

Higher Paper 2 involved a tree diagram, but these haven’t appeared on Foundation yet. As trees are typically a common topic, it’s perhaps more likely that we see some Foundation-only work on frequency trees. Furthermore, there’s still nothing on sets or Venn diagrams, so another one to watch.

Statistics

Averages and range with ungrouped data was hit hard on this paper, but with grouped data not appearing for a while, this could potentially crop up on Paper 3.

It’s likely we’ll see more work on charts and graphs – now favourites as scatter graphs or time-series graphs.

Higher papers

Number 

Within the Number strand at Higher level, there are a couple of fairly significant gaps in powers, particularly negative and fractional powers, rounding, and errors and bounds. These are broad-reaching topics, so we’ll likely see something on these on Paper 3.

As noted in the Foundation section, we’ve had nothing yet on calculator use. This occasionally crops up in the common questions, but should be easy marks for Higher candidates.

Algebra

Paper 2 involved yet more graph work and coordinate geometry. It would be unusual to see more of this on Paper 3 at the expense of topics that haven’t been assessed in significant depth yet. 

Students have had less work than usual on solving quadratic equations. As there was a quadratic inequality on Paper 2, there might be something simpler and accessible to more candidates on Paper 3.

Algebraic fractions has also been less commonly seen, there could be a combination of these two topics on Paper 3.

So far, there has been nothing on either paper about sequences, linear or otherwise. It’s possible we’ll see a linear sequence question in the common section of the paper, or quadratic or geometric sequences further on. 

Ratio and Proportion 

As discussed in the Foundation section, there’s generally been very little on percentage change, including simple calculations, reverse percentages and compound change. 

Higher candidates have completed some work on speed on the first paper, but it was not assessed on the second paper at all, despite appearing twice on Foundation Paper 2. Students might see a more tricky speed question, or perhaps a pressure and surface area problem, on Paper 3.

Geometry 

Candidates were expected to do lots with Pythagoras and trigonometry on Paper 2, the only topic missing in the Geometry domain is the area of a triangle using trigonometry.

Work on surface area or volume of 3D shapes has been limited, and generally not much shape mensuration overall. Your GCSE cohort can expect some more problems in that area on Paper 3.

Vectors has not appeared at all on the Higher papers this year, it’s not unreasonable to expect something from this topic on Paper 3. 

As on the Foundation Paper 2, there has been little coverage of scale drawing or bearings.

Finally, although circles have featured prominently in other areas of the maths papers, there’s been nothing yet on circle theorems.

Probability 

Most Higher probability topics have been covered to some extent on Papers 1 and 2, with sets and Venn diagrams the most noticeable exception.

That said, probability problem solving seems to be a favourite on the Higher papers, particularly when combined with other topics.

Statistics 

Most of the main Higher statistics topics have been covered already, with a histogram on Paper 1 and box plots on Paper 2. We may see cumulative frequency on Paper 3, but it’s worth noting that frequency polygons and scatter graphs have also not appeared. It’s perhaps more likely that we see one of these topics in the common questions instead. 

Which topics have appeared on most Calculator papers so far?

The topics in these lists are either:

• Frequently examined topics with a high proportion (<80%) of appearances on the Calculator papers;
• Topics which have appeared on 75% or more of all series of live exam papers, either on Paper 2, or Paper 3, or both.

Anything relevant to the June 2025 series so far is noted in italics. Topics in bold are ones that have a very high likelihood of appearing on Paper 3.

Foundation paper 

Number

• Ordering numbers
• Calculations in context (no money calculations on 2F)
• Use a calculator accurately
• Factors and multiples (HCF, LCM and PPF on 1F/2F)
• Standard form (appeared on 1F)
• Convert percentages
• Error intervals
• Rounding (very little so far on 2F)

Algebra

• Write algebraic expressions (appeared on 1F)
• Solve linear equations (appeared on 2F, could appear again)
• Find terms in a linear sequence, nth term of a linear sequence

Ration and Proportion

• Standard measures (assessed in some depth already)
• Compound measures (assessed in depth on 2F)
• Ratio notation and calculations
• Direct proportion (some work on 1F, nothing on 2F)
• Proportion graphs
• Compound interest and depreciation

Geometry

• Properties of polygons
• Angle facts and properties (appeared on 1F)
• Transformations
• Scale drawing and bearings (appeared on 1F)
• Find missing sides and angles using trigonometry (appeared on 2F)

Probability

• Single-event probability

Statistics

• Grouped data calculations
• Pictogram, bar chart or pie chart (bar chart on 1F, pie on 2F)

Higher paper 

Number

• Standard form (appeared on 1H)
• Errors and bounds 

Algebra

• Algebraic fractions
• Quadratic graphs (appeared on 1H)

Ration and Proportion

• Compound measures (density on 2H)
• Ratio calculations (appeared on 2H but frequently repeats)
• Compound interest and depreciation 

Geometry

• Circle theorems 
• Transformations (appeared on 1H in some depth)
• Congruence and similarity (appeared on 1H)
• Perimeter and area of circles or parts of circles (area of circle on 2H)
• Pythagoras and trigonometry in right-angled triangles (trigonometry in RA triangles on 2H)

Probability

• Independent and dependent combined events (tree diagram on 2H)

Statistics

• Histograms (appeared on 1H)
• Cumulative frequency graphs and box plots (box plots on 2H)

What’s next for GCSE Maths 2025?

This wraps up our analysis of the GCSE maths topics covered in the first two maths papers. The final Edexcel maths paper is on Wednesday 11th June.

There’s still time for your students to squeeze in some past papers and use the Third Space Learning GCSE revision guides for essential Paper 3 support.

After Paper 3, we’ll be sending out a survey via email to gather your thoughts and views on the June 2025 series. Whether your cohort sat the Edexcel, AQA, OCR, WJEC or any other examboard, we want your opinions to shape our teacher review of the GCSE maths papers 2025.

If you don’t already subscribe to Third Space Learning’s emails for the latest resources and blogs, you can sign up here to ensure you get to take part in our 2025 maths GCSE survey.

See you then!