CCEA A-level Further Maths: four papers, section choices and grades

CCEA A-level Further Maths: the specification

The Northern Ireland GCE Further Mathematics was first taught in September 2018, with the first AS award in summer 2019 and the first A level award in summer 2020. The specification assumes knowledge of GCSE Mathematics at Higher tier and of GCE Mathematics, and it is meant to be taken with it.

CCEA A-level Further Maths papers

The four sections of the applied papers are Mechanics 1, Mechanics 2 (which also assumes Mechanics 1), Statistics, and Discrete and Decision Mathematics. At AS you answer questions from A and B, A and C, A and D, or C and D, and each section is half the marks. Our CCEA A-level Further Maths formula booklet guide covers the booklet. Check the paper dates on CCEA's final GCE timetable for summer 2027.

Worked example in CCEA style

Complex numbers are part of the pure content. Multiply (3 + 2i) by (1 − i), using i² = −1:

Write the real part and the imaginary part separately and keep the minus sign with the i term.

CCEA A-level Further Maths grades

Further Maths uses the same CCEA rules as the other A levels: uniform marks from each unit are added, AS has grades A to E and A level A* to E, and an A* needs an A overall with at least 90% of the A2 uniform marks. The 30% weights on the two A2 papers make them the deciding units. A-level grades explained has more on the scale.

Use the daily paper as a short timed mock for CCEA A-level Further Maths

The one Further Maths track, A-level Further Maths, gives a short daily mock of 8 questions and 25 to 35 marks. It is not a CCEA paper.

• What it covers well: complex numbers, matrices, series, polynomial roots and differential equations, which are pure content.
• What it does not cover: the applied sections: mechanics, statistics and discrete and decision mathematics. Use CCEA past papers for the sections you choose.

Use it for the pure content, and spend the rest of your revision on the two applied sections you chose.

Exam answers

Nothing on this page, or on Uni-Sine, is an official answer or a past paper solution. Today's paper comes with its own answers and worked mark scheme once it is marked.

Common mistakes in CCEA A-level Further Maths

• Picking an impossible pair of sections. At AS only A and B, A and C, A and D or C and D are allowed.
• Skipping GCE Mathematics. The course assumes it.
• Dropping signs in complex number arithmetic.

Read next

UK · A-levelCCEA A-level Further Maths grade boundaries 2026CCEA A-level Further Maths grade boundaries for Summer 2026: raw and uniform marks for AS 1, AS 2, A2 1 and A2 2, the 400 mark lines and the A* rule.