Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0): papers, topics and grade boundaries

Edexcel GCSE Chemistry papers at a glance

The specification is the Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Chemistry (issue 4, March 2024). Pearson says each paper blends multiple choice, short answers, calculations and extended open-response items, with a calculator allowed throughout. Entry is for one tier and one May/June series. Because topic 1 sits on both papers, atoms, formulae, equations and moles keep returning even when the headline topic has changed.

What each Edexcel GCSE Chemistry paper covers

Paper 1

Topic 2 is states of matter and mixtures, including separating techniques and purity. Topic 3, chemical changes, covers reactivity, acids, salts and electrolysis. Topic 4, extracting metals and equilibria, covers metal extraction and reversible reactions, and Topic 5, separate chemistry 1, is the extra content for students taking GCSE Chemistry rather than Combined Science.

Paper 2

Topic 6 is groups in the periodic table, Topic 7 rates of reaction and energy changes, Topic 8 fuels and Earth science (crude oil, fuels and the atmosphere), and Topic 9, separate chemistry 2, is again extra content for the full GCSE.

Edexcel lists eight mandatory core practicals across the course. They are assessed through the written papers, so questions ask you to describe methods, pick apparatus and analyse data from experiments you have done.

Worked examples in Edexcel style

Chromatography: R_f value

A spot travels 3.6 cm while the solvent front travels 8.0 cm. The R_(f) value is the distance moved by the spot divided by the distance moved by the solvent:

R_(f) has no unit, because it is a ratio of two lengths.

Reacting masses

Magnesium burns in oxygen: 2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO. What mass of magnesium oxide forms from 6.0 g of magnesium? Use Aᵣ Mg = 24 and Mᵣ MgO = 40. First the moles of magnesium, then use the 2 : 2 ratio:

Concentration (Higher)

A student dissolves 5.0 g of sodium hydroxide, NaOH (Mᵣ = 40), in 250 cm³ of solution. First convert the volume to dm³ and find the concentration in g/dm³ and mol/dm³:

Practise relative atomic mass in our Atomic Structure course, then press Mark to check your answer in the course:

Edexcel GCSE Chemistry grade boundaries

Pearson prints one raw boundary per grade for the whole chemistry qualification, out of 200, in its June 2026 GCSE (9-1) document. Each is the lowest mark that earns the grade.

Grade 4 on Higher needed 55 marks, which is 28% of the total, while grade 9 needed 165. Foundation grade 5 needed 137 out of 200, and Foundation grade 1 needed 30.

How Edexcel GCSE Chemistry differs from AQA

AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) uses the same paper length and marks, so timing practice transfers. It splits the course into ten sections, with Paper 1 on atomic structure, bonding, quantitative chemistry, chemical changes and energy changes, and Paper 2 on rates and equilibrium, organic chemistry, analysis, the atmosphere and resources. Edexcel splits it into nine topics and repeats key concepts on both papers, so for revision, follow the Edexcel topic numbers and not another board's order. Compare with theAQA GCSE Chemistry guide.

Use the daily paper as a short timed mock

The freeGCSE Chemistry HigherandGCSE Chemistry Foundationdaily papers are 8 questions and 25 to 35 marks, so they are a short mock rather than a copy of an Edexcel paper, and Pearson did not write them. Expect moles, electrolysis, rates, equilibrium, organic chemistry and gas tests. Use one as a quick calculation check between full papers.

Common mistakes in Edexcel GCSE Chemistry

• Volume in cm³ instead of dm³. Divide by 1000 first.
• Unbalanced equations. Balance before you use mole ratios.
• Vague observations. Write what you see, such as a white precipitate, not "it reacts".

Exam answers

The answers and a worked mark scheme come with today's paper once it is marked. We do not publish official or past paper answers. Every question on the daily paper is our own.

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UK · GCSEEdexcel GCSE Chemistry grade boundaries 2026: every gradeEdexcel GCSE Chemistry June 2026 boundaries: Higher grade 4 was 55, grade 7 127, grade 9 165 out of 200, with 2025 and 2024 alongside.