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GCSE Computer Science8525

GCSE Computer Science: specification changes for exams in 2027

We have made updates to the subject content in our Computer Science (8525) specification from first teach in September 2025.

Read about the changes and latest resources we have available here.

2.0 Specification at a glance

This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course.

2.1 Subject content

2.2 Assessments

Paper 1: Computational thinking and programming skills

What's assessed

Computational thinking, code tracing, problem-solving, programming concepts including the design of effective algorithms and the designing, writing, testing and refining of code.

The content for this assessment will be drawn from subject content 3.1 and 3.2 above.

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 2 hours
  • 90 marks
  • 50% of GCSE

Questions

A mix of multiple choice, short answer and longer answer questions assessing programming, practical problem-solving and computational thinking skills.

Paper 2: Computing concepts

What's assessed

The content for this assessment will be drawn from subject content 3.3 to 3.8 above.

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • 90 marks
  • 50% of GCSE

Questions

A mix of multiple choice, short answer, longer answer and extended response questions assessing SQL programming skills and theoretical knowledge.