computer science igcse edexcel 2026

this exam is monitored in your exam centre (typically your school). make sure you’ve had practice doing it on paper. for paper 2, a computer would be provided along with sample files, make sure you save your code in the correct format (file name and extension). if you have any special arrangements, make sure you practise using them too.

— paper 1: principles of computer science

80 marks in 120 minutes | 50% of your score
- the paper consists of multiple choice, short open response, open response and extended open response answer questions, all of which are mandatory! make sure you know how to confidently answer each type of question.
- if you don’t know the answer to a question, try to write down something anyway. you won’t be penalised for an incorrect answer and there is a chance of you getting marks for the question anyway.
- a pseudocode reference document will be available for you to reference during the assessment.

— paper 2: application of computational thinking

80 marks in 180 minutes | 50% of your score
- the paper consists of multiple choice, short open response, open response, extended open response answer and task based questions, all of which are mandatory! make sure you know how to confidently answer each type of question.
- you can choose one of the three programming languages you will use — python, C# or java. we will only cover pseudocode and python! please check with your teacher if you are unsure which language you are using .
- the task based questions will be done on computers under supervision. all the other questions require a written response on paper. please make sure you save your files under the correct name and file extension.
- try to make the code readable! add comment lines and use blank space appropriately. not doing so may cause you to lose marks!
- a pseudocode reference document will be available for you to reference during the assessment.

score distributions (why not lols)

9	8	7	6	5	4	3	2	1
8.0%	8.2%	7.5%	12.3%	10.9%	21.1%	12.2%	6.4%	0.8%

according to june 2025, this course has a pass rate of 50.5% (getting a 4 or higher)

the chances of getting a 9 looks really slim but don’t worry! we are here to help you pass, as long as you do your part in staying motivated and studying a substantial amount.
do not stress out! i know seeing this will make you feel like running out of the exam room but the grade boundaries are adjusted based on your year’s cohort. if everyone performs exceptionally, the chances of getting a 9 is slim. so make sure you work hard to be one of the best candidates to maximise YOUR chances on getting a 9!

☆ suggested study schedule

thank your future self for not procrastinating. #donotprocrastinatepls.

(you don’t need to follow this to a tee, but what worked for me was actually doing past papers under timed conditions, but if you do need some structure then see the following.)

plan your study sessions! think about specific points: what topic do you want to revise? how are you going to revise? what do you want to achieve by the end of the session? how long will the revision session be?
choose what works for you! are you a visual learner? do you find mind-maps effective? use methods that require active recall such as doing past papers or using flashcards.
study when you are the most productive! do you study better in the mornings or at night?
start early! do not cram last minute, please. space out your revision so you won’t feel as stressed the day before the exam