GCSE Predicted Papers 2026
What are GCSE predicted papers?
GCSE predicted papers are practice exam papers designed to resemble the real exams as closely as possible. They follow the structure, layout, and question balance of official GCSE papers but are written independently by subject experts rather than exam boards.
Are predicted papers the same as real GCSE exams?
No. Predicted papers are not real exam papers and are not produced by exam boards. They are practice resources designed to reflect exam style and format, not to reveal real questions. GCSE Maths predicted papers, for example, will not have the same questions that will appear in your real GCSE Maths exams.
Why are they called ‘predicted’ papers?
The term ‘predicted’ refers to the way experts anticipate exam structure and topic balance based on specifications and assessment trends. It does not mean the questions themselves will appear in the real exam.
Do predicted papers accurately predict exam questions?
No one outside the exam boards knows the exact questions that will appear in GCSE exams. Predicted papers are educated practice tools, not guarantees. Any website claiming 100% accuracy should be treated with caution.
Who writes GCSE predicted papers?
Predicted papers are created by revision providers. High-quality papers are written by experienced teachers, tutors, and examiners who understand specifications, mark schemes, and exam board styles. MME offer resources like GCSE English Language predicted papers that help you revise.
Are predicted papers exam-board specific?
The best predicted papers are exam-board specific. This means the paper structure, question types, and mark allocation match how each board, such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, or IGCSE, sets its exams. For example, a good GCSE English predicted paper for Edexcel should be based on the GCSE specification for Edexcel English in particular, and the question styles should match those of past Edexcel papers.
Do exam boards release predicted papers?
No. Exam boards only release real exam papers after an exam series. They do not publish predicted papers and keep upcoming exam content confidential to ensure fairness.
What subjects are GCSE predicted papers available for?
GCSE predicted papers are commonly available for:
- GCSE Maths Predicted Papers 2026
- GCSE English Language Predicted Papers 2026
- GCSE English Literature Predicted Papers 2026
- GCSE Biology Predicted Papers 2026
- GCSE Chemistry Predicted Papers 2026
- GCSE Physics Predicted Papers 2026
- GCSE Combined Science Predicted Papers 2026
- GCSE Combined Triple Predicted Papers 2026
Each subject is usually offered for multiple exam boards.
How are predicted papers different from past papers?
Past papers are official exams from previous years. Predicted papers are newly written practice papers that aim to mirror current exam styles. Past papers show what has been asked before, while predicted papers help students practise unfamiliar but realistic exam questions.
Are predicted papers useful for GCSE resits?
Yes. Predicted papers are particularly useful for resit students who want to rebuild exam confidence, practise timing, and get used to exam layouts again. At QTS Maths Tutor, we highly recommend MME for their expert-made revision resources.
How should I use predicted papers effectively?
Predicted papers work best when:
- Completed under timed, exam-style conditions
- Attempted without notes or internet access
- Marked carefully using a mark scheme
- Used to identify weak topics and question types
- They are most effective when combined with specification-based revision.
Should I revise only the topics in predicted papers?
No. Predicted papers only cover a selection of topics. You should always revise the full specification for your exam board, as any topic can appear in the real exam; you should find out the relevant GCSE content from specifications and other external sources.
Do predicted papers come with mark schemes?
Yes. Good predicted papers include detailed mark schemes that break down where marks are awarded, making it easier to review answers and improve exam technique.
Can GCSE predicted papers be printed?
Yes. Many providers offer predicted papers as physical A4 exam-style booklets, closely matching the look and feel of real GCSE exam papers.
Are predicted papers suitable for all ability levels?
Yes. Predicted papers are designed to reflect the full range of GCSE difficulty, including basic marks and higher-grade questions, depending on the paper and exam board.
What should I look for in a good set of predicted papers?
Look for papers that are:
- Exam-board specific
- Based on the current GCSE specification
- Written by subject experts
- Fully original
- Supplied with mark schemes
- Honest about their limitations
Do predicted papers replace other revision resources?
No. Predicted papers are most effective when used alongside revision guides, revision cards for GCSEs, active recall, past papers, and spaced revision.
Why are predicted papers still worth using if they are not exact?
Because they help students practise how exams work. Familiarity with timing, structure, question wording, and mark allocation can significantly improve confidence and performance, even when the questions are new.
QTS Maths Tutor Team
We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.
