Contents
Whether you’re a Year 11 student gearing up for exams or a parent aiming to provide effective support, identifying the exam board for each GCSE subject is an essential first step. It ensures you’re using accurate revision materials, targeting the correct specifications, and building exam technique aligned with your syllabus to avoid any last minute confusion on exam day.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
How to determine the exam board using school resources and documentation
Why this information is critical for structured GCSE preparation
What to do next once the exam board is confirmed
Why does the exam board matter?
Each GCSE exam board, such as AQA, Edexcel (Pearson), OCR, or WJEC Eduqas, sets its own specifications, mark schemes, and assessment structures. While the core subject matter remains broadly consistent, the way content is assessed, structured, and marked can vary significantly.
For example, an AQA Chemistry paper may include more structured questions on practicals, while Edexcel might emphasise multiple-choice or calculations. Similarly, an English Language paper from OCR could differ in timing, tasks, and text types compared to Eduqas.
Revision guides, textbooks, and practice materials are all tailored to individual boards. Using resources that don’t match your exam board can cause confusion and lead to wasted revision time. By identifying your board early, you can streamline your preparation, target your revision more precisely, and enter the exam hall with greater confidence.
Knowing your exam board will help you:
Save valuable time by focusing on relevant content
Practise with the correct style of questions
Improve exam technique specific to the mark scheme
Reduce stress and increase your chances of success
How to find out which exam board you’re with
Here are five easy ways to confirm your GCSE exam board:
1. Ask your teacher
The most straightforward option is to ask your subject teacher directly. They’ll know which board you’re studying and can often provide the specification code or a link to the syllabus.
Try asking:
“Which exam board are we doing for [subject]?”
“Do you know the specification code for our course?”
You can also email them if you’re not in class or want it in writing.
2. Check your school’s online platform
Many schools use portals like:
Google Classroom
Microsoft Teams
Satchel One / Show My Homework
Search for files with names like “AQA GCSE Biology Paper 1” or “Edexcel Maths Past Papers.” Folder titles or document headers often contain the board name.
3. Look at past papers or revision booklets
If you’ve been issued practice exam questions, mock papers, or revision booklets, the exam board is likely listed on the front page.
Watch for indicators such as:
If you’re still unsure, Google the specification name or code, and it will take you directly to the exam board’s website.
4. Ask your exams officer
Every school has an exams officer who manages GCSE entries. They can confirm which board you’re registered with for each subject and may also be able to provide your Statement of Entry.
If you’re unsure who your exam officer is, ask your form tutor or check with reception.
5. Check your statement of entry
As exam season approaches, your school will give you an official GCSE Statement of Entry.
This document lists all the subjects you’re entered for, along with:
Subject titles
Board names or codes (e.g. 1MA1 = Edexcel Maths)
Exam paper numbers and dates
This is one of the most accurate and complete ways to confirm your boards. Be sure to keep it safe!
What if you’re studying independently?
If you’re a private candidate or home-educated, you’ll need to:
Contact the exam centre where you registered
Ask which exam board and syllabus you’ve been entered for
Check the specification code (e.g. AQA 8461 for Biology)
With the right strategy and tools, finding your exam board doesn’t need to be stressful
Now that you know exactly where to look, identifying your exam board doesn’t need to feel daunting. Whether you’ve confirmed it with a teacher, located it in your revision materials, or reviewed your Statement of Entry, you’ve taken a smart and proactive step.
From here, you can focus your revision on the correct specification, avoid common pitfalls, and practise past papers that reflect your actual exam structure. This clarity means you can revise more effectively, build subject confidence, and boost your performance.
Contents