Cambridge OCR Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Mathematics - Specification Version 2.1

Sep 5, 2026

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Mathematics specification for Cambridge OCR Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1), qualification number J560, with first assessment in 2017 and an updated Version 2.1 dated August 2026. Sets out the rationale and key features, including developing understanding, fluency, and applying skills across contexts for confident problem solving. Covers assessment arrangements, tiers, synoptic assessment, calculation of results, and administration including pre-assessment, language, certificates, post-results services, and malpractice. Includes grade descriptors and guidance on overlap and avoidance of bias.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages64

Reading Time2 h 41 min

AccessFree to download

Introducing… GCSE (9–1) Mathematics (from September 2015)

Teaching and learning resources

Professional Development

1 Why choose an OCR GCSE (9–1) in Mathematics?

1a. Why choose an OCR qualification?

1b. Why choose an OCR GCSE (9–1) in Mathematics?

1c. What are the key features of this specification?

1d. How do I find out more information?

2 The specification overview

2a. OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Mathematics (J560)

2b. Content of GCSE (9–1) in Mathematics (J560)

2c. Prior knowledge, learning and progression

3 Assessment of OCR GCSE (9–1) in Mathematics

3a. Forms of assessment

3b. Total qualification time

3c. Qualification availability outside of England

3d. Language

3e. Assessment availability

3f. Retaking the qualification

3g. Assessment objectives (AOs)

3h. Tiers

3i. Synoptic assessment

3j. Calculating qualification results

4 Admin: what you need to know

4a. Pre-assessment

4b. Accessibility and special consideration

4c. External assessment arrangements

4d. Results and certificates

4e. Post-results services

4f. Malpractice

5 Appendices

5a. Grade descriptors

5b. Overlap with other qualifications

5c. Avoidance of bias

Qualification Accredited GCSE Specification Mathematics Cambridge OCR Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Mathematics J560 For first assessment in 2017 Version 2.1 (August 2026) [ocr.org.uk/gcsemaths](ocr.org.uk/gcsemaths) i ~~ ~~AboutAs~~ ~~of~~ ~~Septeomurber2ne025w,~~ ~~ounamer~~ ~~name~~ ~~isCambridge~~ ~~OCR.~~ ~~ Students who sat an exam in summer 2025 will receive a Cambridge OCR branded exam certificate (our new brand), which will be the same for all future exam series. You’ll continue to see the OCR or Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations name while we work to update our material to our new name, Cambridge OCR. This will take some time, and you can still access all up-to-date qualification resources and materials via Teach Cambridge. Important: We’ll keep the OCR/Oxford Cambridge and RSA name on existing teaching resources while the content of these remains applicable to the specification being taught. New and refreshed resources will be produced using the Cambridge OCR name/logo. Are you using the latest version of this specification? The latest version of our specifications will always be on our website and may differ from printed versions. We will inform centres about changes to specifications. Tell us what you think Your feedback plays an important role in how we develop, market, support and resource qualifications now and into the future. We want you and your students to enjoy and get the best out of our qualifications and resources, but to do that we need your honest opinions to tell us whether we’re on the right track or not. You can email your thoughts [to](to support@ocr.org.uk or visit our feedback page to learn more about)[ ](to support@ocr.org.uk or visit our feedback page to learn more about)[support@ocr.org.uk](to support@ocr.org.uk or visit our feedback page to learn more about)[ or visit our](to support@ocr.org.uk or visit our feedback page to learn more about)[ ](to support@ocr.org.uk or visit our feedback page to learn more about)[feedback page](to support@ocr.org.uk or visit our feedback page to learn more about)[ to learn more about](to support@ocr.org.uk or visit our feedback page to learn more about) how you can help us improve our qualifications. Designing and testing in collaboration with teachers and students Helping young people develop an ethical view of the world Equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) are part of everything we do Contents Introducing… GCSE (9–1) Mathematics (from September 2015) ii Teaching and learning resources iii Professional Development iv | 1 | Why choose an OCR GCSE (9–1) in Mathematics? | 1 | | --- | --- | --- | | | 1a. Why choose an OCR qualification? | 1 | | | 1b. Why choose an OCR GCSE (9–1) in Mathematics? | 2 | | | 1c. What are the key features of this specification? | 3 | | | 1d. How do I find out more information? | 3 | | 2 | The specification overview | 4 | | | 2a. OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Mathematics (J560) | 4 | | | 2b. Content of GCSE (9–1) in Mathematics (J560) | 5 | | | 2c. Prior knowledge, learning and progression | 47 | | 3 | Assessment of OCR GCSE (9–1) in Mathematics | 48 | | | 3a. Forms of assessment | 48 | | | 3b. Total qualification time | 48 | | | 3c. Qualification availability outside of England | 48 | | | 3d. Language | 48 | | | 3e. Assessment availability | 48 | | | 3f. Retaking the qualification | 49 | | | 3g. Assessment objectives (AOs) | 49 | | | 3h. Tiers | 50 | | | 3i. Synoptic assessment | 50 | | | 3j Calculating qualification results | 51 | | 4 | Admin: what you need to know | 52 | | | 4a. Pre-assessment | 52 | | | 4b. Accessibility and special consideration | 53 | | | 4c. External assessment arrangements | 53 | | | 4d. Results and certificates | 54 | | | 4e. Post-results services | 54 | | | 4f. Malpractice | 54 | | 5 | Appendices | 55 | | | 5a. Grade descriptors | 55 | | | 5b. Overlap with other qualifications | 56 | | | 5c. Avoidance of bias | 56 | Sum

FAQs

What is the qualification and version covered by this specification?

It covers Cambridge OCR Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Mathematics, qualification J560, with first assessment in 2017 and Version 2.1 dated August 2026.

What learning aims does the specification emphasise?

It emphasises understanding of concepts, fluency in procedural skills, competence to apply mathematics in varied contexts, and confidence in mathematical problem solving.

How does the specification describe assessment and results handling?

It outlines forms of assessment, total qualification time, tiers, synoptic assessment, and calculating qualification results, along with administration covering certificates, post-results services, and malpractice.

Sep 5, 2026

Upload by Connor