How to read Edexcel International GCSE mark schemes

By The Learning Mate team · Updated · 5 min read

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE mark schemes use M marks for method, A marks for accuracy (dependent on a method mark) and B marks for independent results, written as M1, A1 and B1. They also use dep and indep, oe, cao, ft, isw, SC, awrt and eeoo ("each error or omission"). This guide explains each one and how the papers you're marking are structured in 2026.

Many international schools run Cambridge IGCSE in some subjects and Edexcel International GCSE in others. The two use similar but not identical notation. If you also mark Cambridge papers, see our Cambridge IGCSE abbreviations guide.

What do M1, A1 and B1 mean?

CodeMeaningHow to apply it
M1Method markCorrect method applied to appropriate values. The number shows how many marks.
A1Accuracy markCorrect answer or value. Depends on the preceding M mark(s).
B1Unconditional accuracy markCorrect result, independent of any method mark.
depDependentOnly award if the named earlier mark was awarded.
indepIndependentAward regardless of earlier marks.
oeOr equivalent (and appropriate)Accept equivalent forms, provided they suit the question.
caoCorrect answer onlyNo equivalents, no follow-through.
ftFollow throughCredit correct work based on the candidate's own earlier error.
iswIgnore subsequent workingOnce the correct answer is seen, ignore later spoiling.
SCSpecial caseDefined marks for a common partial answer.
awrtAnswer which rounds toAccept any value that rounds to the one given.
eeooEach error or omissionDeduct one mark for each error or omission, e.g. in a table or a list of values.

Source: the notation key at the start of the 4MA1 Paper 1H mark scheme, Summer 2025.

Two rules that matter most in 4MA1

The general guidance in recent 4MA1 mark schemes includes two rules that decide many disputed marks:

  1. A correct answer with no working normally scores full marks. The exception is when the question asks students to show their working, or the answer could have come from an incorrect method.
  2. A correct answer that clearly comes from incorrect working scores zero. You can't credit a right number reached the wrong way.

Worked example (illustrative)

Question style: Solve 3(x − 4) = 2x + 5. [3]

Mark scheme style: M1 for expanding the bracket correctly, M1 for collecting x terms on one side, A1 x = 17 cao

Student workingMarksWhy
3x − 12 = 2x + 5, x = 173Full method and correct answer.
3x − 4 = 2x + 5, x = 91Bracket expanded wrongly (no first M1). Terms collected correctly (second M1). A1 lost.
x = 17, no working3Correct answer with no working normally earns full marks, unless the question requires working.
3x − 12 = 2x + 5, 5x = 17, x = 17/51First M1 only. Collecting terms is wrong.

How are the Edexcel International GCSE papers structured in 2026?

Mathematics A (4MA1)

TierPapersDurationMarksTarget grades
Foundation1F and 2F2 h each100 each (50% each)5–1
Higher1H and 2H2 h each100 each (50% each)9–4

Calculators are allowed on all 4MA1 papers.

Biology (4BI1), Chemistry (4CH1), Physics (4PH1)

PaperDurationMarksWeighting
Paper 1 (1B / 1C / 1P)2 h11061.1%
Paper 2 (2B / 2C / 2P)1 h 15 min7038.9%

The sciences are not tiered. Paper 2 also assesses the content shown in bold in the specification.

English Language A (4EA1)

  • Paper 1, Non-fiction Texts and Transactional Writing: 2 h 15 min, 90 marks, 60%.
  • Then either Paper 2, Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing (1 h 30 min, 60 marks, 40%), or Component 3, non-examined assessment (60 marks, 40%).

When are Edexcel International GCSE exams sat?

Pearson's 2025/26 information manual lists June and November series for International GCSE. January 2023 was the final January series. That matters for mock timing. Schools entering students for June usually mark mocks between December and March. Schools entering for November mark them over the summer term.

How do science mark schemes differ from maths?

Edexcel science mark schemes are mostly points-based. Each acceptable answer appears in a column, with alternatives, rejected answers and notes. As with Cambridge:

  • Read the "reject" column as carefully as the "accept" column.
  • Watch for marking points that require a specific term.
  • For six-mark extended answers, check whether the scheme is points-based or levels-based before you start.

Can AI mark Edexcel International GCSE papers?

Yes. Point-marked papers like 4MA1 and the sciences, with clear M, A and B marks, are well suited to AI marking. Rules on AI marking apply to coursework that counts towards the qualification, not to mocks or classwork. See Is AI marking allowed for IGCSE?

The Learning Mate reads handwritten scripts and applies the mark scheme you upload, including M/A dependency and follow-through. It shows the marking point behind every mark, and you can change any mark before you publish results. Teachers can try one paper at thelearningmate.com/trial without an account.

FAQ

What does eeoo mean in an Edexcel mark scheme?

"Each error or omission." Deduct one mark for each mistake or missing item, usually down to a minimum of zero for that part.

What is the difference between dep and indep?

"dep" means the mark can only be awarded if a named earlier mark was earned. "indep" means it can be awarded regardless of earlier marks.

Is a correct answer with no working worth full marks in 4MA1?

Usually yes, unless the question asks for working or the answer could only come from an incorrect method. Check the general guidance in the specific mark scheme.

Does Edexcel International GCSE still have a January exam series?

No. Pearson's 2025/26 manual lists June and November series; January 2023 was the last January series.

Are the Edexcel International GCSE sciences tiered?

No. Biology, Chemistry and Physics each have two untiered papers: Paper 1 (110 marks) and Paper 2 (70 marks).

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