Foundation or Higher tier: which is right for my child?

In short: Foundation tier covers grades 1 to 5. Higher tier covers grades 4 to 9, with a grade 3 available as a safety net. The right tier depends on where your child is working now and how secure they are.

The difference

GCSE Maths has two tiers. Foundation papers lead to grades 1 to 5. Higher papers lead to grades 4 to 9, and a student who just misses a 4 on Higher can be awarded a 3. Both tiers cover a lot of the same topics, but Higher includes harder ones and harder questions.

When Foundation makes sense

If your child is working at a grade 3 or 4 and isn't yet secure, Foundation gives them the best chance of a solid 4 or 5. A strong 5 on Foundation is a better result than a 3 on Higher.

A strong 5 on Foundation is a better result than a 3 on Higher.Mrs Bukky

When Higher makes sense

If your child is securely working at a 5 or above, or needs a 6 or more for their next step, Higher is usually right. It's the only way to get above a 5.

How to decide

• Ask the school which tier they're planning, and why.
• Ask what grade your child is working at now, and how secure it is.
• Think about what they need next: a course that asks for a 6 means Higher.

When we teach GCSE Maths, every learner works on the tier that's right for them, and that decision is reviewed as they progress.