Level of demand of A level maths papers

During the 2022 summer exam series, we received feedback suggesting that WJEC’s AS and A level Mathematics question papers may have been too demanding for learners. In response, we commissioned a review, to check whether the level of demand of these papers was appropriate when compared with previous years.

As part of our role as regulator of non-degree qualifications in Wales, we monitor and scrutinise the entire exams process, from paper setting, marking and the awarding of grades. Learners are at the heart of what we do, and it is important that they have confidence that their qualifications are a fair, trusted and valued record of their knowledge, skills and understanding. 

Given the importance of comparability in qualifications, we decided to take additional steps to check that WJEC’s papers were not too demanding when compared to other awarding bodies. We conducted a study in partnership with independent mathematics subject experts, who analysed and compared more than thirty question papers produced by WJEC and two other awarding bodies.  

The study concluded that, based on the views of independent subject experts’, there is no evidence to support the perception that WJEC’s 2022 A level Mathematics question papers were more demanding than those of other awarding bodies.  

For more information, you can read the full report on our website: A level Mathematics – a comparability study