How to score A* in IGCSE Maths
An A* in IGCSE Maths is earned through method marks, not just right answers. Here's the approach that consistently takes able students to the top grade.
Most students who miss an A* in IGCSE Maths don't lack ability — they lack exam technique. The top grade is won and lost on method marks, time management and the discipline of past-paper practice. Here's how the students who reach 90%+ actually do it.
1. Earn the method marks
IGCSE awards marks for correct method even when the final answer is wrong. Students trained only to "get the answer" routinely throw away marks by not showing structured working. We teach students to lay out solutions the way examiners reward — because in the marking scheme, how you get there is worth as much as the answer.
2. Master the topics that appear every year
Analysis of past papers shows certain topics appear on virtually every Extended paper. Securing these first is the fastest route to a high baseline:
- Simultaneous equations (almost every Extended paper)
- Circle theorems
- Trigonometry — including the sine and cosine rules
- Algebra: quadratics, functions, rearrangement
- Mensuration and standard form
- Cumulative frequency and histograms
Free diagnostic lesson
See exactly where your child stands against the marking scheme — no cost, no commitment.
Book on WhatsApp3. Practise with past papers — properly
Doing past papers passively achieves little. Done well, they're the single most powerful tool you have. We use them for timed practice, then mark to the official scheme and build an error log so the same mistakes stop recurring. Our past papers guide explains the method in full.
4. Keep an error log
Students who record every mistake — and revisit it — improve far faster than those who just do more questions. Mixed practice (questions out of topic order, as real papers present them) builds the flexibility the exam demands.
5. Train for speed and accuracy together
Knowing the maths isn't enough if a student runs out of time or makes careless slips under pressure. We fix accuracy first with targeted practice, then add timed sets — the order matters.
Which tier, which board?
An A* is only available on Cambridge Extended (or Edexcel Higher). If you're still choosing, read Cambridge vs Edexcel first. The technique above applies to both boards.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of tutoring does my child need?
It depends on the starting point and target grade, but most students do well with one to two focused one-to-one lessons a week, alongside their own practice. Consistency matters far more than long, occasional sessions — steady weekly work builds confidence without burnout.
When should we start tutoring before the exam?
Earlier is better. The ideal time is when topics first start to feel unclear, not after grades drop — IGCSE Maths is cumulative, so small gaps compound. Many top students use tutoring to stay ahead rather than to catch up. That said, it is never too late: even a focused term before the exam can lift a grade.
How quickly will my child improve?
With consistent weekly lessons and proper practice, meaningful improvement often shows within a term. The exact pace depends on the starting point and how much your child practises between lessons — but because much of the gain comes from exam technique and mark-scheme precision, progress is usually visible well before the exam.
Can any student get an A* in IGCSE Maths?
An A* (grade 9) requires both ability and disciplined exam technique. Many capable students who are 'stuck' at a B or A simply haven't been trained on method marks and past-paper strategy.
How long does it take to move up a grade?
With consistent weekly tutoring and proper practice, meaningful improvement often shows within a term. The earlier you start, the more comfortable the climb.
Do mock exams really help?
Yes — full mocks marked to the official scheme are the closest thing to the real exam, and they surface weaknesses while there's still time to fix them.