IGCSE Math RevisionPearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A (4MA1) · Choosing a tier
Edexcel IGCSE Maths 4MA1: Foundation or Higher?
4MA1 is taken at Foundation or Higher tier. The tier sets the grades you can get, so choose it with your teacher. Here are Pearson's rules in plain words, what only Higher covers, and a quick self-check that points you to a free baseline test.
- Foundation: grades 5 to 1
- Higher: grades 9 to 4, with a 3 allowed
- Calculator on every paper
Last checked against Pearson's 4MA1 specification (Issue 2, November 2017: the current issue) on 5 October 2026. IGCSE Math Revision is independent; if anything here differs from Pearson or your school, follow them.
Foundation and Higher side by side
| Foundation | Higher | |
|---|---|---|
| Papers | 1F and 2F | 1H and 2H |
| Each paper | 2 hours, 100 marks | 2 hours, 100 marks |
| Grades you can get | 5 to 1 | 9 to 4, with a 3 allowed |
| Content | Foundation only | Foundation plus the Higher content |
On both tiers the two papers are worth 50% each. A calculator may be used in all four papers. Each tier has its own formulae sheet in the exam. About 40% of the questions are aimed at grades 5 and 4 across Papers 1F and 1H (and across 2F and 2H), so the two tiers share some questions. On each Higher paper, about 40% of the marks are spread over grades 4 and 5 and about 60% over grades 6 to 9. Exams are in January and June.
What only Higher covers
These whole sub-topics are on Higher only. Many shared sub-topics also have Higher-only parts, which each Foundation notes page points out.
- 2.5 Proportion: direct and inverse proportion with algebra (y ∝ x², y ∝ 1/x …)
- 3.2 Function notation: functions, domain and range, composite and inverse functions
- 3.4 Calculus: differentiation, stationary points and kinematics
- 5.1 Vectors: vector notation, arithmetic, magnitude and vector proofs
Revising for Higher? Use the 4MA1 Higher revision notes and questions by topic.
Who should sit which?
- Need a 6 or higher? Sit Higher. Foundation cannot give a grade above 5.
- Planning A Level, IB or other further maths or science? Next-stage courses set their own entry grades. If yours asks for a 6 or more in maths, only Higher can give it.
- Aiming for a 4 or 5? Both tiers can give one. On Higher, a student who falls short of a 3 is unclassified (U), so a secure 4 or 5 on Foundation can be the safer route.
- Not sure? Take the self-check below and a free baseline test, then talk to your teacher. Your school makes the entry.
Two-minute self-check
Answer honestly. It is a starting point for a talk with your teacher, not a decision.
Answer all 6 to see a suggestion.
Higher
Foundation cannot give a grade above 5, so a 6 or higher needs Higher. Take a 4MA1 baseline test to see where to start: start of Year 10 or start of Year 11.
Higher looks right
Your answers fit the Higher tier. Check yourself with a 4MA1 baseline test: start of Year 10 or start of Year 11.
It could be either
Take a 4MA1 baseline test (Year 10 or Year 11) and go through the topic report with your teacher. Grades 4 and 5 are possible on both tiers.
Foundation may suit you for now
Foundation leads to grades 5 to 1. Start with the Foundation notes and questions and Path to 5, and take a 4MA1 baseline test to find your gaps.
Nothing you choose here is saved or sent.
Next steps
- Free IGCSE baseline tests: 20 questions with an instant topic report, for the start of Year 10 and Year 11.
- 4MA1 Foundation notes and questions and Path to 5.
- 4MA1 past papers and IGCSE grade boundaries.
- Aiming for a grade 4? How to pass GCSE Maths covers the basics.
- Parents: follow progress on the free parent dashboard.
- Sitting Cambridge instead? 0580 Core or Extended.
Questions about Foundation and Higher
What is the highest grade on 4MA1 Foundation?
5. Foundation Papers 1F and 2F lead to grades 5 to 1. Grades 6 to 9 are only available on Higher.
What is the lowest grade on 4MA1 Higher?
Higher targets grades 9 to 4, with a 3 allowed. A result below the lowest grade on the tier is unclassified (U).
Can I get a grade 4 or 5 on either tier?
Yes. Grades 4 and 5 are available on both tiers. About 40% of the questions are aimed at grades 5 and 4 across Papers 1F and 1H (and across 2F and 2H), so the two tiers share some questions.
What is on Higher but not on Foundation?
Whole sub-topics only on Higher: proportion (direct and inverse proportion with algebra (y ∝ x², y ∝ 1/x …)); function notation (functions, domain and range, composite and inverse functions); calculus (differentiation, stationary points and kinematics); vectors (vector notation, arithmetic, magnitude and vector proofs). Many shared sub-topics also have Higher-only parts.
Who decides my tier?
Your school enters you, usually on your teacher's advice. Talk to your teacher before entries are made.
Can I use a calculator?
A calculator may be used in all four papers. Each tier has its own formulae sheet in the exam.