AQA vs Edexcel vs OCR: GCSE Physics equations compared
By Engr. Mehmood Kakar · Updated
Quick answer
All three boards cover the same core GCSE physics and give you an equation sheet in every physics exam. On 5 May 2026 Ofqual confirmed the sheets continue for the lifetime of the current specifications. What differs is the name and layout of the sheet, a few symbols, the number of papers and how the practicals are organised. Check your board and specification code with your teacher, then revise from that board’s own sheet.
What is the same
Every GCSE Physics specification in England is built on the same Department for Education subject content, so the physics you learn, and the equations you use, are the same whichever board you take. Kinetic energy is ½mv², Ohm’s law is V = IR and wave speed is v = fλ on every board.
Since 2022 every board has also printed the equations in the exam. On 5 May 2026 Ofqual confirmed that formulae and equation sheets will continue in GCSE Mathematics, Physics and Combined Science for the lifetime of the current specifications. So the skill that earns marks is the same everywhere: choose the right equation, rearrange it, convert the units and set out the working.
The boards side by side
| AQA | Pearson Edexcel | OCR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GCSE Physics code | 8463 | 1PH0 | J249 (Gateway, Physics A) or J259 (Twenty First Century, Physics B) |
| Equation sheet | Physics Equations Sheet, given with each paper | Equations list included with each paper | Equation sheet inserted in each paper |
| Papers | 2 papers, 1 h 45 min, 100 marks each | 2 papers, 1 h 45 min, 100 marks each | Gateway: 2 papers per tier, 1 h 45 min each |
| Tiers | Foundation and Higher on every board | ||
| Practicals | Required practicals | Core practicals | Practical activity groups (PAGs) |
Combined Science has its own codes (AQA Trilogy 8464 and Synergy 8465, Edexcel 1SC0, OCR J250 and J260) and fewer physics equations, because some topics are separate-science only.
Symbols and wording
The boards print the same relationships, but not always with identical layout or symbols. For example, one sheet may write an equation in words and symbols side by side while another groups equations by topic number, and the letter used for distance or work can differ. None of this changes the physics, but it is easier in the exam if the sheet looks familiar:
- Download your board’s current sheet from its website (or ask your teacher) and use it for all your practice.
- Note any symbol that is different from your textbook or from this site.
- Check which equations your board marks as Higher tier only, and which are separate-science only.
How to check your board
- Ask your physics teacher for the exam board and specification code.
- Look at the front cover of a mock or past paper: it shows the board and code.
- Check whether you take GCSE Physics (separate, or “triple”) or Combined Science. This changes which equations you need.
- Check your tier (Foundation or Higher) before the exams; your teacher decides this with you.
Using SolvedPhysics with any board
Every solver works for the equations all boards use. Our badges and the interactive equation sheet follow AQA’s Higher-tier and Physics-only labels. If you take Edexcel or OCR, the working is still correct; just check your own sheet for which equations are Higher tier or separate-science only.
The method guides apply to every board: rearranging equations, units and prefixes and showing your working.
Frequently asked questions
Do all exam boards give an equation sheet in GCSE Physics?
Yes. AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR all provide an equation sheet (or equations list) in their GCSE Physics and Combined Science physics exams. Ofqual confirmed on 5 May 2026 that this continues for the lifetime of the current specifications.
Are the equations different between AQA, Edexcel and OCR?
The physics is the same, because all boards follow the same Department for Education subject content. The differences are mostly in layout, wording and a few symbols, and some equations are labelled Higher tier or separate-science only on one board but not exactly the same way on another.
How do I find out which exam board I am taking?
Ask your teacher for the board and the specification code, or look on a past mock paper. AQA GCSE Physics is 8463, Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics is 1PH0, and OCR has two: Gateway Science Physics A (J249) and Twenty First Century Physics B (J259).
Can I use SolvedPhysics if I take Edexcel or OCR?
Yes. The solvers work for the equations every board uses. Our labels follow AQA’s tiers and course split, so check your own board’s sheet for which equations are Higher tier or separate-science only.
Written by Engr. Mehmood Kakar
Physics educator and engineer (MSc Physics, B.Ed, M.Ed) with 8 years of hands-on teaching, from college students to teacher training. About the author · LinkedIn (opens in a new tab)
Checked against the AQA GCSE Physics (8463) specification on 15 November 2026.