Pearson EdexcelGCSE70 resources

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Past Papers & Mark Schemes

Download free Pearson Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) past papers, mark schemes & examiner reports. Theory and programming. 30 resources available.

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Year

70 of 70 resources

June 2025

1 file

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GCSE Computer Science – 1CP2 02 Programming Language Subset (PLS) – Summary of Changes 2025

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June 2024

1 file

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GCSE Computer Science – 1CP2 02 Programming Language Subset (PLS) – Summary of Changes 2024

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June 2023

15 files

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A-level Computer Science – Mark scheme (A-level) : Paper 1 – June 2023

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A-level Computer Science – Mark scheme (A-level) : Paper 2 – June 2023

Mark Scheme

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A-level Computer Science – Question paper (A-level) : Paper 1 – June 2023

Question Paper

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A-level Computer Science – Question paper (A-level) : Paper 2 – June 2023

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GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 2 – June 2023

Examiner Report

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GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 1 – June 2023

Examiner Report

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GCSE Computer Science – Mark scheme – Paper 2 – June 2023

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GCSE Computer Science – Mark scheme – Paper 1 – June 2023

Mark Scheme

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GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 2 – June 2023

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GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 1 – June 2023

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International GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 1 – June 2023

Examiner Report

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International GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 2 – June 2023

Examiner Report

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International GCSE Computer Science – Mark scheme – Paper 1 – June 2023

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International GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 2 – June 2023

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International GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 1 – June 2023

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Summer 2023

2 files

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GCSE Computer Science – 1CP2 02 Programming Language Subset (PLS) – Summary of changes Summer 2023

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GCSE Computer Science – 1CP2 02 Programming Language Subset (PLS) Version 4 – Summer 2023

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June 2022

17 files

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A-level Computer Science – Mark scheme (A-level) : Paper 1 – June 2022

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A-level Computer Science – Mark scheme (A-level) : Paper 2 – June 2022

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A-level Computer Science – Notice (A-level) : Paper 1 – June 2022

Notice

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A-level Computer Science – Question paper (A-level) : Paper 1 – June 2022

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A-level Computer Science – Question paper (A-level) : Paper 2 – June 2022

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GCSE Computer Science – Data files – June 2022 – 1CP2 02

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GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 1 – June 2022

Examiner Report

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GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 2 – June 2022

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GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 1 – June 2022

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GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 2 – June 2022

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GCSE Computer Science – Mark scheme – Paper 1 – June 2022

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GCSE Computer Science – Mark scheme – Paper 2 – June 2022

Mark Scheme

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International GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 1 – June 2022

Examiner Report

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International GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 2 – June 2022

Examiner Report

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International GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 1 – June 2022

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International GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 2 – June 2022

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International GCSE Computer Science – Mark scheme – Paper 1 – June 2022

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November 2021

9 files

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A-level Computer Science – Question paper (A-level) : Paper 2 – November 2021

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A-level Computer Science – Mark scheme (A-level) : Paper 1 – November 2021

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A-level Computer Science – Insert (A-level) : Paper 1 – November 2021

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A-level Computer Science – Mark scheme (A-level) : Paper 2 – November 2021

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A-level Computer Science – Question paper (A-level) : Paper 1 – November 2021

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International GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 1 – November 2021

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International GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 2 – November 2021

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International GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 1 – November 2021

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International GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 2 – November 2021

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June 2021

3 files

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International GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 1 – June 2021

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International GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 2 – June 2021

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International GCSE Computer Science – Mark scheme – Paper 1 – June 2021

Mark Scheme

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November 2020

9 files

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A-level Computer Science – Question paper (A-level) : Paper 2 – November 2020

Question Paper

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A-level Computer Science – Mark scheme (A-level) : Paper 1 – November 2020

Mark Scheme

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A-level Computer Science – Mark scheme (A-level) : Paper 2 – November 2020

Mark Scheme

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A-level Computer Science – Question paper (A-level) : Paper 1 – November 2020

Question Paper

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International GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 1 – November 2020

Question Paper

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International GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 2 – November 2020

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International GCSE Computer Science – Mark Scheme – Paper 1 – November 2020

Mark Scheme

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International GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 1 – November 2020

Examiner Report

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International GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 2 – November 2020

Examiner Report

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June 2017

3 files

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GCSE Computer Science – Mark scheme – Paper 1 – June 2017

Mark Scheme

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📄

GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 1 – June 2017

Question Paper

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GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 1 – June 2017

Examiner Report

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January 2016

1 file

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GCSE Computer Science – Controlled assessment task – 2016

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June 2016

4 files

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GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 1 – June 2016

Question Paper

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GCSE Computer Science – Mark scheme – Paper 1 – June 2016

Mark Scheme

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📊

GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 1 – June 2016

Examiner Report

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📊

GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 2 – June 2016

Examiner Report

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June 2015

4 files

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GCSE Computer Science – Question paper – Paper 1 – June 2015

Question Paper

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✅

GCSE Computer Science – Mark Scheme – Paper 1 – June 2015

Mark Scheme

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📊

GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 2 – June 2015

Examiner Report

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📊

GCSE Computer Science – Examiner report – Paper 1 – June 2015

Examiner Report

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January 2015

1 file

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GCSE Computer Science – Controlled assessment task – 2015

Additional Resources

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Edexcel GCSE Computer Science: Theory, Algorithms, and Problem-Solving in Code

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (specification code 1CP2) is assessed through two written papers and a programming project component. The specification covers a wide range of theoretical and practical computing topics, equipping students with both the conceptual knowledge to understand how computer systems work and the programming skills to design and implement solutions to computational problems. Paper 1 — Principles of Computer Science — is a written theory paper lasting 1 hour 30 minutes, worth 50 marks. It covers computer systems including CPU architecture and instruction sets, memory and storage, networks, cybersecurity, data representation, and systems software. Questions range from short definitions and calculations to extended written responses evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches. Paper 2 — Application of Computational Thinking — also lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and is worth 50 marks. This paper tests students' ability to apply computational thinking to solve problems, including algorithm design, programming constructs (sequence, selection, iteration, procedures, and data structures), and problem decomposition. Students write code using the Edexcel Programming Language Subset (PLS), which is a pseudocode-like language defined in the specification. The PLS reference document is included in this archive. The programming project (previously the NEA) allows students to design, develop, and test a computational solution to a real-world problem. This is assessed internally and moderated externally. Unlike the written papers, the project is not available as past paper practice — but the skills it demands (decomposition, algorithm design, testing, and evaluation) are directly relevant to Paper 2. Edexcel GCSE Computer Science data files are sometimes released for Paper 2 practice, allowing students to work with pre-written code snippets as part of their exam preparation.

Exam Paper Structure

Paper 1

Computer Systems and Programming

⏱ 1 hour 30 minutes🎯 75 marks📊 50% of grade

Problem solving and programmingData representationComputer systems — hardware and softwareNetworks and the internet

Paper 2

Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

⏱ 1 hour 30 minutes🎯 75 marks📊 50% of grade

Computational thinkingAlgorithm design and analysisProgramming in pseudocodeData structures

Key Information

Exam Board	Pearson Edexcel
Specification Code	1CP2
Qualification	GCSE
Grading Scale	9-1
Assessment Type	2 written papers + programming project
Tiers	Single tier (no Foundation/Higher split)
Number Of Papers	2 written (+ project)
Exam Duration	1 hour 30 minutes per paper
Total Marks	100 written + 20 project
Programming Language	Edexcel Programming Language Subset (PLS)
Available Sessions	June 2022 – June 2024
Total Resources	30

Key Topics in Computer Science

Topics you need to know

Problem solving and computational thinkingProgramming constructs — sequence, selection, iterationData representation — binary, hexadecimal, ASCIIHardware — CPU, memory and storageNetworks — protocols, security and the internetAlgorithm design — searching, sorting and efficiency

Exam Command Words

Command word	What the examiner expects
State	Give a fact or definition without explanation
Describe	Give the main features or steps of a process or concept
Explain	Give reasons or expand on how or why something works
Write	Produce pseudocode or code to perform the specified task
Trace	Follow the execution of an algorithm, recording variable values at each step
Complete	Fill in the missing parts of a program, table or diagram
Evaluate	Assess the suitability or effectiveness of a solution or approach

Typical Grade Boundaries

Grade	Approximate mark needed
Grade 9	71–82%
Grade 8	62–70%
Grade 7	52–61%
Grade 6	44–51%
Grade 5	36–43%
Grade 4	27–35%
Grade 3	19–26%
Grade 2	11–18%
Grade 1	~5–10%

⚠️ Typical boundaries across two papers (150 total marks). Actual boundaries vary by series — check Pearson's website.

Bridging Theory and Programming Practice in Edexcel GCSE Computer Science

A critical first step is downloading the Edexcel Programming Language Subset (PLS) reference document from this page and familiarising yourself with it thoroughly. Paper 2 requires you to write code in this specific pseudocode language, and questions will expect you to use the correct syntax. Practising writing code in PLS — rather than in Python or another language you're used to — is essential preparation. For Paper 1, exam answers on memory, CPU, and networks often lose marks due to imprecise language. Revise the exact definitions of technical terms: the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory, fetch-decode-execute cycle stages, the purpose of cache, and how binary arithmetic works. These topics are tested with short-answer questions where precision is everything. Binary number questions — converting between bases, performing binary arithmetic, and understanding two's complement — are reliable marks on Paper 1. They follow a consistent format across papers, so practising past questions from multiple years builds the fluency needed to complete them quickly and accurately under time pressure. For Paper 2 algorithm questions, practise tracing through code manually — following each line and tracking the values of variables at each step. Trace tables are a common question format that rewards careful, systematic thinking. Do not attempt to perform this kind of question in your head; always write out the trace table. Algorithm design questions ask you to write pseudocode solutions to stated problems. Marks are awarded for correct logic (appropriate use of loops, conditions, and procedures) as well as correct syntax. Practise writing solutions for classic problems: searching (linear and binary), sorting (bubble and merge), and recursive functions.

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Pearson Edexcel GCSE Computer Science Past Papers & Mark Schemes

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June 2025

June 2024

June 2023

Summer 2023

June 2022

November 2021

June 2021

November 2020

June 2017

January 2016

June 2016

June 2015

January 2015

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science: Theory, Algorithms, and Problem-Solving in Code

Exam Paper Structure

Key Information

Key Topics in Computer Science

Exam Command Words

Typical Grade Boundaries

Bridging Theory and Programming Practice in Edexcel GCSE Computer Science

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