AQA · GCSE · 8525
AQA GCSE Computer Science past papers (8525)
Free guide to the AQA GCSE Computer Science 8525 past papers. Paper structure, topics that come up most, and how to work through them for the June exam series.
Go to official AQA past papers →Paper structure
Paper 1 — Computational thinking and programming skills
On-screen or written depending on your school. Focuses on Python programming, algorithms and problem solving.
Paper 2 — Computing concepts
Written paper covering theory: data representation, computer systems, networks, security, databases and impacts of technology.
Topics that come up most
- Fundamentals of algorithms
- Programming (Python)
- Data representation
- Computer systems
- Computer networks
- Cyber security
- Relational databases and SQL
- Ethical, legal and environmental impacts
Tutor's revision tips
- 1
Do Paper 2 first when you revise — pen-and-paper answers reveal gaps faster than tracing code on a screen.
- 2
For any 6-mark 'design a program' question, write pseudocode before you write Python. Mark schemes reward clear structure over one long block of code.
- 3
Learn the exact wording of each definition (interpreter vs compiler, LAN vs WAN). The AQA mark scheme is strict about keywords.
Where to download the papers
All past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports for this specification are published free of charge by AQA on their official assessment page. Always download the latest version — older papers may reference retired content.
Official AQA assessment resources →Other GCSE boards
Work through a past paper with a tutor
Book a free assessment and we'll pick a real AQA GCSE question together and walk through it step by step.