Demand for a Review of Edexcel GCSE Maths Foundation Paper 2

We are calling on Edexcel to urgently review the difficulty and fairness of the GCSE Maths Foundation Paper 2 examination. Thousands of students entered this exam expecting a paper that reflected the Foundation tier specification and the level of difficulty demonstrated in previous years. Instead, many left feeling shocked, overwhelmed, and convinced that the paper was far more demanding than anticipated.

The Foundation tier exists to provide an accessible pathway for students who may struggle with higher-tier content. It should assure candidates that they can achieve a pass or better without being overwhelmed by disproportionate difficulty. This year’s Maths Foundation Paper 2 seemingly disregarded this principle, leading to a wave of distress among students and their families.

A survey conducted soon after the exam indicates that a significant portion of candidates struggled with more than half the questions, contradicting the typical performance metrics expected at the Foundation tier. This is not only concerning but also calls into question the validity of the assessment. We ask that an independent review panel be established to assess the components of this paper against the planned curriculum and prior examinations.

Furthermore, lowering the grade boundaries for this paper could mitigate some of the negative impacts, providing a fair opportunity for students who have worked diligently throughout the year. In previous examinations, such adjustments were found to be reflective of major discrepancies between expected and actual exam content.

Finally, we appeal directly to the examination board to consider the stress and potential long-term implications on students' educational and emotional well-being caused by this anomaly. Addressing this situation not only supports this year’s cohort but reinforces the integrity and trustworthiness of the Edexcel examination process going forward.

We urge all concerned students, parents, educators, and stakeholders to sign this petition to ensure fairness and support for our learners. Please add your voice to our call for a timely and fair solution for all affected by this year’s Edexcel Maths Foundation Paper 2. Together, we can advocate for change and support the future of our educational assessments. Sign and share this petition now.