Mathematics - Further Maths

Entry Requirements

Mathematics GCSE grade 9, or grade 8 and must pass an entrance exam in the first week of the academic year. Students must have A Level Mathematics as one of their other course choices. 

About This Course

Our A-Level Further Mathematics course, following the Edexcel specification, is designed for students with a passion for mathematics who wish to extend their knowledge beyond the standard A-Level curriculum. This course is ideal for those aiming for degrees in mathematics, engineering, physics, computer science, or related fields.

Course Content & Assessment

Year 1: Students study both Pure and Applied Mathematics at a higher level.

• Core Pure 1 (compulsory): Topics include complex numbers, matrices, proof by induction, and advanced calculus techniques. This module introduces more abstract mathematical structures and strengthens algebraic fluency and logical reasoning.
• Further Mechanics 1: Students explore advanced Newtonian mechanics, including impulse, momentum, circular motion, and variable acceleration, applying mathematical principles to physical contexts.
• Further Pure 1: Builds on core pure content with topics such as complex numbers, matrices, induction, and functions, supporting students in tackling more complex and abstract mathematical problems.

Year 2: Students continue to deepen their mathematical understanding in further Pure and Applied units:

• Core Pure 2: Expands on Year 1 with topics including polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions, differential equations, series, further vectors, and numerical methods.
• Further Mechanics 1 (A2): Builds on AS content with more advanced applications, such as circular motion in vertical and horizontal planes, elastic strings and springs, and centres of mass.
• Further Pure 1 (A2): Develops fluency with exponential forms of complex numbers, Maclaurin series, second-order differential equations, and more advanced coordinate geometry.

Dedicated time is built into the course to support preparation for STEP and MAT entrance exams, required by some top universities.

All units are assessed through written examinations at the end of Year 13:

Paper 1 – Core Pure 1: Proof, complex numbers, matrices, further algebra and functions, further calculus, further vectors (1.5 hours, 75 marks)

Paper 2 – Core Pure 2: Complex numbers, further algebra and functions, further calculus, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions, differential equations (1.5 hours, 75 marks)

Paper 3 – Further Pure 1 (1.5 hours, 75 marks)

Paper 4 – Further Mechanics 1 (1.5 hours, 75 marks)

What could this course lead to?

A-Level Further Mathematics is highly regarded and often essential for students applying to study Mathematics at top universities. Many competitive institutions also expect or strongly prefer applicants for Physics, Engineering, and related degrees to have studied Further Maths. Due to its rigorous nature, universities may make lower conditional offers to students who complete this course, recognising the challenge and depth it provides.