Further Maths A Level: Everything You Need to Know
What is Further Maths A Level?
If you’re considering taking Further Maths A-Level but have some questions about what the exam covers, how challenging it is and whether it’s important for applications to top universities, this guide breaks down all the key information you need to know in order to make an informed decision about whether Further Maths A Level is right for you.
Contents:
What is the difference between Maths and Further Maths?
While Further Maths A Level builds on and relates to the A Level Maths syllabus, it is a whole separate A Level which, as the name suggests, goes beyond Maths and pushes students to apply their knowledge in new and complex ways.
Further Maths counts as a whole additional A Level. It explores topics from Maths A Level in greater depth, as well as introduces new topics. The Further Maths A Level syllabus covers topics such as complex numbers, matrices, discrete mathematics, mathematical and hyperbolic functions. Students can also choose to specialise in areas like Further Mechanics or Further Statistics. The Further Maths A Level is designed to challenge students to develop their problem solving skills in maths and to be able to apply concepts in new ways, with less guidance.
For a full breakdown of what Further Maths A-Level covers, read through the specification of the exam board your school offers and ask any specific questions to your current Maths teacher.
Further Maths A Level is often taught as an add on to A Level Maths, with the Maths syllabus covered in the first year of A Level and Further Maths in the second year. While they fit together and compliment each other well as subjects, remember they are separate qualifications and Further Maths A Level presents a whole new set of challenges from Maths.
How hard is Further Maths A Level?
A really common question asked by students considering the subject is how hard is Further Maths A Level.
There’s no doubt that Further Maths A Level is difficult and will present challenges to even the best Maths candidates. It is designed to be an extension of Maths A Level and therefore harder. Often schools teach Maths in Year 12 and Further Maths in Year 13, meaning you will move through the content of both A Levels faster than you would if you were just studying Maths. However, if you really enjoy studying Mathematics, including some of the challenges it involves, you will likely find Further Maths immensely rewarding.
Students do tend to perform well in Further Maths A Level. In 2024, 58% of students received an A or above, with 28% of students receiving an A*. This is often because the students who choose to study Further Maths are those who really excel in the subject and intend to go on to study Maths related disciplines at university. Generally, schools will need you to have achieved a strong grade at Maths GCSE (at least a 7 but often an 8 or 9) in order to take Further Maths A Level. This ensures you have a strong enough foundation to do well. Even if you found Maths GCSE a piece of cake, don’t expect Further Maths to be as easy. It will still require a lot of work and revision to ensure you comprehensively understand the subject and do well in the final exam. It’s safe to say Further Maths will be a challenge, it’s more a question of whether it’s worth the work for you, which brings us to the question: “Should I take A Level Further Maths?”
Should I take A Level Further Maths?
A key component in deciding whether Further Maths A Level is for you is your university course requirements. Some courses recognise Further Maths A Level as a highly advantageous A Level subject, and indicate that students taking Further Maths are often more successful in their application (e.g. 78% of successful applicants to the Cambridge Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology course took Further Maths A Level). Further Maths is particularly favourable for:
Engineering
Sciences
Maths
Computer Sciences
Economics
If you’re looking to study one of these courses at Oxbridge or another top university and you have the option of taking Further Maths A Level at your school, you should strongly consider it as it will help set you apart in a competitive applications process. Further Maths A Level can also give you a headstart in these subjects at university as it will introduce some of the content you will encounter at degree level.
The other important factor to consider when asking yourself “Should I take A Level Further Maths?” is how much do you really enjoy Maths? Is it enough for it to take up half your A Level studies. If you really love Maths, Further Maths promises to be a challenging but rewarding A Level, if you don’t, it might be torture!
If you’re really unsure about whether Further Maths A Level is the right choice for you, it’s great to chat to teachers at your school who can best advise you about the challenges of further maths in relation to your individual performance and plans for the future. You may also wish to speak to one of our educational consultants who can help with university and careers advise to decide whether Further Maths A Level is right for you. They can also arrange taster Further Maths sessions to introduce you to some of the topics studied as part of the A Level. Find out more.
Maths and Further Maths Summer School
If you’re interested in pushing your Maths knowledge further as part of your preparation for university, you may like to take part in our online Maths Summer School hosted on our co-curricular platform Minds Underground.
During the Summer School, you’ll be exposed to cutting-edge applied and pure mathematics and explore Maths’ real world problem-solving powers, whether that’s making credit cards or collecting data on Covid.
It’s a great way to enhance your application to a Maths or STEM subject and take your knowledge of Maths a step further.
How to Get an A* in A-Level Further Mathematics
Manage Your Time Wisely in the Exam
One of the most crucial aspects of success in the Further Maths A Level is efficient time management. Avoid getting stuck on a single challenging question and jeopardizing your chances of completing the rest of the paper. If you find yourself unsure about a question, move on and come back to it later if time permits. This strategy ensures you maximize your marks by attempting all questions you’re confident about first.Practice, Practice, Practice
Regular past paper practice is essential to becoming familiar with exam formats and honing your timing for the Further Maths A Level. You can start off doing past papers open book to practise applying content, then when you feel more confident, simulate exam conditions by timing yourself and practising without any notes. This will help you build confidence and speed, reducing stress on exam day.Review and Consolidate Content
Revisiting topics regularly is key to retaining knowledge. Even if a concept feels unclear initially, consistent review can make it click over time. Make a habit of revisiting earlier topics periodically to ensure you don’t forget them as you progress through the syllabus.If your teacher doesn’t already assign end-of-topic tests, take the initiative to create your own. Testing yourself reinforces understanding and ensures you’re ready to move forward. Alternatively, working with a tutor can provide structure to your revision. Tutors can help you stay on top of old material while mastering new concepts quickly and effectively. Find out more about how we support with Further Maths A Level.
Ask for Help
Don’t hesitate to seek support if you’re struggling with Further Maths A Level or if you’re not on track to achieve your desired grade. Speak with your teacher about areas you find challenging or consider getting tailored help from a tutor. Further Maths tuition can provide targeted strategies to boost your understanding and confidence, ensuring you achieve your goals.
Looking for a tutor to support with Further Maths A-Level?
At U2 Tuition, our carefully selected team of specialist tutors, all Oxbridge graduates with extensive experience, are ideally placed to help students master the Further Maths A Level syllabus. While Further Maths A Level can be challenging, with high-level core content and difficult exams, with the right preparation and support our tutors help you achieve your goals.
Our Approach:
Expert Tutor Matching
We’ll match you with a tutor who specialises in Further Maths A Level and is familiar with your specific examination board. You’ll have the opportunity to review CVs of potential tutors, ensuring we match you with the best fit for your academic needs. We offer tutors at varying rates depending on their qualifications and experience, giving you flexibility in choosing the right mentor.Comprehensive Assessment Session
Begin with an assessment session (typically an hour to 1.5 hours), during which your tutor will evaluate your current performance and pinpoint your strengths and areas for improvement. After the session, you’ll receive a detailed feedback report and a comprehensive programme for tutoring sessions to ensure improvement.Personalised Learning Plan
Your tutor will design a tailored learning plan focused on the Further Maths A Level syllabus. This will include targeted support for key topics, effective exam techniques, and strategies for understanding mark schemes. With regular feedback, you’ll gain the confidence and skills required to excel in your final exam.
Whether you’re aiming for an A* or need extra support to tackle challenging areas, our Further Maths tuition provides the guidance you need to succeed.
With rates starting from £70/h + VAT, take the first step towards mastering Further Maths A Level and achieving academic success.
Find out more about our Further Maths Tuition here or contact us to arrange a free initial consultation.
Sessions from £70/h + VAT.