GCSE
COMPUTER
SCIENCE
(8525)
Specification
For teaching from September 2025
onwards For GCSE exams in 2027
onwards
Version 1.3 16 June 2025
,
, AQA GCSE Computer Science 8525. GCSE exams June 2027 onwards. Version 1.3 16 June 2025
Contents
1 Introduction 5
1.1 Why choose AQA for GCSE Computer Science 5
1.2 Support and resources to help you teach 5
2 Specification at a glance 7
2.1 Subject content 7
2.2 Assessments 7
3 Subject content 9
3.1 Fundamentals of algorithms 10
3.2 Programming 11
3.3 Fundamentals of data representation 18
3.4 Computer systems 22
3.5 Fundamentals of computer networks 27
3.6 Cyber security 29
3.7 Relational databases and structured query language
(SQL) 31
3.8 Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital
technology on wider society, including issues of
privacy 33
4 Scheme of assessment 35
4.1 Aims and learning outcomes 35
4.2 Assessment objectives 35
4.3 Assessment weightings 36
5 Programming skills 37
5.1 Programming skills authentication 37
5.2 Avoiding malpractice 37
6 General administration 39
GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE (8525) 2025
, 6.1 Entries and codes 39
6.2 Overlaps with other qualifications39
6.3 Awarding grades and reporting results 39
6.4 Resits and shelf life 40
6.5 Previous learning and prerequisites 40
6.6 Access to assessment: diversity and inclusion 40
6.7 Working with AQA for the first time 41
6.8 Private candidates 41
Are you using the latest version of this
specification?
• You will always find the most up-to-date version of this specification on our website at
aqa.org.uk/8525
• We will write to you if there are significant changes to the specification.
4 Visit aqa.org.uk/8525 for the most up-to-date specification, resources, support and administration
1 Introduction
1.1 Why choose AQA for GCSE Computer Science
We’ve worked closely with teachers to develop a GCSE Computer Science specification that’s as
inspiring to teach as it is to learn. This specification recognises the well-established
methodologies of computing, alongside the technological advances which make it such a dynamic
subject.
We’ve built on the most popular aspects of our current specification and added fresh features
including a programming exam to provide a programme of study for students of all ability levels.
You can choose from a range of programming languages, enabling you to tailor your teaching to
the strengths and preferences of yourself and your students.
Our exam papers retain our commitment to clear wording and structure, helping students to
progress through each paper with confidence.
Students will complete this course equipped with the logical and computational skills necessary to
succeed at A-level, the workplace or beyond.
As part of our ongoing commitment to provide excellent support, you’ll see we’ve created fantastic
free teaching resources and can offer great value professional development courses. We’re also
collaborating with publishers to ensure you have engaging and easy-to-use textbooks.
You can find out about all our Computer Science qualifications at aqa.org.uk/computer-science
COMPUTER
SCIENCE
(8525)
Specification
For teaching from September 2025
onwards For GCSE exams in 2027
onwards
Version 1.3 16 June 2025
,
, AQA GCSE Computer Science 8525. GCSE exams June 2027 onwards. Version 1.3 16 June 2025
Contents
1 Introduction 5
1.1 Why choose AQA for GCSE Computer Science 5
1.2 Support and resources to help you teach 5
2 Specification at a glance 7
2.1 Subject content 7
2.2 Assessments 7
3 Subject content 9
3.1 Fundamentals of algorithms 10
3.2 Programming 11
3.3 Fundamentals of data representation 18
3.4 Computer systems 22
3.5 Fundamentals of computer networks 27
3.6 Cyber security 29
3.7 Relational databases and structured query language
(SQL) 31
3.8 Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital
technology on wider society, including issues of
privacy 33
4 Scheme of assessment 35
4.1 Aims and learning outcomes 35
4.2 Assessment objectives 35
4.3 Assessment weightings 36
5 Programming skills 37
5.1 Programming skills authentication 37
5.2 Avoiding malpractice 37
6 General administration 39
GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE (8525) 2025
, 6.1 Entries and codes 39
6.2 Overlaps with other qualifications39
6.3 Awarding grades and reporting results 39
6.4 Resits and shelf life 40
6.5 Previous learning and prerequisites 40
6.6 Access to assessment: diversity and inclusion 40
6.7 Working with AQA for the first time 41
6.8 Private candidates 41
Are you using the latest version of this
specification?
• You will always find the most up-to-date version of this specification on our website at
aqa.org.uk/8525
• We will write to you if there are significant changes to the specification.
4 Visit aqa.org.uk/8525 for the most up-to-date specification, resources, support and administration
1 Introduction
1.1 Why choose AQA for GCSE Computer Science
We’ve worked closely with teachers to develop a GCSE Computer Science specification that’s as
inspiring to teach as it is to learn. This specification recognises the well-established
methodologies of computing, alongside the technological advances which make it such a dynamic
subject.
We’ve built on the most popular aspects of our current specification and added fresh features
including a programming exam to provide a programme of study for students of all ability levels.
You can choose from a range of programming languages, enabling you to tailor your teaching to
the strengths and preferences of yourself and your students.
Our exam papers retain our commitment to clear wording and structure, helping students to
progress through each paper with confidence.
Students will complete this course equipped with the logical and computational skills necessary to
succeed at A-level, the workplace or beyond.
As part of our ongoing commitment to provide excellent support, you’ll see we’ve created fantastic
free teaching resources and can offer great value professional development courses. We’re also
collaborating with publishers to ensure you have engaging and easy-to-use textbooks.
You can find out about all our Computer Science qualifications at aqa.org.uk/computer-science
