OCR GCSE Physics Past Papers & Mark Schemes
Download free OCR GCSE Physics past papers and mark schemes. 122 resources covering 2018 – 2025. Free PDF downloads.
Download Past Papers
122 of 122 resources — page 1 of 5
June 2023
4 filesTwenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Depth in physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Depth in physics
June 2022
4 filesTwenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Depth in physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Depth in physics
November 2021
4 filesTwenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Depth in physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Depth in physics
November 2020
4 filesTwenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Depth in physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Depth in physics
June 2019
4 filesTwenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Depth in physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Depth in physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Physics
June 2018
5 filesTwenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Depth in physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Depth in physics
Twenty First Century Science Suite – Question paper – Breadth in physics
About OCR GCSE Physics
Exam Paper Structure
First exam paper
Second exam paper
Key Information
| Exam Board | OCR |
| Specification Code | J259 (Twenty First Century) and J249 (Gateway) |
| Qualification | GCSE |
| Grading Scale | 9–1 |
| Assessment Type | 2 |
| Tiers | Available in Foundation (grades 1–5) and Higher (grades 4–9) tiers |
| Number Of Papers | 2 |
| Exam Duration | 1 hour 30 minutes per paper |
| Total Marks | 160–180 |
| Available Sessions | 2018 – 2025 |
| Total Resources | 122 |
Key Topics in Physics
Topics you need to know
Exam Command Words
| Command word | What the examiner expects |
|---|---|
| Describe | State what is happening or observed using scientific terminology |
| Explain | Give reasons why something happens, using scientific theory and evidence |
| Evaluate | Use evidence to weigh strengths, limitations and reach a justified conclusion |
| Calculate | Work out a numerical answer, showing every step of your working |
| Suggest | Apply your knowledge to an unfamiliar context to propose a possible reason |
| Compare | State similarities and differences clearly, using comparative language |
| State | Give a brief, factual answer with no elaboration |
| Predict | Give an expected result, justified by scientific reasoning |
Typical Grade Boundaries
| Grade | Approximate mark needed |
|---|---|
| Grade 9 | 76–86% |
| Grade 8 | 63–75% |
| Grade 7 | 51–62% |
| Grade 6 | 43–50% |
| Grade 5 | 35–42% |
| Grade 4 | 27–34% |
⚠️ Typical Higher tier boundaries across two papers. Actual boundaries vary by series — check the awarding body website.
How to Use OCR GCSE Physics Past Papers Effectively
More OCR GCSE Subjects
Explore other GCSE subjects from OCR
Meet your AI Tutor
Get clear explanations, worked examples, and step-by-step guidance on any GCSE Physics topic. Your personal AI tutor, free to try.