GCSE Predicted Papers 2026

PEP Team 6 February 2026

GCSE Predicted Papers 2026: A Parent’s Guide

GCSE predicted papers 2026 are often recommended as part of revision, but they are easy to misunderstand. Parents sometimes worry that these papers claim to “predict” the real exam, or wonder whether their child should be revising only what appears in them.

In reality, predicted papers are best understood as an exam-practice tool. They are designed to help students become familiar with how GCSE exams look and feel, rather than to tell them what will come up. Used correctly, they can build confidence, improve exam technique, and reduce stress on the day of the exam.

Below are the most common questions parents ask about GCSE predicted papers, answered clearly and honestly.

GCSE Predicted Papers 2026: FAQs for Parents

What exactly are GCSE predicted papers?

Predicted papers are practice exam papers that are written to resemble real GCSE exams. They follow the structure, layout, and style of a specific exam board and are written by subject experts who understand the specification.

Are predicted papers real GCSE exam papers?

No. Predicted papers are not written or released by exam boards. They are independent practice resources designed to support revision.

Make use of the best science predicted papers for your GCSE revision here:
GCSE Combined Science Predicted Papers 2026
GCSE Combined Triple Predicted Papers 2026

Why are they called ‘predicted’ papers?

The name reflects that experts anticipate how an exam might be structured based on the specification and past trends. It does not mean the questions are known in advance. For example, GCSE English predicted papers 2026 will not have the same questions as those that will be in the official GCSE English Language exam.

Can predicted papers tell my child what topics will come up?

No. Only the exam board knows what will appear in the real exam, and that information is kept secret. Predicted papers should never be used to decide which topics to revise.

Should I trust websites claiming their predicted papers are highly accurate?

Parents should be cautious of any provider claiming 100% accuracy. Predicted papers are educated practice tools, not forecasts of real exam content.

Who writes GCSE predicted papers?

They are written by revision providers. Reputable providers use experienced teachers, tutors, and examiners who understand how GCSE exams are set and marked. MME, for example, have many different predicted papers on offer for 2026 exams, such as GCSE Maths 2026 predicted papers.

Are predicted papers exam-board specific?

Good predicted papers are exam-board specific. This means they reflect differences between boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, and IGCSE in question style, layout, and mark allocation. The use specifications like the OCR GCSE science specification to ensure that the skills assessed are relevant to your official tests.

Do exam boards release predicted papers?

No. Exam boards only release real exam papers after an exam series. They do not publish predicted papers.

How can predicted papers help my child?

Predicted papers help students:

Get used to the format and structure of exams
Practise working under timed conditions
Improve pacing and stamina
Learn how marks are awarded
Build confidence through familiarity

Are predicted papers useful for GCSE resits?

Yes. They are especially helpful for resit students who may feel anxious or out of practice with exam conditions.

How should my child use predicted papers at home?

The most effective approach is to:

Sit the paper in one go under timed conditions
Avoid notes, phones, or internet access
Mark the paper using the mark scheme
Review mistakes and identify weaker areas

Should predicted papers be used for learning content?

No. Predicted papers are not designed to teach content. They only include a selection of topics and should never replace revision based on the full specification.

What should my child use to revise content instead?

The exam board specification should guide content revision. You can find the right specification for your subject and exam board online, like this GCSE specification for Edexcel English. Revision guides, flashcards, topic questions, and spaced recall are better tools for learning and retaining knowledge.

Can predicted papers highlight weak areas?

They can highlight weaknesses in the topics included, but they cannot identify gaps in topics that do not appear in the paper.

Find out which topics you need to focus on with:
GCSE Biology Predicted Papers 2026
GCSE Chemistry Predicted Papers 2026
GCSE Physics Predicted Papers 2026

Are predicted papers better than past papers?

They serve a different purpose. Past papers show what has been asked before. Predicted papers provide fresh, exam-style practice that reflects current specifications and formats.

Do predicted papers come with mark schemes?

Yes. High-quality predicted papers include detailed mark schemes, allowing students to see where marks are earned and lost.

Can predicted papers be printed?

Many providers offer predicted papers as physical A4 exam-style booklets, helping students become comfortable with the look and feel of real exams. At Pass 11 Plus, we are happy to recommend one such provider – MME offer a wide selection of exam-board specific predicted papers that are delivered to your door along with the mark scheme, and any other revision materials you might need.

How often should my child use predicted papers?

They should be used occasionally, not constantly. Each paper should be followed by careful review and targeted revision.

What is the biggest mistake parents should help their child avoid?

Encouraging revision based only on predicted papers. This can lead to gaps in knowledge and misplaced confidence.

What is the safest way to use predicted papers?

Revise the full specification first, then use predicted papers to practise applying that knowledge under realistic exam conditions.

Written by

Pass Eleven Plus Team

We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.

GCSE Predicted Papers 2026

GCSE Predicted Papers 2026: A Parent’s Guide