Is AQA GCSE Computer Science 2026 Predicted Practice Paper — Paper 1 an official exam paper?

No. It is an original StudyVector predicted-practice paper for revision. It is not official, leaked or guaranteed, and students should still revise the full specification.

How many marks and questions are in this predicted paper?

This paper has 80 marks across 13 questions and is designed for a 90-minute practice session.

What are the GCSE Computer Science Paper 1 predictions for 2026?

StudyVector's 2026 GCSE Computer Science Paper 1 predicted paper focuses on Algorithms, data representation, networks, cyber security, Boolean logic. This is an independent, AQA-style predicted-practice paper modelled on the published specification — it is not a leaked paper and is not official.

What is the GCSE Computer Science Paper 1 format (8525/1)?

GCSE Computer Science Paper 1 (8525/1) is 80 marks over 90 minutes. 8525/1 model: 80 marks, 90 minutes.

Published 8 March 2026Updated 22 April 2026By Lizzie D., founderPrivacy Policy

Source note: use official specifications as the source of truth. StudyVector is an independent revision platform. AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR

Direct answer

This page hosts StudyVector’s independent 2026 GCSE Computer Science Paper 1 predicted-practice paper modelled on 8525/1,80 marks over 90 minutes. Predicted focus topics: Algorithms, data representation, networks, cyber security, Boolean logic. It is not an official paper, not a leaked paper and not a guarantee — students should still revise the full specification and verify against official past papers from AQA.

Qualification: GCSE Computer Science
Exam board model: AQA
Paper code: 8525/1
Total marks: 80 marks
Time allowed: 90 minutes
Last reviewed: 16 May 2026

StudyVector is independent revision support, not affiliated with AQA, Edexcel, OCR, JCQ or any exam provider. Always verify topic coverage with your exam-board specification.

Predicted paper

AQA GCSE Computer Science 2026 Predicted Practice Paper — Paper 1

Q: Which topics are likely to come up in GCSE Computer Science Paper 1 2026?

Based on the AQA-style structure and recent paper patterns, StudyVector's prediction prioritises: Algorithms; data representation; networks; cyber security; Boolean logic. Students should still revise the full specification because exam boards rotate topics.

GCSE Computer Science · AQA-style · 90 minutes · 80 marks

Modelled component: 8525/1

8525/1 model: 80 marks, 90 minutes.

Prediction type: predicted_paper · Evidence mode: historical · Full-length original StudyVector predicted-practice paper modelled on public exam-board structure. It is not official, leaked or guaranteed.

Evidence basis: public exam-board specification structure, historical topic weighting patterns, StudyVector practice-quality review.

AI-generated practice paper. Not an official AQA-style paper, not leaked exam content, and not an exam-board endorsement.

Predicted difficulty score (practice signal)

0–100 model (higher = more demanding)

Candidate focus topics (not guarantees)

Algorithms
data representation
networks
cyber security
Boolean logic

Preview mode

0/13 questions attempted · score 0/80 (0%)

90:00Warm up with cards Play Daily

Answer ALL questions. Write your answers in the spaces provided. You must write down all the stages in your working.

Section A

Short-answer computational thinking questions. Answer ALL questions.

Question SECTION-A1 (2 marks)
Computer Science Systems Architecture question. A program processes 12 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.
(Total for Question SECTION-A1 is 2 marks)
Question SECTION-A2 (3 marks)
Computer Science Memory & Storage question. A program processes 13 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.
(Total for Question SECTION-A2 is 3 marks)
Question SECTION-A3 (4 marks)
Computer Science Computer Networks question. A program processes 14 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.
(Total for Question SECTION-A3 is 4 marks)
Question SECTION-A4 (4 marks)
Computer Science Network Security question. A program processes 15 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.
(Total for Question SECTION-A4 is 4 marks)
Question SECTION-A5 (5 marks)
Computer Science Algorithms question. A program processes 16 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.
(Total for Question SECTION-A5 is 5 marks)
Question SECTION-A6 (5 marks)
Computer Science Data Representation question. A program processes 17 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.
(Total for Question SECTION-A6 is 5 marks)
Question SECTION-A7 (6 marks)
Computer Science Boolean Logic question. A program processes 18 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.
(Total for Question SECTION-A7 is 6 marks)
Question SECTION-A8 (6 marks)
Computer Science Systems Architecture question. A program processes 19 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.
(Total for Question SECTION-A8 is 6 marks)

Section B

Programming and problem-solving. Answer ALL questions.

Question SECTION-B1 (8 marks)
Computer Science Memory & Storage question. A program processes 20 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.
(Total for Question SECTION-B1 is 8 marks)
Question SECTION-B2 (9 marks)
Computer Science Computer Networks question. A program processes 21 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.
(Total for Question SECTION-B2 is 9 marks)
Question SECTION-B3 (10 marks)
Computer Science Network Security question. A program processes 22 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.
(Total for Question SECTION-B3 is 10 marks)
Question SECTION-B4 (8 marks)
Computer Science Algorithms question. A program processes 23 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.
(Total for Question SECTION-B4 is 8 marks)
Question SECTION-B5 (10 marks)
Computer Science Boolean Logic question. A program processes 24 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.
(Total for Question SECTION-B5 is 10 marks)

Train weak areas

Turn this paper into targeted practice. Start with the topics where you lost marks, then come back and resit the same style of question.

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Direct answer

Qualification

GCSE Computer Science

Exam board model

AQA

Paper code

8525/1

Total marks

80 marks

Time allowed

90 minutes

Last reviewed

16 May 2026

StudyVector is independent revision support, not affiliated with AQA, Edexcel, OCR, JCQ or any exam provider. Always verify topic coverage with your exam-board specification.

AQA GCSE Computer Science 2026 Predicted Practice Paper — Paper 1

GCSE Computer Science · AQA-style · 90 minutes · 80 marks

Modelled component: 8525/1

8525/1 model: 80 marks, 90 minutes.

Evidence basis: public exam-board specification structure, historical topic weighting patterns, StudyVector practice-quality review.

Section A

Short-answer computational thinking questions. Answer ALL questions.

Question SECTION-A1 (2 marks)

Computer Science Systems Architecture question. A program processes 12 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.

(Total for Question SECTION-A1 is 2 marks)

Question SECTION-A2 (3 marks)

Computer Science Memory & Storage question. A program processes 13 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.

(Total for Question SECTION-A2 is 3 marks)

Question SECTION-A3 (4 marks)

Computer Science Computer Networks question. A program processes 14 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.

(Total for Question SECTION-A3 is 4 marks)

Question SECTION-A4 (4 marks)

Computer Science Network Security question. A program processes 15 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.

(Total for Question SECTION-A4 is 4 marks)

Question SECTION-A5 (5 marks)

Computer Science Algorithms question. A program processes 16 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.

(Total for Question SECTION-A5 is 5 marks)

Question SECTION-A6 (5 marks)

Computer Science Data Representation question. A program processes 17 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.

(Total for Question SECTION-A6 is 5 marks)

Question SECTION-A7 (6 marks)

Computer Science Boolean Logic question. A program processes 18 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.

(Total for Question SECTION-A7 is 6 marks)

Question SECTION-A8 (6 marks)

Computer Science Systems Architecture question. A program processes 19 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.

(Total for Question SECTION-A8 is 6 marks)

Section B

Programming and problem-solving. Answer ALL questions.

Question SECTION-B1 (8 marks)

Computer Science Memory & Storage question. A program processes 20 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.

(Total for Question SECTION-B1 is 8 marks)

Question SECTION-B2 (9 marks)

Computer Science Computer Networks question. A program processes 21 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.

(Total for Question SECTION-B2 is 9 marks)

Question SECTION-B3 (10 marks)

Computer Science Network Security question. A program processes 22 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.

(Total for Question SECTION-B3 is 10 marks)

Question SECTION-B4 (8 marks)

Computer Science Algorithms question. A program processes 23 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.

(Total for Question SECTION-B4 is 8 marks)

Question SECTION-B5 (10 marks)

Computer Science Boolean Logic question. A program processes 24 records using a simple algorithm. (a) Explain the relevant concept. (b) Complete or trace the algorithm for the data given. (c) Describe one improvement to correctness, efficiency or security.

(Total for Question SECTION-B5 is 10 marks)