What is the difference between GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy and GCSE Mathematics in Wales?

Learners in Wales typically sit two GCSEs: GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy focuses on applying maths to real-life, financial and everyday contexts, while GCSE Mathematics also covers more abstract techniques. Together they recognise the full range of mathematical skills.

How is WJEC GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy assessed?

By two written units. Unit 1 is sat without a calculator and Unit 2 allows a calculator, with each unit worth 50% of the qualification. Papers use short-answer and multi-step real-world problems, and a formula list is provided.

What tiers are available and what grades can I get?

Three tiers: Foundation (grades C-G), Intermediate (B-E) and Higher (A*-C). The school chooses the entry tier based on a learner's expected attainment. There is no single pass mark; grade boundaries are set per unit and series.

Can I use a calculator in the exam?

Only in Unit 2. Unit 1 is a non-calculator paper, so you should practise mental and written methods for arithmetic, percentages, fractions and money calculations as well as calculator techniques for Unit 2.

Is GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy changing?

Yes. Summer 2026 is the last series for the standalone GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy. From September 2025 Wales introduced a new combined GCSE Mathematics and Numeracy (Double Award), first awarded in November 2026.

Are these official WJEC practice questions?

No. These are original OpenExamPrep questions modelled on the WJEC numeracy style. WJEC provides official specifications, past papers and mark schemes separately on its website.

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100+ Free WJEC GCSE Numeracy Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: WJEC GCSE Numeracy Exam

2 units

Unit 1 non-calculator and Unit 2 calculator-allowed, each worth 50%

WJEC GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy specification

3 tiers

Foundation (C-G), Intermediate (B-E) and Higher (A*-C)

WJEC GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy specification

1h 30m

Length of each unit at Foundation and Intermediate tiers

WJEC GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy specification

1h 45m

Length of each unit at Higher tier

WJEC GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy specification

A*-G

GCSE grading scale used by WJEC in Wales

WJEC GCSE grade points

Summer 2026

Final series for the standalone GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy

Qualifications Wales / WJEC

From 2025

New GCSE Mathematics and Numeracy (Double Award) first taught, first awarded November 2026

WJEC GCSE Mathematics and Numeracy (Double Award)

100

Free original applied-numeracy practice questions here

OpenExamPrep

WJEC GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy is a Welsh GCSE that tests applying maths to real-life, financial and everyday contexts. It is assessed by two written units, Unit 1 (non-calculator) and Unit 2 (calculator-allowed), each worth 50%; each unit is 1 hour 30 minutes at Foundation and Intermediate tiers and 1 hour 45 minutes at Higher. It is tiered with grade ranges Foundation C-G, Intermediate B-E and Higher A*-C, and there is no single pass mark. Summer 2026 is the last series before the new GCSE Mathematics and Numeracy (Double Award) is awarded from November 2026. This 100-question bank gives original applied-numeracy practice in pounds-sterling and UK contexts across all six content areas.

Sample WJEC GCSE Numeracy Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your WJEC GCSE Numeracy exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Megan earns £9.60 per hour and works 35 hours in a week. What is her gross weekly pay?

A.£316.80

B.£326.00

C.£336.00

D.£345.60

Explanation: Gross pay = hourly rate × hours = £9.60 × 35. 9.60 × 35 = 9.60 × 30 + 9.60 × 5 = 288 + 48 = £336.00.

2A jacket costs £80. In a sale it is reduced by 15%. What is the sale price?

A.£65

B.£68

C.£72

D.£75

Explanation: 15% of £80 = 0.15 × 80 = £12. Sale price = £80 − £12 = £68. You can also compute 85% of £80 = 0.85 × 80 = £68.

3A supermarket sells a 500 g bag of rice for £1.40 and a 2 kg bag for £5.20. Which is better value, and what is the price per kilogram of the cheaper option?

A.The 500 g bag, at £2.60 per kg

B.The 2 kg bag, at £2.60 per kg

C.The 500 g bag, at £2.80 per kg

D.The 2 kg bag, at £2.80 per kg

Explanation: 500 g bag: £1.40 for 0.5 kg = £2.80 per kg. 2 kg bag: £5.20 ÷ 2 = £2.60 per kg. The 2 kg bag is cheaper per kg, at £2.60 per kg.

4Dafydd invests £2,000 in a savings account paying 3% simple interest per year. How much interest does he earn after 4 years?

A.£60

B.£120

C.£240

D.£251.02

Explanation: Simple interest = principal × rate × time = £2,000 × 0.03 × 4 = £240. Simple interest is the same £60 each year, so 4 × £60 = £240.

5£500 is invested at 4% compound interest per year. What is the value of the investment after 2 years?

A.£520.00

B.£540.00

C.£540.80

D.£541.60

Explanation: Compound: value = 500 × 1.04². 1.04² = 1.0816, so 500 × 1.0816 = £540.80. Year 1 gives £520; year 2 adds 4% of £520 = £20.80.

6Sioned's annual salary is £24,000. She pays income tax at 20% on her earnings above the £12,570 tax-free personal allowance. How much income tax does she pay in the year?

A.£2,286

B.£2,486

C.£4,800

D.£11,430

Explanation: Taxable income = £24,000 − £12,570 = £11,430. Tax = 20% of £11,430 = 0.20 × 11,430 = £2,286.

7A holidaymaker exchanges £300 into euros at a rate of £1 = €1.16. How many euros does she receive?

A.€258.62

B.€316.00

C.€348.00

D.€384.00

Explanation: To convert pounds to euros, multiply by the rate: 300 × 1.16 = €348.00.

8A meal in a restaurant costs £40 before VAT. VAT is charged at 20%. What is the total bill including VAT?

A.£42

B.£44

C.£48

D.£60

Explanation: VAT = 20% of £40 = £8. Total = £40 + £8 = £48. Equivalently, 120% of £40 = 1.2 × 40 = £48.

9A phone is priced at £210 after a 30% reduction in a sale. What was its original price?

A.£240

B.£273

C.£280

D.£300

Explanation: The sale price is 70% of the original. So original = £210 ÷ 0.70 = £300. Check: 30% of £300 = £90, and £300 − £90 = £210.

10Rhys buys a bike for £150 and later sells it for £180. What is his percentage profit?

A.16.7%

B.20%

C.25%

D.30%

Explanation: Profit = £180 − £150 = £30. Percentage profit = profit ÷ cost × 100 = 30 ÷ 150 × 100 = 20%.

About the WJEC GCSE Numeracy Practice Questions

Verified exam format metadata for WJEC GCSE Mathematics - Numeracy (Wales) is pending. The practice questions above remain available while official exam length, timing, passing score, fee, and administrator details are reviewed.