Best GCSE and IGCSE Maths Revision Guides

Revision workbooks offer a comprehensive review of the syllabus, presenting concepts in digestible sections, providing practice questions, and often including exam tips and strategies.

A staggering 85% of students find that workbooks significantly improve their understanding of difficult topics, according to educational research.

Furthermore, structured practice is shown to boost retention rates by up to 70%, making revision workbooks an indispensable tool in the study arsenal of any student.

As GCSE, IGCSE Maths and Further Maths exams approach, students and parents alike begin the search for the best resources to aid in the revision process. With the right workbook or guide, mastering the complexities of Maths becomes a structured and manageable task.

Calculator, stationery, practice papers - I've compiled a list of the essentials you need in preparing for your Maths GCSE or IGCSE exam. 

Whether you study Maths with Edexcel, AQA, OCR or Cambridge, this blog dives into the top revision workbooks and guides designed to propel GCSE, IGCSE, and Further Maths students towards exam success.

If you're on the hunt for the best calculator for GCSE or IGCSE Maths, check out my top recommendations here. 

What to look for:

✅ Syllabus Alignment - Ensure the revision guide is tailored to your specific exam board (e.g. AQA, Edexcel, OCR).

✅ Clarity and Depth of Explanations - The best guides break down complex concepts into understandable sections, making it easier for students to grasp challenging topics.

✅ Quality and Variety of Practice Questions - A good revision guide provides a wide range of practice questions that mirror the style and difficulty of the actual exams. 

✅ Exam Tips and Strategies - Insights into how to approach different types of questions, time management tips, and advice on common pitfalls to avoid can be incredibly valuable.

✅ Layout and Design - A well-organized, easy-to-navigate guide with a clear layout helps students find and focus on areas that need improvement.

✅ Digital Resources - Many revision guides now come with access to online platforms, offering digital versions of the guide, additional practice questions, video tutorials, and interactive tests.

✅ Reviews and Recommendations - Look for guides that are highly recommended by teachers, tutors, and students.

Edexcel: Top GCSE Maths Revision Workbooks/Guides

1. Pearson Revise Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Mathematics Revision Guide

Buy here - £5.99

Pros

👍 Directly aligned with the Edexcel syllabus.

👍 Includes real exam questions and guided answers for effective practice.

👍 Access to online resources for interactive revision and additional practice.

Cons

👎 Some students may find the content too concise, lacking in-depth explanations.

2. CGP GCSE Edexcel Mathematics Revision and Practice

Buy here - £11.99

Pros

👍 Engaging and accessible explanations make complex topics easier to understand.

👍 Comprehensive range of practice questions tailored to the Edexcel exam.

👍 Includes tips and tricks for exam success.

Cons

👎 The informal tone may not appeal to all students.

3. Collins Edexcel GCSE 9-1 Maths Complete Revision and Practice

Buy here - £8.74

Pros

👍 Combines detailed revision material with ample practice questions and exam-style papers.

👍 Clearly laid out topics with step-by-step explanations facilitate easy understanding.

👍 Includes invaluable exam advice and tips for tackling different types of questions.

Cons

👎 The extensive content may be overwhelming for some students preferring focused revision.

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AQA: Top GCSE Maths Revision Workbooks/Guides

1. CGP GCSE AQA Mathematics Complete Revision and Practice 

Buy here - £11.99

Pros

👍 Clear and concise explanations suitable for a range of learning styles.

👍 The humorous tone makes revision more engaging.

👍 Tailored practice questions and exam tips for AQA.

Cons

👎 Some students might find the style too casual for serious study.

2. Collins GCSE 9-1 Revision – AQA GCSE Maths Revision Guide

Buy here - £8.74

Pros

👍 Structured layout makes navigation through topics easy.

👍 Covers all topics with clear summaries and practice questions.

👍 Includes helpful exam advice and tips.

Cons

👎 May not provide enough depth for students seeking comprehensive explanations.

3. Oxford Revise: AQA GCSE Mathematics

Buy here - £7.69

Pros

👍 Leverages an evidence-based revision method that encourages active learning and retention.

👍 Offers clear, student-friendly explanations and a wealth of practice opportunities.

👍 Includes exam-style questions and revision advice to boost exam performance. 

Cons

👎 Some students may seek more comprehensive coverage of certain difficult topics.

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OCR: Top GCSE Maths Revision Workbooks/Guides

1. CGP GCSE OCR Mathematics: Complete Revision and Practice 

Buy here - £11.99

Pros

👍 Provides a clear and engaging overview of the OCR syllabus.

👍 Includes a wide range of practice questions specific to OCR.

👍 Features helpful tips for exam preparation.

Cons

👎  The informal tone might not suit all students.

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Edexcel: The Best IGCSE Maths Revision Workbooks/Guides

1. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Mathematics A Student Books

Buy here - £35.99

Pros

👍 Tailored to the Edexcel specification, ensuring accurate and relevant content.

👍 Offers detailed explanations, worked examples, and a variety of practice questions.

👍 Structured to support gradual learning progression with clear objectives for each chapter.

Cons

👎 The book is quite voluminous, which might be daunting for some students.

2. CGP IGCSE Maths Edexcel  Complete Revision & Practice

Buy here - £13.35

Pros

👍 Provides extensive practice with questions covering every topic in the Edexcel IGCSE syllabus.

👍 Clear, concise explanations make it an excellent supplement for hands-on revision.

👍 Affordable and accessible. 

Cons

👎 It is more of a workbook than a full guide. 

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Cambridge: The Best IGCSE Maths Revision Workbooks/Guides

1. Collins Cambridge IGCSE Maths Student’s Book

Buy here - £26.71

Pros

👍 Comprehensive coverage of all topics for both Core and Extended papers.

👍 Features clear, structured explanations that break down complex maths concepts. 

👍 Includes a wealth of practice questions, real-life examples, and investigation tasks.

Cons

👎 Students may seek additional exam-style questions for thorough preparation

2. CGP Cambridge IGCSE Maths Complete Revision & Practice: Core & Extended

Buy here - £13.95

Pros

👍 Known for its clear, concise explanations that make complex topics more accessible.

👍 Includes a wide variety of practice questions, detailed solutions, and revision tips. 

👍 Caters for a range of learning styles. 

Cons

👎 CGP’s informal and humorous style, while engaging for many, might not resonate with all students. 

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The Best Further Maths GCSE Revision Workbooks/Guides

For students tackling the challenging Further Maths GCSE or IGCSE, finding the right revision resources is crucial to mastering the advanced topics covered in these courses.

Further Maths extends beyond the standard curriculum, delving into higher-level algebra, geometry, calculus, and other areas, requiring materials that offer in-depth explanations, advanced practice questions, and thorough preparation for the specific demands of the exam.

Here are some top picks for Further Maths revision guides, suitable for both GCSE and IGCSE students:

1. CGP AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Maths: Revision Guide 

Buy here - £7.99

Pros

👍 Includes clear explanations of complex concepts, plenty of practice questions, and detailed solutions to aid understanding.

👍 Offers valuable exam tips and revision strategies specifically tailored to the demands of Further Maths.

👍 Comprehensive coverage of the GCSE Further Maths syllabus, presented in CGP’s accessible and engaging style.

Cons

👎 Some of the most advanced topics might require supplementary resources for students seeking deeper exploration.

2. AQA Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics

Buy here - £30.00

 

Pros

👍 Offers a wealth of advanced practice questions and exercises, designed to challenge high-achieving students and deepen their mathematical understanding.

👍 Includes specific guidance on how to approach the types of questions featured in the exam, as well as strategies for maximising marks.

Cons

👎 More expensive than the above CGP option. 

Let's wrap up...

Selecting the right revision guide is a pivotal step in preparing for GCSE, IGCSE, and Further Maths examinations.

Remember, the best revision strategy is one that incorporates a range of resources, including past papers and digital platforms, alongside your chosen revision guides.

By combining these tools with a structured study plan, you can enhance your revision sessions, build confidence in your mathematical abilities, and ultimately, achieve the grades you aspire to.

With dedication, the right materials, and a proactive approach to your studies, excelling in your Maths exams is within reach.