Choosing your GCSE options is a daunting experience. It is the first big decision to make in the direction your education takes. Normally, you pick your options in year 8, though some schools may bring this forward to year 8.
The hardest GCSE subjects are relative, as it depends on the learning style, strengths and weaknesses of each individual. Some students prefer a GCSE exam format that favours coursework over practical assessments. The importance of the end-of-year exam under timed exam conditions will vary between subjects, as will the possible GCSE exam boards you can choose.
This article ranks the 10 most challenging subjects in order of difficulty, starting with the hardest and working our way back. We have based this list in part on the exam results across the UK for the academic year 2024-2025.
It may be that you want to pick particular options, despite finding them challenging. For example, you may want to take the Science Triple award, with an eye to certain A Level subjects you wish to take. If you need extra help getting used to these subjects, you can learn with TeachTutti's qualified tutors. Follow the link to see how tuition works with TeachTutti.
GCSE exam statistics (2025) - Hardest GCSEs
Before running through our list of the most difficult subjects, we have listed the results from the main GCSE subjects in summer 2025. This list is for results across the entirety of the UK. We have tracked the difficulty using the percentage of students who achieved a grade 4 (C) in the subject. When two subjects are close in their pass rate, the percentage of students with a grade 7 (A) is a tiebreaker.
We have assembled this list from mainstream subjects and options. This includes:
- Core English/Maths/Science
- Triple sciences
- Combined Science
- Geography
- History
- MFL French/German/Spanish/"Other MFL"
- Computer Science
- Business
- Economics
- Religious Studies (RS)
- Art & Design
- GCSE Design and Technology (D&T)
- Music
- Drama
- Physical Education (PE)
- Media/Film/TV
- Food Prep & Nutrition
- Engineering
- Statistics
- Social Science subjects
We have excluded niche or regional entries, including:
- Welsh/Irish
- Home Economics
- Hospitality
- Leisure & Tourism
- Construction
- Business & Communication Systems
- Mathematics: Numeracy
- Mathematics (Additional)
- Other Sciences/Technology
- "Science" single award)
The source of this data is from the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).
| Rank (according to pass rate) | Subject | Total enrolled students | Grade 7+/A percentage | Grade 4/C percentage |
| 1 | Science: Double Award | 989,264 | 9.3 | 57.8 |
| 2 | Mathematics | 893,198 | 16.6 | 58.3 |
| 3 | English Language | 866,023 | 15.6 | 60.2 |
| 4 | Engineering | 2,476 | 18.2 | 61.5 |
| 5 | History | 306,759 | 26.5 | 64.8 |
| 6 | Geography | 302,706 | 25.2 | 65.7 |
| 7 | Social Science subjects | 51,883 | 20.2 | 66.0 |
| 8 | Business Studies | 137,924 | 19.5 | 66.1 |
| 9 | Design & Technology | 86,307 | 22.9 | 67.1 |
| 10 | Food Preparation & Nutrition | 59,987 | 21.3 | 68.6 |
| 11 | Computing (Computer Science) | 91,619 | 29.6 | 69.3 |
| 12 | Media / Film / TV Studies | 35,553 | 19.6 | 69.4 |
| 13 | Statistics | 34,879 | 21.0 | 71.1 |
| 14 | Spanish | 136,871 | 27.8 | 71.4 |
| 15 | French | 132,808 | 30.1 | 73.3 |
| 16 | Religious Studies | 237,515 | 32.1 | 73.4 |
| 17 | Physical Education | 89,584 | 24.3 | 73.7 |
| 18 | English Literature | 649,481 | 20.5 | 74.2 |
| 19 | Music | 38,060 | 33.9 | 76.9 |
| 20 | Art & Design subjects | 206,598 | 24.1 | 77.1 |
| 21 | Drama | 52,471 | 27.2 | 78.0 |
| 22 | German | 33,391 | 34.3 | 79.8 |
| 23 | Economics | 7,608 | 33.1 | 82.2 |
| 24 | Biology | 183,539 | 43.5 | 89.4 |
| 25 | Physics | 173,227 | 45.2 | 90.9 |
| 26 | Chemistry | 174,088 | 46.1 | 91.5 |
| 27 | Other Modern Languages | 43,678 | 72.6 | 92.9 |
Explaining our Top 10 Hardest GCSEs list
The table above ranks subjects by 2025 UK pass rate (Grade 4/C+) from lowest to highest, which is a useful snapshot of cohort-level difficulty. For the sections that follow, we use the table as our starting point, but make a few editorial choices so the guide serves most students choosing options.
To assemble our list of the hardest GCSEs ranked, we began by prioritising mainstream, high-entry subjects. This means the core subjects of Maths, English and Combined Science. It also includes widely taken options, such as History and Geography. We haven't included options that combine several courses, such as "Social Sciences". We have also omitted specific or regional qualifications. For example, Engineering has a very small uptake in the UK.
Finally, we have balanced the 2025 GCSE results with what makes certain subjects challenging. This could be the use of critical thinking, the importance of abstract concepts, or the number of complex topics. It could also be the exam style, such as extended writing, multi-step calculations, or heavy application. This is why subjects like Biology appear despite their high pass rate, as their conceptual and mathematical load makes them consistently challenging.
1) Combined Science (Double Award)
Why it’s hard
Biology, chemistry and physics are compressed into a single subject. The focus on each area moves quickly, and each bleeds into the next. For example, a question about your theoretical knowledge of particles could then move on to a problem about enzymes or circuits. This abrupt change in topic requires the student to have a deep understanding of the three strands, as well as flexible problem-solving.
In 2025, 989,264 students took Combined Science. The pass rate (grade 4 or above) was 57.8% and 9.3% achieved grade 7 or higher.
Typical exam challenges
- Exam papers often combine short, factual items with multi-step reasoning. Mark will depend on the student's ability to apply knowledge to unfamiliar contexts.
- Calculations add time pressure, especially in chemistry and physics.
- Required practicals expect you to explain variables, methods, and data.
- Students who are strong in a particular strand can struggle when they are combined or follow immediately after one another. For example, if a question asks to rearrange equations in electricity after a section on biology.
If you struggle with a particular strand, you can reinforce it with tuition. For example, TeachTutti has qualified GCSE Biology tutors who can walk you through specific topics with online or in-person tuition.
2) Maths
Why it’s hard
Understanding in Maths GCSE is cumulative - every topic is built on skills gained from previous concepts. This means any gaps in your knowledge tend to snowball. You are often expected to move from practising a technique to knowing which method is suitable for a question. This can seem abrupt, especially in algebra and geometry.
In 2025, 893,198 students took Mathematics. The pass rate (grade 4 or above) was 58.3% and 16.6% achieved grade 7 or higher.
If you need focused support, TeachTutti has experienced GCSE Maths tutors who can address gaps in your knowledge and build your confidence by developing your exam techniques.
Typical exam challenges
- Exam papers that are calculator and non-calculator will equally reward the method in your answer. Always show your workings clearly.
- Avoid dropping marks by not showing your workings. Students can also misread command words, or mix units and forms, e.g. exact surds vs decimals.
- The route is hidden in multi-step questions. You may be expected to rearrange a formula, substitute it, and then interpret the result in context.
- A common weakness is algebraic manipulation, ratio/proportion, and geometry proofs. Watch out for sign errors, missing brackets, and rounding too soon.
- You should tackle past papers to refine your time management. Start by tackling the secure marks, and then leave time at the end to return to the hardest questions, without the pressure of the remaining questions.
3) English Language
Why it’s hard
English Language is a core subject that tests your reading and writing skills in timed conditions. You are marked on your ability to shape an argument using tone, inference and structure. Some students will struggle with the less linear structure of the subject. You can lose marks if you don't effectively plan your answer or lose focus while shaping your argument, even if you understand the text being discussed.
In 2025, 866,023 students took English Language. The pass rate (grade 4 or above) was 60.2% and 15.6% achieved grade 7 or higher.
Typical exam challenges
- The exam paper moves between analytical and transitional writing. For example, you may be asked a question on methods and effects, then transition to crafting an article with a specific argument.
- Students can lose marks by skimming the question, writing at length without organisation, or quoting without explaining the effect.
- There is a spoken language section that requires you to choose a topic, prepare a presentation and answer questions on it. The student needs to project confidence and clear communication skills in this presentation.
If you struggle with writing or projecting yourself for the spoken language section in this core subject, you can get support from one of TeachTutti's top GCSE English tutors. Lessons can be online or in-person. Every tutor has an enhanced DBS check.
4) History
Why it’s hard
History is another subject where you need to present an argument in prose. There is a heavy content load, and you need to select the correct evidence in your argument, linking clearly to the question. The topics chosen in History can vary widely between different periods and themes. You need to be able to shift perspectives quickly between these different topics, such as commenting on the social makeup of Elizabethan England, to the political change in America during 1945 - 1975.
In 2025, 306,759 students took GCSE History. The pass rate (grade 4 or above) was 64.8% and 26.5% achieved grade 7 or higher.
Typical exam challenges
- You are rewarded for the structure and judgment displayed in your essay. Students often list everything they remember, rather than following a tight line of reasoning.
- As well as using quotes, students need to consider the historical context.
- Marks are given for commenting on the differing views of historians on a particular topic, arguing which view best fits the historical evidence.
- Timing is a common pitfall when you need to build your argument in prose. The highest marks are awarded to essays that are clearly planned, use precise topic vocabulary, and frequently link back to the question, justifying the direction of their argument.
5) Geography
Why it’s hard
Geography is a demanding subject in your GCSEs because of the combination of human and physical geography, as well as case study detail with processes and skills. You'll need to switch between human themes - such as cities, development, and resource management - and physical systems, e.g. rivers, coasts, and ecosystems. In both cases, you'll need to connect them to real places and situations.
The skills you're expected to understand in GCSE Geography include map-reading, fieldwork analysis, and data interpretation. Topics include natural landscapes, urbanisation, population trends, economic development, and climate change.
In 2025, 302,706 students took Geography. The pass rate (grade 4 or above) was 65.7% and 25.2% achieved grade 7 or higher.
Typical exam challenges
- The longer exam questions expect the student to present a clear argument backed up by accurate facts, e.g. named locations and figures.
- Marks are often lost when the student struggles to give details about the case-study, or describes events without exploring causes, effects and responses.
- Demonstrating an understanding of skills is expected, such as interpreting maps, photos, and cross-sections.
- Some students fail to consider the command words, such as "assess", "evaluate", or "to what extent".
6) Business Studies
Why it’s hard
GCSE Business Studies is ideal for a career in management, finance or as an entrepreneur.
The terms in Business Studies are familiar to our everyday world, such as "revenue", "profit" and "stakeholders". However, the student is expected to apply them to a reasoned argument, connecting market data, finance, operations, HR and marketing.
The student needs to consider trade-offs under different contexts, such as a start-up versus a mature firm, or a boom versus a recession. It is less about memorising definitions and more about applying them precisely.
In 2025, 137,924 students took Business Studies. The pass rate (grade 4 or above) was 66.1% and 19.5% achieved grade 7 or higher.
Typical exam challenges
- Exam papers focus on case-study questions. There will be a short scenario and you're expected to analyse options. Ensure you use the correct tools to build your recommendation, e.g. break-even charts, cash-flow forecasts, ratio snippets, PED, or the marketing mix.
- Make sure you use the tools on the provided figures. Don't describe the tools.
- Give plenty of evidence to justify your opinion, such as weighing costs, risks and timeframes.
- There needs to be a clear process to your response: define the problem, apply the data, compare options, and then conclude with conditions. For example, "This is best if demand continues to grow; otherwise…".
7) Computer Science
Why it’s hard
You need to combine abstract logic with exact execution for Computer Science. You have to express the pattern in algorithms or code and trace what each step will do. Students often struggle with the shift from "idea" to "procedure". The topic will also change quickly as part of the curriculum, moving from data representation to networks, and back to programming concepts in the space of a week.
In 2025, 91,619 students took Computer Science. The pass rate (grade 4 or above) was 69.3% and 29.6% achieved grade 7 or higher.
Typical exam challenges
- Use careful reasoning for algorithms. You may need to turn a word problem into pseudocode. Follow the loops and conditionals carefully to predict the outcome.
- A trace table exposes gaps in understanding of state and iteration. It's common for errors that are wrong by one when using these tables.
- Theoretical questions often require explanation rather than recall. For example, why is a particular sorting method better than another?
8) Biology
Why it’s hard
GCSE Biology has a wide vocabulary and a range of ideas. These include cell structure and enzymes, genetics, immunity and ecology. Topics that can feel detached from everyday experiences, as they are often on a molecular level, such as meiosis, homeostasis, and protein synthesis. This means students have to learn definitions without seeing how parts interact, which can make it challenging when addressing a question.
In 2025, 183,539 students took Biology. The pass rate (grade 4 or above) was 89.4% and 43.5% achieved grade 7 or higher.
Typical exam challenges
- Exam papers expect you to explain how and why a certain process is applied.
- It's common to have to use graphs, data tables and experimental scenarios in questions. Your marks will depend on interpreting trends, spotting anomalies and justifying conclusions with accurate biological reasoning.
- Students need to use precise vocabulary for extended responses, such as "active site", "osmotic potential", and "negative feedback". Avoid confusing terms or using vague language.
9) Physics
Why it’s hard
You're expected to model the world using Maths as part of GCSE Physics. Many of the topics are abstract and link symbols to real-world situations, such as forces, electricity, waves, and particle physics. Students need to turn a worded scenario into an equation, then double-check that the result works in the real world. A solid grasp of algebra and unit conversions is essential.
In 2025, 173,227 students took Physics. The pass rate (grade 4 or above) was 90.9% and 45.2% achieved grade 7 or higher.
Typical exam challenges
- Students will often encounter multi-step questions. For instance, you may need to extract data from a graph, rearrange a formula, substitute with standard form, and then state the result to correct significant figures.
- Marks can be lost by using the wrong units, such as kW instead of W, vector direction, or writing numbers without the laws behind them (such as Newton’s laws).
- You need to justify variables, predict sources of error, and interpret anomalies in the required practicals.
10) Chemistry
Why it’s hard
Concepts in Chemistry are stacked in layers. You start with particles and bonds, before moving to structure and properties, followed by equations, moles and energetics. If one layer is weak, later topics will struggle. For example, if you struggle with ionic versus covalent bonding, you will encounter similar issues with electrolysis or intermolecular forces.
There are concrete facts, such as ion charges, and abstract models, including orbitals and equilibria. This means you're often translating ideas into symbols and back.
In 2025, 174,088 students took Chemistry. The pass rate (grade 4 or above) was 91.5% and 46.1% achieved grade 7 or higher.
Typical exam challenges
- You need to have an understanding of several skills with multi-part questions. For example, one question could require you to identify species, balance an equation, convert units, and then interpret what the numbers mean.
- Students particularly struggle with stoichiometry (the relationship between the relative quantities of substances creating a compound or taking part in a reaction), limiting reagents, and percentage yield.
- Using a precise vocabulary is needed to distinguish rate from rate constant, or conditions from catalysts.
- The student needs to justify variables and errors in the required practical. Don't just list the method steps.
Conclusion: Top 10 Hardest GCSE subjects
When picking options, it is easy to focus on which subject is the hardest. However, this order will be different for each individual as it depends on where your strengths lie. Some people will prefer the right or wrong answers in maths to the argument-based prose that structures exam answers in History. Use the statistics as a guide, but don't let them discourage you if you are keen to pursue a certain academic route. It is more important to choose the subjects you enjoy over those that are less challenging, for the simple reason that you will be keen to pursue them despite any difficulty.
For further reading, see Ofqual's GCSE results for 2025, which dives into the statistics in far greater detail, including results by geographical area and results by subject combinations. You can also read the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) subject-by-subject results for 2025.
Frequently asked questions
In summer 2025, Combined Science had a 57.8% pass rate at Grade 4/C+. This is the lowest entry. Maths was next at 58.3%, followed by English Language at 60.2%.
In Combined Science, only 9.3% achieved grade 7/A+. Maths had 16.6% at 7+. The number of students who achieved grade 7 or higher followed the same pattern as those subjects that had a passing grade of 4.
Triple Science is harder in depth and workload. However, Combined Science is harder at scale, as you need to be consistent across Physics, Biology and Chemistry with a tighter paper set.
It depends on the personal strengths of the student. There is a lower national pass rate for English Language - it tests timing, analysis and the ability to write under pressure. You are rewarded in English Literature for textual knowledge and essay structure.
Learning a language challenges students in listening/reading and their accuracy in grammar. That said, the pass rate for French, German and Spanish is higher than some of the humanities. It often comes down to prior exposure and practice frequency of said language. There are lots of language learning apps to support your education, such as Duolingo.
Biology, Geography and History are examples of content-heavy options. Maths, Physics, Computer Science )methods, modelling, problem solving) and Music (performance, composition) is skill-based. Chemistry is both content and skills-focused, using layered concepts and calculations.
Grade boundaries change each series to keep the standards comparable. They experienced a lot of upheaval during and immediately after the COVID-19 lockdowns, but have settled down now. Rather than focusing on grade boundaries, prioritise the mark scheme. For example, look at command words, method marks, and what earns credit, even if the final answer is incorrect.
It varies with the individual. As a guide, aim for 2-3 focused revision sessions weekly for the hardest subjects. Increase the frequency to daily when you're approaching the exam period. In your revision, aim for a mix of retrieval (short quizzes), exam questions, and timed writing/calculations.
Not necessarily. In subjects like Food Prep & Nutrition, Art Design & Technology, it is important to display strong planning and evidence in NEA components. Another example is an instrumental performance in Music. NEA components reward organisation and preparation.
If you want to pursue A Levels in Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics, it is essential to have a GCSE in Maths. Physics and Chemistry are required for most pathways, and Combined Science or Triple Science more generally.
Yes, you can resit at any age and any number of times. You can resit all exams in the summer. You are required to get a pass in Maths and English, which can also be retaken in the November exam window. Check the exam dates with your school and the exam board.
Read the specification for each board in the subject you're interested in. You can also look at a few past papers. Focus on differences in question style, practicals/NEA, and assessment weightings.
