Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A (1RA0) Past Papers, Mark Schemes & Examiner Tips
Prepare for Pearson Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A (1RA0) with past papers and official mark schemes covering Paper 1: Study of Religion, Paper 2: Study of Second Religion, and the choice between Paper 3: Philosophy and Ethics or Paper 4: Textual Studies. Use the mark schemes to understand what examiners reward. You can also jump to our examiner tips or read the frequently asked questions for more guidance on the Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A exams.
June 2025 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A (1RA0) Past Papers and Mark Schemes
2025 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A | Question Papers | Mark Schemes |
Paper 1A – Catholic Christianity (1RA0/1A) | ||
Paper 1B – Christianity (1RA0/1B) | ||
Paper 1C – Islam (1RA0/1C) | ||
Paper 2A – Catholic Christianity (1RA0/2A) | ||
Paper 2B – Christianity (1RA0/2B) | ||
Paper 2C – Islam (1RA0/2C) | ||
Paper 2D – Buddhism (1RA0/2D) | ||
Paper 2E – Hinduism (1RA0/2E) | ||
Paper 2F – Judaism (1RA0/2F) | ||
Paper 3A – Catholic Christianity (1RA0/3A) | ||
Paper 3B – Christianity (1RA0/3B) | ||
Paper 3C – Islam (1RA0/3C) | ||
Paper 4A – St Mark’s Gospel (1RA0/4A) | ||
Paper 4B – The Qur’an (1RA0/4B) |
June 2024 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A (1RA0) Past Papers and Mark Schemes
2024 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A | Question Papers | Mark Schemes |
Paper 1A – Catholic Christianity (1RA0/1A) | ||
Paper 1B – Christianity (1RA0/1B) | ||
Paper 1C – Islam (1RA0/1C) | ||
Paper 2A – Catholic Christianity (1RA0/2A) | ||
Paper 2B – Christianity (1RA0/2B) | ||
Paper 2C – Islam (1RA0/2C) | ||
Paper 2D – Buddhism (1RA0/2D) | ||
Paper 2E – Hinduism (1RA0/2E) | ||
Paper 2F – Judaism (1RA0/2F) | ||
Paper 3A – Catholic Christianity (1RA0/3A) | ||
Paper 3B – Christianity (1RA0/3B) | ||
Paper 3C – Islam (1RA0/3C) | ||
Paper 4A – St Mark’s Gospel (1RA0/4A) | ||
Paper 4B – The Qur’an (1RA0/4B) |
June 2023 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A (1RA0) Past Papers and Mark Schemes
2023 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A | Question Papers | Mark Schemes |
Paper 1A – Catholic Christianity (1RA0/1A) | ||
Paper 1B – Christianity (1RA0/1B) | ||
Paper 1C – Islam (1RA0/1C) | ||
Paper 2A – Catholic Christianity (1RA0/2A) | ||
Paper 2B – Christianity (1RA0/2B) | ||
Paper 2C – Islam (1RA0/2C) | ||
Paper 2D – Buddhism (1RA0/2D) | ||
Paper 2E – Hinduism (1RA0/2E) | ||
Paper 2F – Judaism (1RA0/2F) | ||
Paper 3A – Catholic Christianity (1RA0/3A) | ||
Paper 3B – Christianity (1RA0/3B) | ||
Paper 3C – Islam (1RA0/3C) | ||
Paper 4A – St Mark’s Gospel (1RA0/4A) | ||
Paper 4B – The Qur’an (1RA0/4B) |
June 2022 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A (1RA0) Past Papers and Mark Schemes
2022 Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A | Question Papers | Mark Schemes |
Paper 1A – Catholic Christianity (1RA0/1A) | ||
Paper 1B – Christianity (1RA0/1B) | ||
Paper 1C – Islam (1RA0/1C) | ||
Paper 2A – Catholic Christianity (1RA0/2A) | ||
Paper 2B – Christianity (1RA0/2B) | ||
Paper 2C – Islam (1RA0/2C) | ||
Paper 2E – Hinduism (1RA0/2E) | ||
Paper 2F – Judaism (1RA0/2F) | ||
Paper 3A – Catholic Christianity (1RA0/3A) | ||
Paper 3B – Christianity (1RA0/3B) | ||
Paper 3C – Islam (1RA0/3C) | ||
Paper 4A – St Mark’s Gospel (1RA0/4A) | ||
Paper 4B – The Qur’an (1RA0/4B) |
Six Examiner Tips for Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A
1. Give Three Clear Points in “Outline” Questions
For a three-mark “outline” question, write three separate and distinct points. Put each point on a new line and express it as a short, complete sentence. Avoid single-word lists, comma-separated answers and unnecessary explanations. These questions reward accurate knowledge, so keep your response brief and direct.
2. Develop Both Points in Four-Mark Questions
When a question asks you to explain two reasons, beliefs or ways, give exactly two points. Develop each one with an additional explanation, example, consequence or relevant religious teaching. Use two separate paragraphs so that the examiner can identify both developed points easily. Adding a third point will not earn additional marks.
3. Integrate Sources of Wisdom and Authority
In a five-mark question, do not add a quotation as an unrelated sentence at the end of your answer. Introduce the source within your explanation and show exactly how it supports the religious belief or reason being discussed. You do not always need to memorise the wording or verse number perfectly, as an accurate and recognisable paraphrase can receive credit. However, you must attribute the teaching to the correct sacred text, religious figure or authority.
4. Evaluate Arguments Properly in 12-Mark Answers
Avoid relying on rigid writing frames or repeatedly claiming that an argument is “strong” or “weak” without explaining why. Instead, examine the reasoning, evidence and authority behind each viewpoint. You could compare the authority of sacred texts, consider whether an argument is logically convincing, or assess religious ideas against scientific and secular perspectives. Build connected arguments and use them to reach a justified conclusion.
5. Answer the Exact Statement in the Question
A 12-mark answer must evaluate the specific statement provided, not simply discuss the general topic. Underline the key focus before you begin. For example, if the statement asks whether stewardship is the most important message of the Creation story, every paragraph should assess the importance of stewardship in comparison with other possible messages. Keep linking your reasoning back to the precise claim throughout the answer.
6. Show Diversity Within Religions
Do not write as though every member of a religion holds exactly the same beliefs. Include relevant differences between denominations, traditions or schools of thought, such as Catholic and Protestant Christianity, Sunni and Shi’a Islam, or Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. Use qualified expressions such as “some Christians believe”, “many Sunni Muslims argue” or “within the Catholic tradition”. Recognising internal diversity will make your evaluation more accurate, balanced and convincing.
Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A 2027: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A?
Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A is a Pearson qualification with the specification code 1RA0. Students study religious beliefs, teachings, practices and sources of authority. Depending on the route selected by their school, they also study either philosophy and ethics or religious texts. Religious Studies A is different from Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B, so make sure you use the correct specification and revision materials.
2. How many Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A exams will I take in 2027?
Students take three externally assessed papers:
Paper 1: Area of Study 1 – Study of Religion
Paper 2: Area of Study 2 – Study of Second Religion
Either Paper 3: Philosophy and Ethics or Paper 4: Textual Studies
Paper 1 is worth 50% of the final qualification. Paper 2 and the chosen Paper 3 or Paper 4 are each worth 25%.
3. What topics are covered in Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A Paper 1?
Paper 1 examines the main religion selected by your school: Catholic Christianity, Christianity or Islam. It lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes and covers four areas:
Beliefs and Teachings
Practices
Sources of Wisdom and Authority
Forms of Expression and Ways of Life
You should revise the beliefs themselves, their importance to believers and how they influence religious practices and daily life.
4. What is assessed in Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A Paper 2?
Paper 2 is a 50-minute examination about a second religion. The available religions include Catholic Christianity, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Sikhism. The second religion must be different from the religion studied for Paper 1. The paper covers Beliefs and Teachings and Practices.
5. What is the difference between Paper 3 and Paper 4?
Schools choose either Paper 3 or Paper 4.
Paper 3 covers Philosophy and Ethics, including arguments for the existence of God and religious teachings about relationships and families in the 21st century.
Paper 4 covers Textual Studies. Students study either Mark’s Gospel or selected material from the Qur’an. Check with your teacher which route your school has chosen before downloading revision resources or past papers.
6. What types of questions appear in the Edexcel GCSE RS A exams?
Questions use command words such as “state”, “outline”, “describe”, “explain” and “evaluate”. A typical section contains short knowledge questions, explanation questions and a 12-mark evaluation question. Read the command word carefully because each one requires a different type and depth of response.
7. How should I answer a five-mark “Explain” question?
Develop your religious knowledge rather than listing brief facts. Make a relevant point, explain how or why it is important and connect it directly to the question. You must also include an accurate source of wisdom and authority when the question requests one. This could be a relevant teaching from a sacred text, religious leader, tradition or official religious document. Explain how the source supports your answer instead of adding an unrelated quotation.
8. How do I answer a 12-mark evaluation question in Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A?
A strong 12-mark answer should examine different points of view and reach a justified conclusion. Use developed paragraphs that contain:
A clear argument
Accurate religious knowledge
Evidence or a source of authority
An explanation of why the argument is convincing
A challenge or contrasting point of view
An assessment of which argument is stronger
Your conclusion should answer the exact statement and explain why one view is more convincing. Simply writing “I agree” or “I disagree” is not enough.
9. Do I need to memorise religious quotations for the 2027 exams?
A bank of short, flexible quotations and teachings is extremely useful. Learn sources that can be applied to several topics, but make sure you understand their meaning and religious importance. Accurate paraphrasing may sometimes be more effective than using a quotation incorrectly. Always identify the source clearly and explain how it supports the point you are making.
