About this practice. Revision Robin is built and maintained by Bloor Engineering Ltd, a UK-registered company. Our GCSE Computer Science (AQA) questions are written and reviewed in-house to match the current syllabus, each with a plain-English worked explanation. They are original practice material, not the official exam questions and not affiliated with or endorsed by AQA. Always confirm current test rules, fees and content with the official provider. See our Terms and Privacy.
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Q1. A programmer breaks a large problem down into smaller, more manageable sub-problems before writing any code. What is this technique called?
A. Decomposition
B. Abstraction
C. Pseudocode
D. Backtracking
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. Decomposition
Decomposition means splitting a complex problem into smaller parts that are easier to solve and code individually. Abstraction is different: it means removing unnecessary detail to focus on what matters, not splitting the problem into parts.
Q2. What is the key difference between a count-controlled loop and a condition-controlled loop?
A. A count-controlled loop can never be skipped, but a condition-controlled loop always runs at least once
B. A count-controlled loop repeats a known, fixed number of times, while a condition-controlled loop repeats until a stated condition changes
C. A count-controlled loop uses IF statements internally, while a condition-controlled loop does not
D. There is no real difference; the terms are interchangeable in AQA pseudocode
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B. A count-controlled loop repeats a known, fixed number of times, while a condition-controlled loop repeats until a stated condition changes
A count-controlled loop (FOR) runs a set number of times decided in advance, whereas a condition-controlled loop (WHILE or DO UNTIL) keeps running until a Boolean condition becomes true or false. Whether it runs at least once depends on WHILE vs DO UNTIL specifically, not on the count/condition distinction in general.
Q3. An image is 200 pixels wide by 100 pixels tall, and each pixel uses 8 bits of colour depth. What is the file size of the uncompressed image in bytes?
A. 20000
B. 160000
C. 2000
D. 2500
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. 20000
Total bits = 200 x 100 x 8 = 160000 bits, and dividing by 8 to convert bits to bytes gives 160000 / 8 = 20000 bytes. Forgetting to divide by 8 to convert bits to bytes leads to the incorrect 160000 answer, which is actually the size in bits.
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Who has to sit the GCSE Computer Science (AQA)
Who needs a GCSE Computer Science (AQA)?
Not compulsory. Typically taken by students planning A-level Computer Science or tech-related careers. Anyone can choose to sit or resit it.
The real GCSE Computer Science (AQA): format
How many questions are in the GCSE Computer Science (AQA)?
The real GCSE Computer Science (AQA) has 2 questions and lasts 225 minutes. Our mock uses 40 questions in 60 minutes.
What it costs, and what a resit costs
How much does the GCSE Computer Science (AQA) cost?
Real exam fee: Approx. £50.50 (AQA board fee, UK centre, Summer 2027). Private candidates pay £150-£230+ total including centre fees. Rebooking after a fail: Resits are available in the summer exam series only; no November sitting. Entry deadline is mid-February for summer exams.
How hard is it
What is the GCSE Computer Science (AQA) pass rate?
Real exam first-time pass rate: For all boards, 70.6% achieved Grade 4 or above in 2026. 29.9% achieved Grade 7 or above in 2026. Difficulty: Challenging due to mix of theory and practical coding, particularly for those new to programming. Bimodal grade distribution (many high or low grades)
Why people fail it
Why do people fail the GCSE Computer Science (AQA)?
Neglecting hands-on coding and practical programming experience.
Lack of true understanding of abstract theory combined with concrete code.
Figures for the real exam from vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com, vertexaisearch.cloud.google.google.com, checked October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the test provider before you book.
GCSE Computer Science (AQA): common questions
Frequently asked
What is the pass mark for the GCSE Computer Science (AQA)?
You need 24 out of 40 correct to pass, which is about 60%. Our mocks mark you against this exact threshold.
How long do you get?
The test is timed at 60 minutes. Our full mock runs on the same clock so you can practise your pacing.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. Our questions are original and written to match the current syllabus, so they give realistic practice without copying the official paper. Every answer comes with a plain-English explanation. Always confirm current rules and content with AQA.