← All exams
Home · GCSE Computer Science (AQA)

GCSE Computer Science (AQA)

Algorithms, programming, data, systems, networks. AQA board.

Pass mark 24/40 60 minutes AQA How many can I get wrong?
Start with a free topic drill, see where you stand, then unlock the full mock.
Free practice questions
Try 3 real GCSE Computer Science (AQA) questions
Have a go, then reveal the worked explanation. A taster from a bank of 213 original questions — unlock for unlimited drills and full timed mocks.
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.
Start here
Ten questions to see where you stand
Two minutes, no timer, marked the moment you finish with every answer explained. Then you'll know which topics need the work before you sit a full mock.
Exam mode
Full mock exam
40 random questions, real timing, marked against the official pass mark. Different every time.
Create a free account for a full mock
No card needed. A free account unlocks a full timed mock and 3 drills on every exam.
Try it free
Topic drills
Ten quick questions on one topic, marked instantly with explanations.
1 free drill left — then a free account unlocks 3 + a full mock.
Algorithms & computational thinking · 37
Programming fundamentals · 35
Data representation & binary · 35
Computer systems & architecture · 35
Networks & security · 36
Ethical, legal & environmental issues · 35
GCSE Computer Science (AQA) — common questions
Frequently asked
How many questions are in the GCSE Computer Science (AQA)?
The exam has 40 questions. Every Revision Robin mock uses the same 40-question format so your practice matches the real thing.
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.