If you’re preparing for GCSE or A Level exams, you’re probably searching for that extra bit of help to get you over the line and reach those top grades.

Among the many online resources for Maths learning, one name stands out: Maths Genie.

Renowned for its comprehensive support tailored specifically for GCSE and A Level studies, Maths Genie provides a massive array of resources. From video tutorials to practice questions, mini-tests and past papers, there’s a lot to discover. But is it any good?

In this review, we’ll examine all Maths Genie has to offer, dissecting its features and assessing its effectiveness for students aspiring to top grades. Join us, and let’s explore some maths revision magic together.

What is Maths Genie?

Maths Genie is a free online Maths revision website, mainly aimed at GCSE and A Level students. There are also materials for Key Stage Two students, Statistics and Maths Genie IGCSE content. 

It provides a vast array of resources, from Maths Genie past papers to video tutorials, self-assessment sheets, model answers, progress tests and more. Each section is meticulously curated to ensure you’re covering the complete Maths curriculum, whatever level and exam board you’re studying with.

Maths Genie is a “no-frills” website that’s simple to navigate – exactly what you want when it comes to revision. It empowers students of all ages and abilities to build their skills and achieve their Maths goals.

Is Maths Genie good?

In a word, yes. Students and teachers praise Maths Genie for its effectiveness, particularly in supporting GCSE Maths revision. Each section is broken down into small, searchable chunks. For each revision topic, you’ll find videos and clear explanations offering comprehensive coverage. 

To further help students’ understanding and retention, you’ll also find exam-style questions and solutions for each topic. 

Maths Genie’s videos are fantastic for enhancing engagement and catering to diverse learning styles, but you don’t have to watch every single one (if you don’t need to!). 

There’s an amazing Scheme of Learning which takes you through all the GCSE topics. Within this structured “learning journey” students can take a short test for each section. If you score above 80%, then you can pass to the next stage. 

Is Mathsgenie enough for GCSE?

Mathsgenie is a massively useful supplement to GCSE Maths study. But is it enough on its own? 

In our opinion, no. While Mathsgenie undoubtedly provides comprehensive coverage of the Maths curriculum and plenty of practice materials – it’s always best that students use as many different resources as possible. Think of it like building layers of knowledge, until you’ve got a truly solid foundation. The more layers there are, the sturdier your understanding will be.

So alongside Mathsgenie, make sure you’re paying attention in class, completing homework and class materials, seeking guidance from your textbooks, tutors or teachers – and consider academic coaching for that extra push.

Whether it’s Maths, English (or any other subject), incorporating a variety of resources ensures a well-rounded understanding and enhances your readiness for GCSE exams.

Is Corbett Maths or Maths Genie better?

The eternal debate among GCSE maths students! 

Both these websites offer comprehensive coverage of the GCSE Maths curriculum through structured revision notes, exam-style questions and video tutorials. So what, if anything, separates them?

While both are great, Corbett Maths often stands out as a student favourite. There’s just something about the bite-sized video tutorials and interactive practice questions of Corbett Maths that hones in on overall understanding and problem-solving skills.

Corbett Maths does a stellar job of breaking down complex concepts into manageable chunks, making it easier for students to grasp even the trickiest of topics. Plus, their additional paid resources (like the famed “5-a-day” books and revision cards) thoroughly prepare students for the challenges they’ll face in exams.

That said, everyone’s learning style is different (and teachers often plump for the carefully structured Maths Genie), so explore both platforms and see which resonates with you.

What is the best Maths website for GCSE?

Like the debate between Corbett Maths and Maths Genie, the best website for GCSE revision will depend on your learning style as well as factors like content quality and website experience. 

Maths Genie GCSE content is widely praised for its comprehensive, well-organised coverage, clear explanations and extensive practice materials (including Maths Genie predicted papers and past papers). However, we’ve also seen that Corbett Maths stands out for its student-friendly, bite-sized explanations. Some of the Corbett Maths videos are on the older side, though (10 years+) – which may jar with some students.

As well as these two, take a look at Hegarty Maths, BBC Bitesize and Khan Academy, which also offer valuable resources and support for GCSE Maths students. So have an explore and find out which website aligns with your learning style and content needs best.

What is the easiest exam board for GCSE Maths?

There’s no objectively “easiest” GCSE Maths exam board.

Exam boards in the UK are strictly regulated by Ofqual, ensuring fairness and consistency no matter which exam board students study with. All exam boards follow the national curriculum for GCSE Maths, so the content you’ll study is the same too.

That said, you might find different paper structures and question types easier or harder. For instance, AQA features more multiple-choice questions, while Eduqas have the longest exams and OCR focuses more on “real-life” problem-solving.

The perceived difficulty of a particular exam board can also depend on your revision schedule, your teacher’s approach, accessibility of textbooks, past papers and personal tuition, as well as your learning style. With this in mind, websites like Mathsgenie (with dedicated revision sections and past papers for OCR, AQA and Edexcel) can be massively helpful.

Is getting a 9 in GCSE Maths hard?

For most people, yes, achieving a grade 9 in GCSE Maths is a challenge. It requires a high level of Maths ability, subject knowledge and creatively applying your learning to a wide range of problems.

It’s a lot! But then again, grade 9 is designed to be. The very top grades represent the highest level of attainment, awarded to only a small percentage of students each year.

That said, Maths is a subject that rewards diligent study, effective revision and consistent practice. If you put the work in and focus on identifying (and working on) your strengths and weaknesses – a grade 9 is more than achievable. While revision websites like Mathsgenie are great for helping you prepare (ensuring comprehensive content coverage and understanding question types), it’s your effort and commitment that will unlock the highest grades.

For more information on the 2024 GCSE grading system, read our in-depth guide.

Is it bad if you fail Maths GCSE?

Failing Maths GCSE can be discouraging, but it’s important to recognise that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process. Failing an exam does not define your abilities or potential for success. Instead, it presents an opportunity for reflection, growth and improvement. 

So while it can certainly feel bad to fail any GCSE, it’s not the end of the road. 

Many school sixth-forms and specialist colleges require a minimum grade in GCSE Maths, so you might have to retake exams either in November or May/June. Talk to your teachers if you’re unsure what qualifications you need to progress to further study like AS Levels, A Levels or BTECs.

By identifying areas of weakness in your mathematical understanding, seeking support from teachers or tutors, and developing more effective study strategies, you’ll achieve success in future attempts.

What is the hardest GCSE to pass?

The “hardest” GCSE will be different for everyone – depending on your strengths, interests, learning style and study habits. However, traditional GCSE subjects like Maths, English Literature and the Sciences (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) are widely regarded as the most challenging due to their in-depth content and demanding exams. 

Subjects like History that require a lot of memorisation (names, dates, places etc.) as well as well-structured argumentative essays also often stretch GCSE students’ abilities.

In terms of pass rates alone though, Engineering and 3D Design were the AQA GCSEs with the lowest percentage of students achieving a grade 4 or higher (at 56% and 60% respectively). For OCR, History B (Schools History Project) and 3D Design were lowest, at 61% and 63%. For Edexcel, Business Studies, Computer Science, Citizenship Studies and History had some of the lowest pass rates.

Are you preparing for your Maths GCSE exams?

If you’re getting ready for Maths GCSE exams and need that extra boost – reach out to our expert team of academic coaches today. With a proven track record of success, we equip students with essential study skills and exam strategies as well as academic life coaching. Discover how we can help you achieve your goals.