Advanced Higher Maths
Advanced Higher Mathematics is two exam papers worth 115 marks, both on the afternoon of Monday 17 May 2027. There is no project, so the grade rests entirely on the exam.
- Paper 1 Non-calculator12:30 to 13:30
- Paper 214:00 to 16:30
What grade is my mark?
Type a total mark to see the grade it would have got.
How the A and C boundaries have moved
Boundaries as a share of the total marks. A lower line means the papers were judged harder that year. Qualifications Scotland publishes boundaries from 2022 in this format.
| Year | Out of | A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 115 | 81 | 68 | 56 | 43 |
| 2025 | 115 | 83 | 71 | 60 | 48 |
| 2024 | 115 | 80 | 66 | 53 | 39 |
| 2023 | 100 | 70 | 56 | 43 | 29 |
| 2022 | 100 | 68 | 56 | 44 | 32 |
Exam day
Both papers fall on Monday 17 May 2027. Paper 1 runs 12:30 to 13:30 without a calculator. Paper 2 runs 14:00 to 16:30 with one. That is 3 hours 30 minutes of writing in one afternoon, so build stamina with full practice runs.
Paper 1 carries 35 marks and Paper 2 carries 80. The course has no coursework.
How marks are spread
The course specification sets rough ranges. Calculus takes 30 to 50% of marks. Algebra, proof and number theory take 20 to 40%. Matrices, vectors and complex numbers take another 20 to 40%.
Calculus is the largest single block, so weak integration or differential equations can sink a grade. Proof questions are fewer but often decide an A.
Findings from the 2026 course report
Routine questions went well. Most candidates wrote down a complex conjugate correctly. Many found the integrating factor in a differential equation question without trouble.
Marks slipped in these places:
- writing a derivative as equal to the original expression, or leaving it unsimplified
- basic algebra and index laws inside longer working
- leaving numerical fractions unsimplified in final answers
- related rates where the volume was decreasing, so the rate needed a negative sign
- series questions with missing brackets or a ratio multiplied by a constant
- stating the contrapositive of a statement
The report urged thorough practice of standard methods, naming integrating factors and logarithmic differentiation. It asked for correct notation throughout. It also asked candidates to score through errors rather than write over them.
Notation counts
At this level, presentation is part of the mathematics. Use dy/dx, f'(x) and integral signs with dx correctly. Do not join a function and its derivative with an equals sign. Keep exact values until the question asks for a decimal.
Using past papers
Papers set under the current specification, valid from session 2019/20, use this two-paper format. Older papers had a different layout, so use them for topic practice rather than timing.
Sit Paper 2 in one block of 2 hours 30 minutes at least three times. Mark with the official marking instructions and note where method marks are lost through notation. Then redo those questions a week later without notes.
Revision checklist
Tick topics as you revise. Ticks are saved on this device only.
- Practise implicit, parametric and logarithmic differentiation until each method is automatic.
- Do mixed integration questions where you must choose substitution, parts or partial fractions.
- Solve first order equations with an integrating factor and second order equations with auxiliary equations.
- Practise related rates questions, checking the sign when a quantity decreases.
- Write out proofs by induction with a clear base case, assumption and conclusion.
- Learn to state the converse and contrapositive of a statement.
- Practise sums of arithmetic and geometric series, keeping brackets in every line.
- Work through complex numbers in polar form and de Moivre's theorem.
- Do Gaussian elimination and matrix questions without a calculator.
- Sit a full Paper 1 and Paper 2 together, as on exam day.
Quick answers
- How many marks is Advanced Higher Maths out of?
115 marks. Paper 1 has 35 marks and Paper 2 has 80 marks.
- Is there coursework in Advanced Higher Maths?
No. The grade comes entirely from the two question papers.
- When is the Advanced Higher Maths exam in 2027?
Monday 17 May 2027. Paper 1 runs 12:30 to 13:30 and Paper 2 runs 14:00 to 16:30.