STEP Guide: Complete Guide for 2027 University Entry

STEP is one of the most challenging university admissions assessments taken by UK students.

Unlike tests such as TMUA, ESAT and LNAT, STEP is normally taken after you have applied to university and received an offer.

You usually sit the papers in June, alongside your A levels, International Baccalaureate examinations or other final school qualifications. A university may include a particular STEP grade as one of the conditions of your offer.

STEP is mainly used for mathematically demanding courses at:

• University of Cambridge

• University of Warwick

• Imperial College London

Other universities may also consider STEP results or encourage applicants to take the papers. OCR describes Cambridge, Warwick and Imperial as the examination’s official university users.

STEP assesses whether you can:

• Apply Mathematics in unfamiliar situations

• Construct extended solutions

• Make connections between different topics

• Work through substantial algebraic arguments

• Recognise useful substitutions or approaches

• Persist with difficult problems

• Communicate mathematical reasoning clearly

It is not a multiple-choice test.

You must develop complete written solutions, and marks are awarded for progress even when you do not reach the final answer.

This guide explains:

• What STEP is

• Who needs to take it

• The difference between STEP 2 and STEP 3

• How each paper is structured

• How STEP is marked

• What grades S, 1, 2, 3 and U mean

• Cambridge, Warwick and Imperial requirements

• How to register

• How to prepare over several months

• How to choose questions during the examination

• What happens if you miss your STEP offer

For information about the pre-application Mathematics test used by several universities, read TMUA Guide [TMUA Guide].

What Is STEP?

STEP stands for:

Sixth Term Examination Paper

STEP Mathematics is a set of advanced written examinations designed to resemble the problem-solving style students encounter during an undergraduate Mathematics degree.

The papers are administered by OCR and are taken at authorised examination centres. They are normally sat in the summer following your university application. Cambridge confirms that applicants applying in October 2026 will sit STEP in June 2027.

There are currently two papers:

• STEP 2

• STEP 3

STEP 1 was discontinued in 2020, although old STEP 1 papers remain useful as introductory preparation material.

Is STEP an Admissions Test or a Final Examination?

It is both an admissions assessment and a condition of entry.

For Cambridge Mathematics, STEP normally forms part of the conditional offer made after the interview process.

For example, a student might receive an offer requiring:

• A*A*A at A level

• Grade 1 in STEP 2

• Grade 1 in STEP 3

The student must then meet both the school qualification and STEP conditions.

Warwick may also include a STEP grade in its offer where the applicant uses STEP rather than TMUA. Imperial Mathematics course pages state that offers may contain STEP conditions where TMUA has not been taken.

Who Needs to Take STEP?

You should take STEP when:

• It is included in your university offer

• Your chosen university requires it instead of another admissions test

• It is one of several permitted entry routes

• A university recommends it

• You want to demonstrate advanced mathematical ability

• You want additional preparation for university Mathematics

Your university offer should specify:

• Whether you need STEP

• Which paper or papers you must take

• The grade required in each paper

OCR advises candidates to contact the university directly when the offer conditions or required papers are unclear. STEP is also open to students who do not hold an offer requiring it.

Do You Take STEP Before Applying?

Usually not.

The normal timeline is:

1. Apply through UCAS.

2. Complete any pre-application test, such as TMUA.

3. Attend an interview where required.

4. Receive a conditional university offer.

5. Register for the STEP papers specified in the offer.

6. Sit STEP in June.

7. Receive STEP and school qualification results in August.

Cambridge states that students normally take STEP alongside their final school examinations during the summer in which they intend to begin university.

Which Universities Use STEP?

University of Cambridge

All Cambridge Colleges normally use STEP as part of conditional offers for Mathematics.

The typical Cambridge Mathematics offer for A-level applicants is:

• A* in Mathematics

• A* in Further Mathematics

• A in another subject

• Grade 1 in STEP 2

• Grade 1 in STEP 3

Applicants must still take TMUA during the application stage. TMUA supports preliminary assessment and interview selection, while STEP is normally taken after an offer has been made.

Cambridge Flexible STEP Offers

Some Cambridge Colleges participate in a flexible-offer scheme.

Depending on individual circumstances, an offer may be met through either:

• A*A*A with at least grade 1 in both STEP 2 and STEP 3

or:

• A*A*A* with at least grade 1 in one of the two STEP papers

Applicants receiving this type of offer must still sit both papers. The participating Colleges can change between admissions cycles, so students must read their individual offer carefully.

What Happens If You Miss the Cambridge STEP Grades?

Missing a STEP condition does not automatically mean that Cambridge will reject you.

Cambridge explains that Colleges review the complete applications of students who narrowly miss their STEP conditions. Admissions staff can also inspect candidates’ STEP scripts rather than considering only the final grades. Historically, Cambridge states that only around two-thirds of its Mathematics places have been filled by applicants who achieved the usual STEP conditions.

This is not a promise that a near miss will be accepted.

The decision can depend on:

• Your exact STEP marks

• The quality of your written solutions

• Which paper you missed

• Your A-level or equivalent results

• Interview performance

• Contextual information

• Available places

• The performance of other applicants

University of Warwick

For 2027 Mathematics entry, Warwick requires applicants to take either TMUA or STEP.

Applicants using the STEP route are likely to receive an offer requiring:

• A* in Mathematics

• A* in Further Mathematics

• A in another A level

• Grade 2 in any STEP paper

The equivalent published International Baccalaureate route requires 39 points with 666 at Higher Level, including Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, plus grade 2 in any STEP paper.

The important wording is any STEP paper.

An applicant using this Warwick route may therefore be able to meet the condition through STEP 2 or STEP 3, subject to the exact wording of the individual offer.

Warwick’s requirements are reviewed annually. Always follow the conditions shown in your own offer rather than an example from a previous year.

Imperial College London

Imperial now uses TMUA as its main application-stage Mathematics test for relevant 2027 undergraduate courses.

However, current Imperial Mathematics course pages state that an offer may include a STEP requirement where TMUA has not been taken. This means STEP can still form part of an individual Imperial offer, but applicants should not assume that every Imperial Mathematics student receives the same condition.

Check:

• Your exact Imperial course

• Whether TMUA was required

• The wording of your offer

• Which STEP paper is specified

• The required STEP grade

STEP 2 and STEP 3 Explained

Each STEP paper:

• Lasts three hours

• Contains 12 questions

• Is a written, paper-based examination

• Contains eight Pure Mathematics questions

• Contains two Mechanics questions

• Contains two Probability and Statistics questions

• Is marked out of 120

• Uses the candidate’s six highest-scoring answers

Every question is marked out of 20.

Paper	Knowledge base	Questions	Duration
STEP 2	A-level Mathematics and AS Further Mathematics	12	3 hours
STEP 3	A-level Mathematics and full A-level Further Mathematics	12	3 hours

STEP 2

STEP 2 is based on:

• A-level Mathematics

• AS-level Further Mathematics or equivalent content

It can assess Pure Mathematics, Mechanics, Probability and Statistics within those boundaries.

STEP 2 questions are much less structured than standard A-level questions.

You may need to:

• Decide how to begin

• Prove an intermediate result

• Use the result in a later part

• Combine several topics

• Make a substitution

• Investigate a pattern

• Explain why a conclusion follows

STEP 3

STEP 3 is based on:

• A-level Mathematics

• A-level Further Mathematics

The Pure Mathematics content uses the typical Further Mathematics core syllabus, together with relevant Mechanics and Probability or Statistics content.

STEP 3 is not necessarily intended simply to be a harder version of STEP 2.

It uses a broader and more advanced syllabus, but Cambridge describes the questions as intended to be at approximately the same level of difficulty as STEP 2.

Do You Need to Take Both Papers?

It depends on your offer.

Cambridge Mathematics applicants are normally required to take both STEP 2 and STEP 3.

Warwick may require a particular grade in any STEP paper.

An individual Imperial offer may specify one or more papers.

Do not decide for yourself which paper to enter. Follow your offer letter or obtain written confirmation from the university.

STEP Paper Structure

Each paper contains three sections.

Section	Number of questions
Pure Mathematics	8
Mechanics	2
Probability and Statistics	2
Total	12

Your final mark is calculated using your six best answers, regardless of which sections they come from. All attempted answers are marked.

Do You Have to Answer Mechanics or Statistics?

There is no compulsory section combination in the published scoring system.

Your best six answers determine your final mark.

This means you could, in principle, obtain your six highest marks entirely from Pure Mathematics questions. However, preparing across the specification gives you more choice on examination day.

A student who ignores Mechanics and Statistics may find that:

• Several Pure questions are unusually difficult

• A Mechanics question closely matches their strengths

• A Statistics question provides a more accessible route

• They have fewer realistic questions from which to choose six

Do not automatically dismiss an entire section before you have reviewed the paper.

How Is STEP Marked?

Each question is worth:

20 marks

The final raw mark is based on:

Your six highest-scoring answers

The maximum mark on one STEP paper is therefore:

6 × 20 = 120 marks

All attempted questions are marked, but only the best six contribute to the final total.

Do You Receive Partial Marks?

Yes.

STEP mark schemes reward meaningful progress towards a complete solution.

You can receive marks for:

• A useful substitution

• Establishing an intermediate result

• A correct diagram

• A valid special case

• Correct algebra

• A promising method

• Completing one part of a multi-part question

• Identifying an important relationship

You do not need to reach the final answer to receive credit. A mathematically correct alternative method can also receive full marks unless the question explicitly requires a particular approach.

Do You Receive Bonus Marks for Completing a Question?

No.

Each question has a maximum of 20 marks. There is no separate completion bonus.

A strong partial solution to two questions may sometimes produce more marks than spending the same time unsuccessfully trying to perfect one answer.

STEP Grades Explained

Each paper receives one of five grades.

Grade	Meaning
S	Outstanding
1	Very Good
2	Good
3	Satisfactory
U	Unclassified

Is There a Fixed Mark for Each Grade?

No.

STEP grade boundaries change each year.

OCR explains that boundaries are set with reference to the performance of the candidate cohort and the admissions needs of the official user universities. You cannot assume that a raw mark producing grade 1 in one year will produce the same grade in another.

Avoid relying on:

• A permanent online score converter

• One year’s grade boundaries

• An unofficial predicted boundary

• A simple percentage-to-grade conversion

Past boundaries can help you understand the broad standard, but they cannot predict your exact result.

What Is a Good STEP Grade?

The relevant grade is the one required by your university offer.

Examples include:

• Cambridge Mathematics: usually grade 1 in STEP 2 and grade 1 in STEP 3

• Warwick Mathematics STEP route: grade 2 in any STEP paper

• Imperial: course- and offer-specific

A grade 2 may be an excellent result but still miss a Cambridge offer requiring grade 1.

A grade 2 may fully meet a Warwick condition.

Always interpret your result through the exact wording of your offer.

STEP Dates for 2027 Entry

As of 30 July 2026, OCR has not yet published the detailed STEP dates and fees for the June 2027 examination series.

Cambridge confirms that students applying in October 2026 will sit STEP in June 2027, but the precise STEP 2 and STEP 3 dates are still awaiting publication.

Do not copy the 2026 dates into a 2027 calendar.

Latest Published Dates: 2026 Reference

The latest completed cycle used the following timetable:

2026 event	Date
Registration opened	1 March 2026
Modified-paper request deadline	21 April 2026
Registration closed	4 May 2026
Access-arrangement deadline	4 May 2026
STEP 2 examination	4 June 2026
STEP 3 examination	10 June 2026
Results released to candidates	13 August 2026
Results-enquiry deadline	20 August 2026

These dates are included only to show the likely shape of the annual timetable. They are not the dates for students sitting STEP in 2027.

Likely 2027 Planning Timeline

Until OCR publishes the official calendar, plan approximately for:

• Registration opening during spring 2027

• Centre entry deadline during spring 2027

• Papers during June 2027

• Results during August 2027

Your school or test centre may set its own internal registration deadline earlier than OCR’s final deadline. OCR advises candidates to contact their centre well in advance.

How Much Does STEP Cost?

The 2027 fees have not yet been published.

For reference, the 2026 entry fee was:

Location	2026 fee
UK	£102.50 per paper
Outside the UK	£142.25, US$179.75 or €166 per paper

Some centres may charge an additional administration fee for:

• Invigilation

• Room hire

• Examination administration

• Secure delivery arrangements

These figures must not be treated as confirmed 2027 fees.

Because Cambridge applicants normally take both STEP 2 and STEP 3, they may need to pay two paper-entry fees plus any centre charges.

Ask your school, college or university whether financial assistance is available where the fees create a barrier.

How to Register for STEP

You cannot register yourself directly.

You must be entered by an authorised STEP test centre.

Step 1: Check Your University Offer

Confirm:

• Which STEP paper or papers are required

• The grade needed

• Whether the condition applies alongside A levels or another qualification

• Whether either paper can meet the requirement

Do not register using assumptions from another student’s offer.

Step 2: Speak to Your School or College

Contact the examinations officer.

Ask:

• Whether the school is an approved STEP centre

• Whether it can enter you

• Its internal registration deadline

• The fee

• Whether an additional administration charge applies

• Whether it can arrange your access requirements

OCR advises current students to take STEP through their school where possible.

Step 3: Find an Authorised Centre

When your school cannot enter you, use an authorised open test centre.

STEP can be taken in the UK and internationally. Candidates in China must use a British Council centre. OCR can provide support where no reasonable centre appears to be available.

Step 4: Provide Your Details

Your centre will need information including:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• UCAS Personal ID

• Universities

• Course titles

• Course codes

• Required papers

• Access-arrangement information

These details should match your UCAS application.

Step 5: Obtain Confirmation

Ask your examinations officer for:

• Confirmation of entry

• Candidate entry number

• Paper codes

• Examination dates and times

• Fee receipt

• Access-arrangement confirmation

Do not assume that speaking to the school means the entry has been completed.

STEP Access Arrangements

Access arrangements are available to candidates who have a disability or other recognised requirement and are entitled to support in examinations.

Possible arrangements include:

• Extra working time

• Supervised rest breaks

• Enlarged papers

• Modified materials

• Other individually approved support

The centre submits the request and supporting evidence to OCR.

Tell Your Centre Early

Do not wait until the final registration deadline.

In the 2026 cycle:

• Modified-paper requests closed on 21 April

• Other access-arrangement requests closed on 4 May

The 2027 deadlines may differ, but the same principle applies: modified materials usually have an earlier deadline.

Does Extra Time Apply Because English Is an Additional Language?

No.

OCR states that extra time is not awarded solely because English is not the candidate’s first language. Bilingual dictionaries are not permitted.

What Is Allowed in the STEP Examination?

Candidates can bring:

• Ruler

• Protractor

• Compasses

• Black pen

• Pencil for diagrams and graphs

Calculators are not allowed.

Is There a Formula Booklet?

No.

STEP has not used a formula booklet since 2019.

OCR explains that STEP questions rarely depend on recalling complicated formulae. Where an unfamiliar formula is necessary and candidates could not reasonably be expected to recall or derive it, the question will normally provide it.

Can You Use Rough Paper?

No separate rough paper is provided.

All working must be completed in the answer booklet. Rough work should be crossed out neatly when you do not want it marked. Additional loose sheets should not be attached because they will not be marked.

Why Does Question Labelling Matter?

You must identify which question you are answering on every page by shading the appropriate question circle.

OCR warns that failing to label pages correctly can result in work not being marked.

How Difficult Is STEP?

STEP is deliberately difficult.

Cambridge describes it as an examination aimed at approximately the strongest five per cent of A-level Mathematics candidates. Questions are longer, less structured and more demanding than standard A-level questions.

This does not mean that you are expected to complete the entire paper.

A standard school examination might require answers to a large number of short questions.

In STEP, the aim is to develop substantial solutions to approximately six questions over three hours.

Finding most of the paper difficult is normal.

How Long Should You Prepare for STEP?

STEP preparation should normally take place over several months rather than several weeks.

Cambridge recommends:

• Starting its Foundation modules in Year 12 where possible

• Working through STEP 2 modules from early Year 13

• Beginning STEP 3 modules around January of Year 13

The Foundation programme is designed to be studied gradually over approximately six months.

This does not mean that starting later makes success impossible.

It means you should avoid treating STEP like a short aptitude test that can be crammed immediately before the examination.

A Nine-Month STEP Preparation Plan

September: Build Foundations

Begin with:

• Unfamiliar problem-solving

• Algebraic fluency

• Proof

• Functions and graphs

• Structured written solutions

Use introductory problems rather than beginning with a timed STEP 3 paper.

Your aim is to become comfortable with not immediately knowing the method.

October: Use Foundation Problems

Work through:

• Cambridge STEP Foundation modules

• Older STEP 1 questions

• Accessible STEP 2 problems

• NRICH advanced problem-solving tasks

Old STEP 1 papers are useful because their syllabus was broadly aligned with A-level Mathematics and they provide a gentler introduction to the style.

November: Begin STEP 2 Topics

Choose questions based on topics you have already studied.

For each question:

1. Work independently.

2. Use a hint only after a genuine attempt.

3. Return to the problem.

4. Compare with a full solution.

5. Rewrite the argument clearly.

6. Record what unlocked the problem.

Do not measure progress only by whether you completed the question without help.

December: Develop Complete Solutions

Focus on presentation.

Your answer should show:

• Definitions

• Substitutions

• Logical connections

• Algebraic steps

• Diagrams

• Justification

• Final conclusions

Markers reward mathematically meaningful progress, but only when they can follow your reasoning.

January: Begin STEP 3

Start STEP 3 once you have sufficient Further Mathematics knowledge.

Continue STEP 2 at the same time.

Do not postpone all STEP 3 preparation until the Further Mathematics course has finished. Select questions that match topics you have already learned.

February: Broaden Question Choice

Practise across:

• Pure Mathematics

• Mechanics

• Probability

• Statistics

You do not need identical ability in every area, but broader preparation gives you more options during the examination.

March: Introduce Timed Questions

Begin with:

• 30 minutes per question

• Then 25 minutes

• Then examination-style question selection

A complete STEP question may reasonably take around 30 minutes, but some accessible questions can be completed more quickly and others may need to be abandoned.

April: Register and Complete Timed Sections

Confirm that your centre has entered you before the official deadline.

Complete:

• Three questions in 90 minutes

• Mixed Pure and Applied selections

• Question-selection exercises

• Full reviews of your written work

Practise writing continuously for extended periods.

May: Complete Full Papers

Complete three-hour papers under realistic conditions.

Use:

• No calculator

• No formula booklet

• One answer booklet

• Six selected questions

• Clear question labels

• All rough work in the booklet

Afterwards, review:

• Which questions you selected

• Which questions you abandoned

• Time spent choosing

• Marks lost through presentation

• Whether another selection would have scored better

June: Consolidate

In the final weeks:

• Reattempt recurring weaknesses.

• Complete selected timed questions.

• Review standard substitutions and proof methods.

• Practise choosing six questions.

• Protect time for final school examinations.

• Avoid completing exhausting papers every day.

• Confirm the examination location and start time.

Official STEP Preparation Resources

OCR provides:

• Current specification

• Past papers

• Mark schemes

• Examiner reports

• Legacy papers

• Example solutions

• Registration guidance

Cambridge provides a free STEP Support Programme containing Foundation, STEP 2 and STEP 3 modules, hints and full solutions. Cambridge and OCR also recommend the free book Advanced Problems in Mathematics: Preparing for University.

Do You Need Paid STEP Tuition?

No.

Cambridge provides extensive free preparation materials and states that students should not worry if their school cannot offer specialist STEP teaching.

Paid tuition may help when you need:

• Regular feedback

• External structure

• Help diagnosing incomplete proofs

• Accountability

• Support choosing suitable questions

It is not essential.

Before paying, check whether the tutor:

• Understands the current STEP 2 and STEP 3 specifications

• Gives feedback on written solutions

• Encourages independent thinking

• Uses hints rather than revealing methods immediately

• Avoids unrealistic grade guarantees

How to Use STEP Past Papers

Past papers are the central preparation resource.

However, do not begin by attempting every paper under timed conditions.

Stage 1: Topic-Based Practice

Choose questions linked to topics you have studied.

Work without a strict time limit.

The goal is to learn:

• How to start

• How questions are structured

• Common substitutions

• How intermediate results are used

• How to present a solution

Stage 2: Supported Problem-Solving

Use hints gradually.

A productive sequence is:

1. Attempt independently.

2. Read the first hint.

3. Attempt again.

4. Read another hint if needed.

5. Complete as much as possible.

6. Read the full solution.

7. Return later and solve it independently.

Do not copy the solution line by line and count the question as completed.

Stage 3: Timed Individual Questions

Allow approximately 25 to 35 minutes.

Practise deciding whether a question is worth continuing.

Stage 4: Mixed Question Selection

Spend a short period reading a full paper and choose:

• Three initial questions

• Three likely backup questions

• Questions to avoid

Then compare your judgement with your eventual performance.

Stage 5: Full Papers

Complete full three-hour examinations only after you have developed:

• Topic coverage

• Problem-solving confidence

• Written stamina

• Question-selection skills

How to Start a STEP Question

The first step is often the hardest part.

Try the following process.

Identify What Is Given

Write down:

• Variables

• Conditions

• Domains

• Previously established results

• Required conclusion

Examine the Structure

Ask:

• Is there symmetry?

• Is there a recurrence?

• Is the expression factorisable?

• Would a substitution simplify it?

• Can I differentiate or integrate?

• Is there a geometric interpretation?

• Can I test a small case?

• Is induction appropriate?

• Could contradiction help?

Use Earlier Parts

Multi-part STEP questions often guide you towards the method needed later.

A result proved in part one may be designed for use in part two or part three.

Do not ignore it and attempt to rebuild the entire argument from scratch.

Try a Special Case

A small example can reveal:

• A pattern

• A possible substitution

• The likely result

• Whether a claim is plausible

• The source of an exception

Examples provide insight, but a general claim still requires proof.

Draw a Diagram

A diagram can help with:

• Geometry

• Mechanics

• Graphs

• Integration regions

• Vectors

• Probability structures

It does not need to be perfectly scaled.

How to Write a Strong STEP Solution

A strong solution is:

• Logically ordered

• Mathematically precise

• Legible

• Economical

• Fully justified

• Easy for the examiner to follow

Show Meaningful Steps

Avoid jumping from:

Expression A

to:

Final answer

when the intermediate algebra or reasoning carries most of the marks.

Explain Important Decisions

Useful phrases include:

• “Let…”

• “Substituting…”

• “Since…”

• “Therefore…”

• “The expression is maximised when…”

• “This contradicts…”

• “Hence the required result follows.”

You do not need to explain routine arithmetic in words, but the mathematical argument should be visible.

Define New Variables

When introducing a substitution, state it clearly.

For example:

Let (u = \tan(x/2)).

Do not introduce unexplained symbols halfway through the solution.

State the Domain

Check whether:

• A denominator can be zero

• A logarithm requires a positive argument

• A square root is defined

• A variable represents a positive length

• An angle lies within an interval

• A probability lies between zero and one

Finish the Argument

Do not stop after producing a useful expression when the question asks you to prove, deduce or determine something specific.

Return to the wording of the question and make the conclusion explicit.

STEP Question Selection Strategy

Question selection is a major part of the examination.

You have three hours and your six highest-scoring answers count.

This gives an average of:

30 minutes per counted question

However, you also need time to:

• Read the paper

• Choose questions

• Change direction

• Check work

• Label answer-book pages

First Read of the Paper

Spend approximately 10 to 15 minutes reviewing the questions.

Mark them mentally or on the paper as:

• Strong possibility

• Possible

• Unfamiliar

• Avoid

Look for:

• Familiar topics

• Parts you can begin immediately

• Results that suggest a known method

• Questions with several accessible sections

• Applied questions matching your strengths

Start With a Strong Question

Your first question should normally be one you expect to make meaningful progress on.

A good start helps you settle into the examination.

Do not automatically begin with Question 1.

Prioritise Questions With Several Accessible Parts

A question can be valuable even when you cannot complete the final part.

Several correct earlier parts may earn substantial credit.

Know When to Stop

Consider leaving a question when:

• You have made no progress for several minutes

• You keep repeating the same method

• You cannot use an earlier result

• Your algebra has become unmanageable

• Another question appears more promising

Leave your working visible. You may have earned partial marks.

Should You Attempt More Than Six Questions?

OCR allows candidates to answer more than six, and all answers will be marked.

However, OCR advises that attempting more than six is normally unhelpful. Candidates who spread their time too widely rarely score as well as those who concentrate on six substantial solutions.

A short seventh attempt may be reasonable when:

• You have completed six solutions early

• One existing solution is very weak

• You can gain several quick marks

• You have enough time to label and check everything

It should not be your default plan.

Pure Mathematics Preparation

Pure questions can involve combinations of:

• Algebra

• Calculus

• Trigonometry

• Sequences and series

• Functions

• Coordinate geometry

• Vectors

• Complex numbers

• Matrices

• Differential equations

• Proof

Use the current specification to confirm which topics belong to STEP 2 and STEP 3.

Focus on Connections

A question may begin with algebra and later require:

• Differentiation

• An inequality

• A recurrence

• A geometric interpretation

Practise identifying relationships between topics rather than revising each one in isolation.

Develop Proof Skills

You may need:

• Direct proof

• Induction

• Contradiction

• Exhaustion

• Counterexamples

• Bounds

• Monotonicity arguments

Explain why each step follows.

Mechanics Preparation

Mechanics questions may involve:

• Kinematics

• Forces

• Newton’s laws

• Energy

• Momentum

• Projectiles

• Circular motion

• Differential equations

• Collisions

Draw a diagram and define:

• Positive direction

• Forces

• Velocities

• Relevant angles

• Initial conditions

Keep the mathematics connected to the physical situation.

Check whether:

• A force direction is sensible

• A time is positive

• A speed should be zero at a turning point

• Energy or momentum is conserved

• The model assumptions remain valid

Probability and Statistics Preparation

Applied questions may involve:

• Discrete probability

• Continuous distributions

• Expectation

• Variance

• Conditional probability

• Recurrence relations

• Generating functions where specified

• Statistical models

• Combinatorial reasoning

Define random variables clearly.

State:

• Possible values

• Probability distributions

• Independence assumptions

• Events being considered

Check whether probabilities:

• Are non-negative

• Sum to one

• Match the stated conditions

STEP Examination-Day Advice

Before the Examination

Confirm:

• Paper and date

• Start time

• Test centre

• Candidate number

• Access arrangements

• Permitted equipment

• Travel arrangements

UK STEP examinations normally begin at a nationally specified morning time, while international start times vary by location. Follow the information given by your centre.

During the Examination

• Read the full paper before committing.

• Choose questions deliberately.

• Label every answer-book page.

• Keep all rough work in the booklet.

• Use black pen for written answers.

• Use pencil for diagrams and graphs.

• Keep track of time.

• Move on when progress stops.

• Leave useful partial work visible.

• Avoid rewriting complete solutions merely to make them prettier.

OCR advises candidates to present work neatly and systematically, but says that rewriting legible work can waste valuable examination time.

At the End

Check:

• Every page has the correct question circle shaded.

• Crossed-out work is genuinely work you do not want marked.

• Your conclusions are clear.

• No answer continues without an obvious label.

• You have not attached loose paper.

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

Tell your examinations officer or invigilator immediately if you experience:

• Illness

• Injury

• Fire alarm

• Serious noise

• Missing access arrangements

• Administrative errors

• Another substantial disruption

Your centre may submit a special-consideration notification.

OCR can pass STEP special-consideration information to Cambridge, Warwick and Imperial.

Do not wait until after Results Day to mention a problem that should have been reported at the time.

STEP Results

STEP results are released during August.

Candidates access them through OCR’s Results Online system using:

• Candidate number

• PIN

• Valid email address

The candidate number and PIN are provided on a confidential results sheet on the examination day. OCR cannot reissue a lost PIN, although your examination centre can obtain a result statement.

Results are also passed to universities through UCAS.

Cambridge receives copies of applicants’ answer booklets, allowing Colleges to review the actual mathematical work of students who narrowly miss their offers.

What If You Miss Your STEP Offer?

First, check your UCAS application.

Your university may:

• Confirm your place

• Keep your application under consideration

• Reject the application

• Offer an alternative course

• Request further information

Do not assume that a near miss means immediate rejection.

Cambridge Near Misses

Cambridge Colleges can review:

• Raw marks

• Answer scripts

• A-level or equivalent results

• Interview performance

• Contextual information

• Available places

This allows them to distinguish between:

• A candidate who narrowly missed the boundary after producing several strong solutions

• A candidate whose script shows major gaps

• A candidate affected by one unusually weak paper

• A candidate who exceeded the academic offer elsewhere

Results Enquiries

OCR offers a results-enquiry process.

The request must be made by the published deadline, and a fee applies per paper. OCR informs Cambridge, Warwick or Imperial when an enquiry changes a candidate’s result. Changes for other institutions are communicated through UCAS.

Speak to:

• Your school or test centre

• The university

• OCR

before requesting a review.

Common STEP Mistakes

Starting Preparation Too Late

STEP problem-solving develops over months.

Treating STEP Like an A-Level Paper

The questions are longer and less structured.

Ignoring Question Selection

Choosing the wrong six questions can significantly reduce your score.

Attempting Every Question

Only your best six count. Spreading your time across too many answers is rarely effective.

Expecting to Complete Every Solution

Partial marks are valuable.

Reading Solutions Too Quickly

Recognising a solution is not the same as independently producing it.

Copying Model Answers

You need to develop the reasoning yourself.

Neglecting Written Presentation

Markers need to follow your argument.

Hiding Partial Work

Leave valid mathematical progress visible.

Using Rough Paper

All working must be in the official answer booklet.

Forgetting Page Labels

Unlabelled pages may not be marked.

Using a Calculator

Calculators are prohibited.

Expecting a Formula Booklet

No formula booklet is provided.

Ignoring Mechanics and Statistics

Broader preparation gives you more choices.

Registering Yourself

Your authorised centre must enter you.

Assuming the 2026 Dates Apply in 2027

Wait for OCR to publish the new calendar.

Assuming Missing Grade 1 Means Automatic Rejection

Universities may review near misses, but acceptance is never guaranteed.

STEP Registration Checklist

•  I have checked whether STEP is in my offer.

•  I know which paper or papers I must take.

•  I know the required grade in each paper.

•  I have contacted my school or college exams officer.

•  I know the centre’s internal deadline.

•  My centre is authorised to offer STEP.

•  My name matches my UCAS application.

•  My UCAS Personal ID is correct.

•  My university and course codes are correct.

•  My access arrangements have been requested.

•  I have paid the correct entry and centre fees.

•  I have received confirmation of entry.

•  I know the official examination dates.

•  I have my candidate entry number.

STEP Preparation Checklist

•  I have read the current OCR specification.

•  I know the difference between STEP 2 and STEP 3.

•  I have begun the Cambridge Foundation modules.

•  I use official past papers.

•  I attempt questions before reading hints.

•  I return to difficult questions later.

•  I practise writing complete solutions.

•  I keep an error and insight log.

•  I practise Pure Mathematics.

•  I have considered Mechanics questions.

•  I have considered Probability and Statistics questions.

•  I can work without a calculator.

•  I know the necessary formulae.

•  I complete timed individual questions.

•  I practise selecting six questions.

•  I have completed full three-hour papers.

•  I mark pages clearly.

•  I keep all rough working in the answer booklet.

•  I balance STEP preparation with final school examinations.

STEP Test-Day Checklist

•  Correct paper

•  Correct date

•  Correct start time

•  Correct test centre

•  Candidate details confirmed

•  Access arrangements confirmed

•  Black pens

•  Pencils

•  Ruler

•  Protractor

•  Compasses

•  No calculator

•  Question-selection strategy

•  Timing plan

•  Understanding of answer-book labelling

•  Understanding of how to report a problem

Frequently Asked Questions About STEP

What Does STEP Stand For?

STEP stands for Sixth Term Examination Paper.

Is STEP Still Used?

Yes.

STEP 2 and STEP 3 continue to be used for Mathematics admissions, particularly by Cambridge and Warwick. Imperial may also include STEP within some Mathematics offers.

Is STEP 1 Still Used?

No.

STEP 1 was discontinued in 2020.

Old STEP 1 questions remain useful preparation material.

How Long Is a STEP Paper?

Each paper lasts three hours.

How Many Questions Are on Each Paper?

Each paper contains 12 questions:

• Eight Pure Mathematics

• Two Mechanics

• Two Probability and Statistics

How Many Questions Should You Answer?

Your six highest-scoring answers count.

OCR advises that attempting more than six is normally not beneficial.

Can You Answer Only Pure Questions?

The scoring system uses your six strongest answers and does not require a compulsory section combination.

However, preparing Applied Mathematics gives you more choice.

How Many Marks Is Each Question Worth?

Each question is worth 20 marks.

The maximum paper total is 120.

Do You Receive Marks for an Incomplete Answer?

Yes.

STEP rewards valid progress towards a complete solution.

What Are the STEP Grades?

The grades are:

• S: Outstanding

• 1: Very Good

• 2: Good

• 3: Satisfactory

• U: Unclassified

Is There a Fixed Grade Boundary?

No.

Grade boundaries change each year.

Are Calculators Allowed?

No.

Is There a Formula Booklet?

No.

Necessary unfamiliar formulae may be included within an individual question.

Can You Use Rough Paper?

No.

All rough work must be completed in the answer booklet.

Do You Need Further Mathematics?

STEP 2 is based on A-level Mathematics and AS Further Mathematics.

STEP 3 is based on A-level Mathematics and full A-level Further Mathematics.

Is STEP Harder Than A Levels?

STEP questions are longer, less structured and designed to assess advanced problem-solving.

Cambridge describes the examination as aimed at approximately the strongest five per cent of A-level Mathematics candidates.

Does Cambridge Require STEP?

Cambridge Mathematics offers normally require grades in STEP 2 and STEP 3.

A typical offer requires grade 1 in both papers.

Does Warwick Require STEP?

Warwick Mathematics applicants use either TMUA or STEP.

For the published 2027 STEP route, Warwick expects grade 2 in any STEP paper alongside the stated qualification grades.

Does Imperial Require STEP?

Imperial now requires TMUA for its Mathematics department during the application stage.

However, some 2027 Mathematics course pages state that offers may include STEP where TMUA has not been taken. Follow your individual offer.

Do You Take TMUA and STEP?

Cambridge Mathematics applicants normally take:

• TMUA during the application process

• STEP 2 and STEP 3 after receiving an offer

The tests perform different roles.

When Will STEP Take Place in 2027?

Cambridge confirms that 2027 applicants sit STEP in June 2027.

The exact paper dates had not been published by OCR when this guide was reviewed on 30 July 2026.

Can You Register Yourself?

No.

An authorised examination centre must register you.

Can You Take STEP Without a University Offer?

Yes.

STEP is open to all candidates.

Can International Applicants Take STEP?

Yes.

STEP can be taken at authorised centres worldwide.

Can You Take STEP at Home?

No.

It is a supervised paper-based examination taken at an authorised centre.

Can You Get Extra Time?

Possibly.

Your centre must request approved access arrangements using appropriate evidence.

Can a High STEP Grade Lower Your Offer?

It depends on the university.

Warwick uses STEP as one route within its Mathematics entry conditions. Other courses may make alternative offers involving STEP.

Can You Retake STEP?

You can sit STEP in a later year, but whether an older result can be used for a new application is decided by the university.

What Happens If You Miss Your Cambridge STEP Offer?

Cambridge may review your marks, scripts and full application.

A near miss can still be accepted, but there is no guarantee.

Do Universities See Your Working?

Cambridge receives copies of its applicants’ STEP answer booklets.

Other institutions receive results through UCAS and use them according to their admissions policies.

Do You Need Paid Tuition?

No.

OCR and Cambridge provide extensive free preparation materials, past papers and a complete support programme.

Final Thoughts on STEP

STEP is difficult because it asks you to do more than remember Mathematics.

You need to:

1. Identify how to begin an unfamiliar problem.

2. Select useful mathematical ideas.

3. Work through long arguments.

4. Communicate your reasoning.

5. Recognise when to change direction.

6. Choose the right questions.

7. Use three hours effectively.

8. Keep going when a solution is not immediately visible.

The best preparation is gradual.

Begin with accessible problem-solving, use hints carefully and progress towards complete timed papers.

Do not judge yourself by how many questions you can finish during your first attempts. STEP is designed to feel substantially harder than normal school examinations.

Measure progress through:

• Better starting ideas

• More efficient substitutions

• Clearer proof

• Stronger partial solutions

• Improved question selection

• Greater persistence

• More readable mathematical writing

Most importantly, read your university offer carefully.

The paper, grade and qualification conditions differ between Cambridge, Warwick, Imperial and other universities. Your individual offer is the final authority on what you need to achieve.