STEP: Sixth Term Examination Paper in Mathematics
STEP is a demanding written mathematics exam, usually taken in June of Year 13 as part of a conditional offer, most often for Mathematics at Cambridge. OCR has run it since June 2024.
What it is and who sets it
A demanding written mathematics exam, usually taken in June of Year 13 and set as part of a conditional offer. It tests insight, problem-solving and the ability to use standard techniques in unfamiliar ways. There are two papers, STEP 2 and STEP 3.
Set by: OCR (part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment), which has run it since the June 2024 series. It previously ran through Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing.
Which universities and courses use it
University of Cambridge
- Mathematics (normally STEP 2 and STEP 3)
- Mathematics with Physics
- Some Colleges may also ask for it for other courses needing strong mathematics
University of Warwick
- BSc/MMath Mathematics: Grade 2 in STEP required in offers to applicants who have not taken TMUA (2027 entry)
- Statistics-department degrees (MORSE, MathStat, Data Science): STEP not required, but Grade 1 in any STEP paper in summer 2027 qualifies for a £2,000 entrance prize; may support reduced or alternative offers
Always confirm on the course page of each university you apply to.
Format, timing and scoring
- Two papers: STEP 2 and STEP 3, each 3 hours.
- 12 questions per paper: Section A Pure Mathematics (8), Section B Mechanics (2), Section C Probability and Statistics (2).
- Each question is worth 20 marks; candidates are assessed on their best six answers, from any sections.
- No calculators are allowed and no formula booklet is issued (the needed formulae are listed in the specification appendix or given in the question).
- STEP 2 Pure is based on AS Further Mathematics Pure; STEP 3 Pure on A Level Further Mathematics Pure (with modifications and additions). Both assume A Level Mathematics content.
Scoring: Graded S (Outstanding), 1 (Very good), 2 (Good), 3 (Satisfactory), U (Unclassified), per Cambridge. Required grades vary by College / university. Raw marks: best six questions x 20 = 120 per paper. The grade boundaries were not confirmed.
Practising for the STEP
- About 30 minutes per question: your best six answers count, from twelve, in three hours.
- No calculator and no formula booklet.
- Most questions need several linked steps, so practise full solutions, not just the start.
Start with the official format and practice material: the test owner's page (opens in a new tab). Then work through timed sections, full mock papers, and a review of every mistake.
How Quantum Pathways prepares students for the STEP
Every student is taught by a mentor who scored in the top 10% in the test they teach.
Preparation starts with a diagnostic, so we know where your student stands. From there it is built around how they learn: introductory sessions on the paper, plenty of timed practice and mock papers, and extra resources matched to what they need.
An early start helps, but it has to fit the school curriculum: some topics in the test may not have been taught at school yet. We plan the preparation so each topic is covered before it is practised under time pressure.
Sources
Last checked 8 October 2026.
- University of Cambridge: Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP)(opens in a new tab)
- OCR: STEP Mathematics key dates and fees (students)(opens in a new tab)
- OCR: STEP Mathematics subject update (OCR runs STEP from June 2024)(opens in a new tab)
- OCR: STEP specification 2026 (PDF)(opens in a new tab)
- University of Warwick: BSc Mathematics (2027 entry)(opens in a new tab)
- University of Warwick Statistics: TMUA, STEP, MAT, AEA and UG entrance prizes (2027 entry)(opens in a new tab)
