AQA As Computer Science Paper 1 2025 Question Paper

Get the official AQA AS Computer Science Paper 1 question paper from the May 2025 series (7516/1), sat on Tuesday 13 May 2025 (afternoon session). This is the full on-screen practical programming exam, designed to be completed using a computer, skeleton program, and provided data files.

The paper is divided into three sections and assesses core programming and problem-solving skills. Section A includes algorithm tracing and program development tasks such as implementing a palindrome checker (see Figure 5 on page 4–5). Section B focuses on understanding and analysing a pre-released Skeleton Program, including subroutines, exception handling, and data structures. Section C requires students to extend and modify the Skeleton Program, including adding new features such as tracking movement time, validating landing positions, and implementing logic for clues based on map positions.

Students will work with real-world programming concepts including iteration, selection, arrays, strings, file handling, abstraction, and modular design. The exam also involves interpreting structured data (e.g. Figure 1 on page 2 showing linked data structures) and applying logic to solve practical coding problems.

Use this paper to practise under real exam conditions and prepare for the on-screen programming assessment. Pair it with the official mark scheme and skeleton program resources for full exam preparation. Fully updated for the 2025/2026 academic year and optimised for fast access on markscheme.net.

This document is for AS Computer Science students preparing for the 2026 exam series, including Year 12 students, early A-Level learners, and those building foundational programming skills.

It is also highly useful for teachers and tutors delivering programming-based lessons, mock assessments, and structured practice using real AQA exam formats, including skeleton program-based tasks and applied coding challenges.