GCSE Foundation Practice for Ratio and More
19 October 2026
Understanding the Foundation tier
GCSE Foundation maths focuses on the essential skills every student needs. The Foundation tier covers number, algebra, ratio, geometry, probability, and statistics, with number and ratio making up half the exam content.
Ratio basics for GCSE
Ratio questions are a core part of the Foundation curriculum. Your child will need to simplify ratios, share amounts in a given ratio, and find missing quantities when part of the ratio or total is known.
Simplifying and sharing in a ratio
To simplify a ratio, divide each part by the highest common factor. When sharing an amount in a ratio, add the parts together, then divide the total amount accordingly. Practising these steps builds confidence for the exam.
Finding missing quantities
Some questions give a total or one part of a ratio and ask for the missing value. Encourage your child to draw bar models or use systematic steps, this helps visualise how the parts relate.
Key insight: Ratio skills are not just for exams
Understanding ratios helps with real-life problems, from recipes to sharing costs. Building these skills early makes later maths topics more accessible.
