Should I take Combined or Triple Science at GCSE?

A key decision to make when you’re picking your GCSEs will be whether you should choose Triple or Combined Science.

As Science is a core subject, choosing between the two options might feel like a big decision. Balancing your different subject choices to reach your future goals while leaving space to change and grow can make choosing your GCSEs tricky. That's where we’re here to help.

Read on to find answers to your key questions, address any misconceptions about the two choices, and help you decide which is right for you.

What’s the difference between Combined Science and Triple Science?

First up, let’s take a look at the key differences between Combined Science (or Double Science) and Triple Science.

Combined Science:

• Combined Science is a double award that counts as two GCSEs.
• Your papers are marked and graded together, giving you a grade such as 8-8.
• The grades will either be the same or adjacent. You can’t get a grade like 8-4; it has to be 8-8 or 8-7.
• Combined Science covers Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
• You can expect to learn two-thirds of the content for Combined Science, in line with receiving two grades rather than three.

Triple Science:

• Triple Science counts as three separate GCSEs.
• Your grade for each of the subjects, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, will be separate.
• The exam papers are typically longer for Triple Science and more rigorous.
• Some of the content may even overlap with A-Level, giving you an advantage if you want to study Science after GCSE.

There are also different types of Combined Science depending on which exam board you’re studying with. Some will have an option to take Combined Science with all three subjects integrated.

Take a look at our guides to the different exam boards to find out more:

• AQA Combined Science
• OCR Combined Science
• Edexcel Combined Science

How do I know which one to choose?

Making the decision will depend on how much you enjoy the Science subjects, your other GCSE subject choices and what you want to study post-GCSE.

This means it’s very much up to you to make the choice! However, teachers would normally say that if you enjoy Science and are a high-performer, taking Triple will give you the best challenge and set you up to take Science further.

If you like Science but have other subjects that you love, taking the Combined route gives you more freedom to take an extra subject elsewhere. You will still be able to take Science beyond GCSE. The only difference is that it may feel like a bigger jump from GCSE to A-Level than if you took Triple because Triple goes into more depth.

Some schools might make the choice for you or strongly recommend an option based on your Year 9 results. It’s up to you to decide which one is right for you. Talking it through with a parent or guardian, teacher, or friend can help you decide.

The benefits of taking Combined Science:

• Combined Science is two GCSEs, leaving you with more options for your other subjects - ideal if you have other interests you want to take further.
• Some exam boards, such as AQA, have a Combined Science option that teaches all three subjects in a more integrated way - ideal for students who prefer that approach.
• You will still get an in-depth understanding of the Sciences and be able to pursue them further beyond GCSE.

The benefits of taking Triple Science:

• If you really enjoy Science, you’ll get a really in-depth understanding of all three subjects.
• Triple Science is an ideal springboard if you’re keen to pursue one or all of the subjects further after GCSE and into your job later on.
• Some exam boards allow you to take the three Sciences on different tiers. For example, you could take Physics at the Foundation tier and Chemistry and Biology and the Higher level to suit your abilities.

Can I still do Science at A-Level if I do Double Science GCSE?

Absolutely! Taking Combined Science won’t limit your choice of A-Levels. As long as you get the grades you need for your chosen sixth form or college, you can continue to study Biology, Chemistry or Physics with Combined Science GCSE.

It also won’t affect your career options in the long term. Universities will be looking at your A-Level results, so if you want to study medicine, dentistry or another Science-based degree, Double Science is fine.

Overall, the decision to take Combined Science or Triple at GCSE is down to you. The Combined option will give you more space to explore other subjects, whereas the Triple will give you a solid base to take Science further after GCSEs. Remember to talk it through with someone if you need help deciding and to go with the choice that feels right for you!