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Edexcel International A‑level Computer Science YCP01
Online Tuition
A brand-new qualification for first teaching from September 2026: four modular units where students write real Python 3 in a live coding environment across two three-hour practical exams, alongside two theory units. We tutor it unit by unit, from the start.
How we teach Edexcel International A‑level Computer Science at Tuition Highway
A simple four-step approach designed to build confidence, close gaps and improve exam performance.
Find the gaps
A diagnostic against the syllabus topics tells us what's secure and what isn't, so we teach the gaps rather than the whole book.
Teach weekly, one to one
The same tutor teaches each week around school. Concepts build step by step, with the school's pace kept in view.
Practise like the exam
Past-paper questions begin early, followed by full timed papers marked against the published mark scheme.
Matched with a tutor who knows this syllabus
Expert, vetted Edexcel International A-level Computer Science tutors who have taught the YCP01 specification. Past-paper work is reviewed against published mark schemes, so your child can see where marks are awarded and where they are being lost. UK-qualified teachers are available on request as a premium option.
Taught YCP01
Not "edexcel international A-level computer science in general" - this syllabus, this tier and these papers.
Reviews work against the mark scheme
Your child learns where the marks actually are, not where they feel they should be.
Built for online teaching
Shared whiteboard, worked solutions and lesson materials saved to review after the session.
Consistent across the term
The same tutor every week - and if that changes, we tell you first.
Edexcel International CS: four units, two of them real coding
This is a new modular qualification. Two IAS units and two IA2 units make the full International A-level, each worth 25%. The two theory units can be sat on paper or on-screen; the other two are three-hour practical programming exams in Python 3.
PAPER
WHAT IT TESTS
DETAILS
HOW WE PREPARE STUDENTS
IAS - UNITS 1 & 21
Principles of Computer ScienceWCP01/01
Theory fundamentals in written or on-screen format
1h 30m
80 marks / 25%
Build fluent methods without calculator shortcuts- Review mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questions
2
Practical Programming & Problem-SolvingWCP01/02
Three-hour Python 3 practical in a live IDE
3h80 marks / 25%- Build fluent methods without calculator shortcuts
- Review mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questions
IA2 - UNITS 3 & 43
Advanced Principles of Computer ScienceWCP01/03
Advanced theory, problem-solving and applied scenario work
1h 30m80 marks / 25%- Build fluent methods without calculator shortcuts
- Review mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questions
4
Advanced Practical ProgrammingWCP01/04
Three-hour advanced Python 3 practical in an IDE
3h80 marks / 25%- Build fluent methods without calculator shortcuts
- Review mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questions
Units 2 and 4 are three-hour onscreen practical exams: candidates design, write, test and refine Python 3 in an IDE, using a provided Programming Language Subset.
Figures shown for 0580 and 0980 syllabuses for 2025-2027.
IASUNITS 1 & 2Principles of Computer Science
WCP01/01
- WHAT IT TESTS
- Theory fundamentals in written or on-screen format
- DETAILS
- 1h 30m80 marks / 25%
- HOW WE PREPARE STUDENTS
- Build fluent methods without calculator shortcuts
- Review mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questions
Practical Programming & Problem-Solving
WCP01/02
- WHAT IT TESTS
- Three-hour Python 3 practical in a live IDE
- DETAILS
- 3h80 marks / 25%
- HOW WE PREPARE STUDENTS
- Build fluent methods without calculator shortcuts
- Review mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questions
IA2UNITS 3 & 4Advanced Principles of Computer Science
WCP01/03
- WHAT IT TESTS
- Advanced theory, problem-solving and applied scenario work
- DETAILS
- 1h 30m80 marks / 25%
- HOW WE PREPARE STUDENTS
- Build fluent methods without calculator shortcuts
- Review mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questions
Advanced Practical Programming
WCP01/04
- WHAT IT TESTS
- Three-hour advanced Python 3 practical in an IDE
- DETAILS
- 3h80 marks / 25%
- HOW WE PREPARE STUDENTS
- Build fluent methods without calculator shortcuts
- Review mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questions
Units 2 and 4 are three-hour onscreen practical exams: candidates design, write, test and refine Python 3 in an IDE, using a provided Programming Language Subset.
First assessment is May/June 2027 (IAS) and May/June 2028 (IAL). Units run in January and June and can be resat. The A* requires an A overall plus at least 90% across Units 3 and 4 combined.
Everything you need to know, at a glance.
e break down the Cambridge IGCSE syllabus so you know eactly whats covered how its assessed and the best route for your child.
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Clear syllabus information
Know the code, grading, papers and topics.
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Choose the right path
Replace step two description.
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Plan with confidence
Stay ahead with exam series and key details.
2025 - 2027- Structure
- 4 modular units
- IAS units
- Unit 1 (theory) & Unit 2 (Python)
- IA2 units
- Unit 3 (theory) & Unit 4 (Python)
- Each unit
- 80 marks / 25% of IAL
- Language
- Python 3, in an IDE
- Grading
- A*-E (IAS: A-E)
First teaching starts in September 2026. Units 2 and 4 are practical Python exams; the A* is determined by overall performance plus strong IA2 results.
What the Computer Science syllabus covers
These are the main syllabus strands your child is expected to cover. We teach all of them, starting with the gaps that are costing marks first.
Tuition stays aligned to the exact paper or unit structure, so revision time goes where the marks actually move.
Computer systems
Data representation
Networks & encryption
Structuring data
Problem-solving & logic
Enabling technologies
Programming constructs
Organising & handling data
Best practice & clean code
Computational thinking & algorithms
Advanced computer systems
Networks & cybersecurity
Programming languages
Advanced data structures & algorithms
FREE 30-MINUTE DEMO
Start with a free demo
Share your child's details and syllabus code. We'll match the right tutor and arrange a free 30-minute demo session.
Questions parents ask about Edexcel International A‑level Computer Science
Is Edexcel International A-level Computer Science a new qualification?+-
Yes - it is brand new, for first teaching from September 2026, with first assessment in May/June 2027 (IAS) and May/June 2028 (IAL).
Which units does my child take?+-
Four: Unit 1 (Principles, theory) and Unit 2 (Practical Programming, Python) at IAS, plus Unit 3 (Advanced Principles, theory) and Unit 4 (Advanced Practical Programming, Python) at IA2.
How much of it is practical?+-
Half - Units 2 and 4 are three-hour onscreen Python programming exams, where students design, write, test and refine real code in an IDE.
Which language is used?+-
Python 3, written in an integrated development environment, guided by a provided Programming Language Subset. Theory units can be sat on paper or on-screen.
How is the A* awarded?+-
You need an A across the whole International A-level and at least 90% of the marks across the two IA2 units, Units 3 and 4, combined.
Is it modular?+-
Yes. Units run in January and June and can be resat, with the better of the two most recent attempts counting toward the grade.
What if the tutor isn't the right fit?+-
We replace them - free, and with no argument - and hand over the unit-by-unit progress and known concerns so the new tutor continues seamlessly.
Can you help us choose between Edexcel and Cambridge Computer Science?+-
Yes. Both are rigorous; Edexcel's new international A-level is Python-based with two three-hour practicals and theory that can be sat on-screen, while Cambridge uses pseudocode with a choice of three languages and one practical paper. The free assessment maps which suits your child.