STEP Mathematics, the Sixth Term Examination Paper, is designed around problems similar in style to undergraduate Mathematics. It is used by Cambridge and can also be required or considered by Warwick, Imperial and other universities.
For Cambridge Mathematics and Mathematics with Physics, STEP commonly appears as part of a conditional offer rather than as the autumn shortlisting test. Cambridge states that applicants applying in October 2026 should normally expect to take STEP in June 2027. As of 26 September 2026, OCR’s published key-date page still gives exact dates for the 2026 series rather than exact June 2027 paper dates, so BTT does not invent them.
STEP 2 and STEP 3
The 2026-onwards specification has two papers. STEP 2 is based on A-Level Mathematics plus AS Further Mathematics knowledge. STEP 3 is based on A-Level Mathematics plus full A-Level Further Mathematics knowledge.
| Paper structure | Questions |
|---|---|
| Section A: Pure Mathematics | 8 |
| Section B: Mechanics | 2 |
| Section C: Probability / Statistics | 2 |
Each paper lasts three hours and contains 12 questions. Candidates are assessed on the six questions best answered. Calculators are not permitted, and no formula booklet is issued. The STEP specification lists formulae candidates are expected to know; other required formulae may be supplied within individual questions.
STEP rewards progress, not only complete answers
Unlike a multiple-choice admissions test, STEP rewards written mathematical progress. A candidate can earn substantial credit for a logically useful route even when a problem is not finished. That changes the preparation goal: learn to develop and communicate partial structure, not merely hunt for final answers.
Preparation spine
- Build A-Level/Further Mathematics fluency until routine manipulation consumes little attention.
- Attempt long problems without hints.
- Write complete, legible mathematical arguments.
- Compare multiple solution routes.
- Use past STEP papers progressively rather than starting immediately with full timed papers.
- Train three-hour concentration and question selection late in preparation.
STEP is closer to undergraduate mathematical work than most school examinations, making it a natural bridge into proof and independent problem solving.
Official sources checked 26 September 2026: Cambridge Undergraduate Study and OCR STEP Mathematics, including the 2026-onwards specification.
World Mathematics route: return to the World Mathematics Atlas for the wider school → examination → admissions → university Mathematics map.
University admissions route: University Mathematics Admissions & Bridging → Singapore Mathematics Hub → World Mathematics Atlas.
STEP Mathematics: prepare for long-form depth and selective problem choice
STEP 2 and STEP 3 remain the active papers
Cambridge and OCR currently describe two STEP papers. Cambridge Mathematics offers normally use STEP as part of conditional offers; exact requirements depend on the applicant’s offer and course.
Questions are deliberately long
Cambridge describes each paper as 12 questions with the final score based on the six highest-scoring answers. This changes strategy: depth on selected questions matters more than superficial attempts at everything.
The content base is advanced school Mathematics
STEP 2 draws on A-Level Mathematics plus AS Further Mathematics-equivalent content; STEP 3 uses a typical Further Mathematics A-Level base under the current specification.
Preparation should begin untimed
Spend time learning how to enter a problem, generate representations and persist. Immediate three-hour simulations can train abandonment rather than problem solving.
Write complete arguments
A strong STEP solution communicates why each transformation is valid. Partial progress can matter, so organise working even when the full result is not reached.
Use past papers selectively
Older papers remain valuable, but Cambridge notes that some old questions use content no longer on the current specification. Check the current OCR specification.
Problem selection is a skill
Scan, identify promising starts and choose questions that fit your strengths while preserving time. Do not interpret skipping a question as failure.
Review partial solutions
A question where you reached 60% independently may be more valuable than one copied completely. Identify the exact missing idea and retry later.
Registration is centre-based
OCR currently states entries are made through approved centres and publishes annual entry windows. Applicants should verify the current cycle and their university offer requirements.
2027 applicants
Cambridge currently says applicants applying in October 2026 would normally sit STEP in June 2027 if required by their offer. Treat exact dates/entry requirements as current official-source facts.
Bridge value
STEP preparation develops the sustained problem solving useful for university Mathematics, but it should not replace the actual school qualification preparation needed for the offer.
Final phase
Move from topic-strength work to mixed past questions, then full-paper conditions, while maintaining detailed post-paper analysis of selection, insight, algebra and time.