Sara Al-Naimi
Doha · QA
Mathematics · IGCSE
Next slot in 12 min
AQA AS & A LEVEL COMPUTER SCIENCE
AQA A Level Computer Science tutors built for Paper 1 and Paper 2 success.
From programming paradigms and data structures to computational thinking and the written theory paper, every session is tailored to the AQA specification you are sitting.
- Covers Paper 1 (on-screen programming) and Paper 2 (written theory)
- Tutors hold relevant Computer Science degrees, vetted across 14 steps
- Live 1:1 sessions Monday to Saturday, Gulf Standard Time
2,000+
Vetted Tutors
120,000+
Tutoring Hours Delivered
10+
Countries Served
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Trustpilot Rating
AQA A Level Computer Science — 7517
Two papers. One NEA project. Every topic covered in your sessions.
AQA A Level Computer Science (7517) is assessed through Paper 1 (on-screen programming, 2.5 hours, 100 marks), Paper 2 (written theory, 2.5 hours, 100 marks), and the Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) project worth 70 marks. Together they test both practical coding ability and deep theoretical understanding.
Paper 1 — On-screen Programming — Solve unseen problems using your chosen programming language; tests algorithms, data structures, and computational thinking under timed conditions.
Paper 2 — Written Theory — Covers computer systems, networks, security, databases, big data, functional programming, and the theory of computation including Turing machines.
NEA Project — An independently produced programming project (approximately 45 hours) assessed on analysis, design, development, testing, and evaluation.
Assessment Objectives — AO1 (knowledge and understanding), AO2 (application), and AO3 (design, programming, evaluation) are each weighted across all three components.
Graded A* to E — A* awarded to students achieving outstanding marks across both written papers; no A* available at AS Level (7516).
AQA A Level subjects we tutor
Talimat tutors cover the full range of AQA AS and A Level subjects. Find the subject page closest to your needs and book a free trial session.
Computer ScienceMathematicsFurther MathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyEconomicsBusinessPsychologySociologyEnglish LanguageEnglish LiteratureHistoryGeographyAccounting
+ more AQA subjects available on request. Contact us to confirm availability.
Free trial · limited slots this weekBook a free AQA Computer Science session before this week's slots fill.
AQA A Level grading system explained
AQA A Level Computer Science is graded A* to E, with A* available only at full A Level (7517). AS Level (7516) is graded A to E only, with no A* grade awarded.
Top Performers — Grade A* Award
The A* grade at AQA A Level requires a high uniform mark score across both Paper 1 and Paper 2, demonstrating mastery of programming, theory, and applied computational thinking.
A*
Exceptional across both papers100%
A
Strong understanding and application85%
B
Solid command of the specification70%
C
Meets the standard pass threshold55%
D
Below standard, some gaps remain40%
E
Minimum awarded grade25%
The grading scale shown applies to AQA A Level qualifications only and may differ from Cambridge, Edexcel, or IB programmes. Speak to your Academic Consultant for board-specific guidance.
Our students consistently achieve top grades.
A*
Our goal for every student.
Personalised preparation from Day 1.
AQA Computer Science tutors available this week.
Matched to your paper, topic, and schedule in under 10 minutes.
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How 1:1 tutoring improves your AQA Computer Science grade
AQA A Level Computer Science is a subject where students often excel at coding in class but struggle to translate that skill into Paper 2 theory answers under timed conditions. A good tutor closes that gap directly. Here is what targeted support actually changes.
Paper 1 demands that students write, trace, and debug programs in a chosen language during a 2.5-hour on-screen exam. Many students underperform not because they cannot code, but because they have never practised solving unseen algorithmic problems under exam conditions.
A 1:1 AQA Computer Science tutor works through past Paper 1 tasks with you in real time, annotating logic errors, refining your use of recursion, linked lists, and hash tables, and building the speed you need on exam day.
Paper 2 covers computer systems architecture, the fetch-execute cycle, Boolean algebra, Karnaugh maps, network topologies, relational databases, and the theory of computation including Turing machines and Backus-Naur Form. These topics reward precise vocabulary, and classroom teaching rarely gives enough time per topic to consolidate them fully.
For students in the GCC following British curriculum schools, AQA online tutoring offers the flexibility to schedule sessions around the Gulf school week, Monday to Saturday, without travelling to a centre.
Key takeaways
- Paper 1 practice on unseen algorithms is the fastest route to grade improvement
- Paper 2 theory topics require precise command-word answers, not just general knowledge
- NEA project support covers analysis, design, development, testing, and evaluation stages
- Sessions run Monday to Saturday, Gulf Standard Time, fitting any school timetable
- Tutors hold Computer Science degrees and are vetted across 14 assessment steps
How our AQA Computer Science tutoring works
Every student is matched with a specialist tutor, then follows a structured plan from Paper 1 programming practice through to Paper 2 theory revision and NEA project support.
10 min
Average Tutor Match Time
From sign-up to first session
Trusted by Gulf families
Free trial and assessment
Your first session is free. The tutor identifies gaps across Paper 1 programming topics and Paper 2 theory, then sets a baseline for the study plan.
Tutor matching
We match you to an AQA Computer Science specialist within minutes. Your Academic Consultant oversees the match from day one and adjusts it if needed.
Structured session plan
Each session targets specific AQA specification content, from binary arithmetic and assembly language to functional programming and relational database design.
Mock papers and feedback
As exams approach, your tutor runs timed past-paper practice for both Paper 1 and Paper 2, marks responses against the AQA mark scheme, and gives detailed written feedback.
Real results from AQA Computer Science students
Students across the Gulf have used Talimat to prepare for AQA A Level Computer Science exams with structured, specialist support.
120,000+
Tutoring hours delivered across all subjects and programmes
Across all subjects and levels
2,000+
Vetted tutors available across the Talimat platform right now
Each holding a relevant degree
10+
Countries where Talimat students are currently studying
Gulf-focused, globally connected
4.7
Talimat rating on Trustpilot from verified parent and student reviews
Verified parent and student reviews
Student Reviews
What AQA Computer Science students say
Real feedback from students and parents who used Talimat for AQA A Level Computer Science tutoring.
Book your free session“My tutor broke down the theory of computation in a way my school lessons never managed. By the time the Paper 2 exam came around, Turing machines and BNF actually made sense to me.”
Khalid Al-Mansoori
Dubai, UAE
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AQA COMPUTER SCIENCE PAPERS
AQA A Level Computer Science: paper by paper
Choose the component you need most help with. Your tutor focuses sessions on that paper first.
/aqa-a-level/computer-science/paper-1
Paper 1 — On-Screen Programming
Timed programming tasks testing algorithms, data structures, recursion, and object-oriented design. Practice with unseen problems in your chosen language.
Start Paper 1 prep/aqa-a-level/computer-science/paper-2Paper 2 — Written Theory
Covers computer systems, networks, databases, Boolean algebra, and the theory of computation. Requires precise command-word answers against the mark scheme.
Start Paper 2 prep/aqa-a-level/computer-science/neaNEA Project (Non-Exam Assessment)
A 70-mark programming project assessed across analysis, design, development, testing, and evaluation. Tutor support at every stage from brief to final write-up.
Get NEA supportAQA COMPUTER SCIENCE FAQS
Questions about AQA A Level Computer Science tutoring
Answers to the questions parents and students ask most before booking their first session.
What programming language do students use in AQA Paper 1?
AQA accepts Python, Java, C#, C++, VB.NET, and Pascal. Students use their own chosen language in the on-screen exam. Your tutor will work in whichever language your school teaches.
Does the NEA project count towards the final A Level grade?
Yes. The Non-Exam Assessment is worth 70 marks out of 270 total. It is marked by the teacher and moderated by AQA. Starting early and planning each phase carefully makes a significant difference to the final mark.
What is the difference between AQA AS Level (7516) and A Level (7517) Computer Science?
AS Level covers a subset of the A Level content and is assessed by two written papers only, with no NEA. The A* grade is not available at AS Level. A Level adds the NEA project and deeper theory content.
Can my child take AQA A Level Computer Science in the UAE or KSA?
Yes. Students in the GCC take AQA exams through approved exam centres. Talimat tutoring is fully online and runs Monday to Saturday, Gulf Standard Time, so sessions fit around any local school schedule.
How long are tutoring sessions and how often should we book?
Sessions are typically 60 minutes. Most A Level Computer Science students benefit from two sessions per week, one for Paper 1 programming practice and one for Paper 2 theory. Your Academic Consultant will recommend a schedule based on your child's current level.
What topics are covered in AQA A Level Computer Science Paper 2?
Paper 2 covers fundamentals of data structures, algorithms, systematic approach to problem solving, theory of computation, fundamentals of data representation, computer systems, computer organisation and architecture, consequences of uses of computing, communication and networking, and databases and big data.
How does Talimat match a student to an AQA Computer Science tutor?
Every tutor on the platform holds a relevant degree and passes a 14-step vetting process. When you sign up, your Academic Consultant reviews your child's year group, target grade, and weaker topics, then matches you to a specialist within minutes.
Is there a contract or minimum commitment?
No. You can cancel anytime with no hidden fees and no enrolment deposit. Sessions start from AED 65 per hour at A Level.
Reviewed by
Last reviewed
Dr Sarah Thornton
Senior AQA Computer Science Examiner, MSc Computer Science, PGCE Secondary Computing
Dr Sarah Thornton has over twelve years of experience teaching and examining AQA AS and A Level Computer Science. She has worked as a senior examiner for AQA Paper 2 theory components and has written revision resources aligned to the 7517 specification. Dr Thornton has supported students in British curriculum schools across the UK and the GCC, with particular expertise in preparing candidates for the on-screen Paper 1 programming exam and the NEA project. She holds an MSc in Computer Science and a PGCE in Secondary Computing and reviews all AQA Computer Science content on the Talimat platform for specification accuracy.
Book your free AQA Computer Science session
Try a full 1:1 session with an AQA Computer Science specialist. No payment, no commitment, just focused exam preparation.
What your free trial includes
No payment required and no commitment to continue. Your first session is completely free.
- Diagnostic review of Paper 1 and Paper 2 gaps
- Introduction to Talimat's online learning platform
- Live coding or theory practice with your tutor
- Personalised study plan and next-step recommendations
Limited Time Offer
Sign up after your free trial and get 20% off your first month of AQA Computer Science tutoring. Offer available this week only.