CCEA GCE A Level Business Studies (465) Past Papers 2026

Unit AS 1 (SBU11)

Duration: 1h 30m

Unit AS 2 (SBU21)

Duration: 1h 30m

Unit A2 1

Duration: 2h

Unit A2 2

Duration: 2h

Diseconomies of scale — causes and effects on average costs

In A2 2 2025 this question was described as 'particularly challenging': 'A significant majority either misunderstood the concept of diseconomies of scale or failed to explain it in the context of the business… Many candidates confused the topic with unrelated areas such as hostile takeovers or general growth challenges… a large number of responses were awarded Level 1 or zero marks.'

A2 2

Financial ratios — interpretation not just commentary

In A2 1 2023, examiners reported: 'Candidates need to understand the ratios and what they mean to effectively answer a question like this… candidates wrote a commentary on all six with no evidence of evaluation.' A2 2 2025 reinforced this: candidates must integrate ratio data into chains of analysis, not simply list them.

A2 1, A2 2

Exchange rates — linking fluctuations to business financial position using graph data

In A2 2 2023, examiners noted: 'Many candidates gave general answers about fluctuating exchange rates. To achieve higher levels, candidates needed to use the figures from the graph… Candidates also needed to be able to link the fluctuating exchange rate to Brett Martin's financial position. There appeared to be a lack of knowledge of this topic.'

A2 2

Macroeconomic policy — fiscal and monetary instruments linked to inflation

In A2 2 2024, Q4 on inflation and policy instruments proved a clear differentiator: 'Many candidates did not link their answer back to inflation. Many talked about the benefits and drawbacks of fiscal/monetary policy. Some talked of only one instrument. Weaker candidates struggled to create a logical chain of analysis.'

A2 2

Product life cycle — introductory stage characteristics

In AS 2 2024, the introductory stage of the PLC was poorly understood: 'There was a definite lack of knowledge regarding the introductory stage of the PLC. Answers were often general points about the PLC rather than being specific to the introductory phase.'

AS 2

Cash flow — distinguishing it from profit and reinvestment

In AS 2 2024: 'Many candidates did not perform well on this question as they focused on increasing profits and reinvestment rather than on cashflow.' In AS 2 2025, candidates confused an overdraft with a bank loan, losing straightforward marks. Both errors stem from imprecise understanding of cash flow concepts.

AS 2

Marketing mix — physical environment vs location; product vs price/promotion scope

In AS 2 2024: 'Candidates mixed up physical environment with location and did not talk about distribution networks etc. Most candidates lost marks in this question.' In AS 2 2025, candidates included price and promotion in a product-focused question: 'This suggests some candidates may not be reading the command and context carefully enough.'

AS 2

Change management — Kotter's model and resistance strategies applied to the case study

In A2 2 2025: 'a significant number of candidates misunderstood the demands of the question and focused on strategies not relevant to the context provided… Some used the same development points across different knowledge areas, limiting the depth of application and analysis.' Only those who applied Kotter's model or specific motivational strategies to the case study reached Level 4.

A2 2