PDF
Mark Scheme (Results)
Summer 2026
Pearson Edexcel Advanced Level in Biology A (Salters Nuffield)
9BN0/03
,Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications
Edexcel and BTEC qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s
largest awarding body. We provide a wide range of qualifications
including academic, vocational, occupational and specific
programmes for employers. For further information visit our
qualifications websites at www.edexcel.com or www.btec.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can get in touch with us using the details on our
contact us page at www.edexcel.com/contactus
Pearson: helping people progress, everywhere
Pearson aspires to be the world’s leading learning company. Our aim is to help
everyone progress in their lives through education. We believe in every kind of
learning, for all kinds of people, wherever they are in the world. We’ve been involved in
education for over 150 years, and by working across 70 countries, in 100 languages,
we have built an international reputation for our commitment to high standards and
raising achievement through innovation in education. Find out more about how we
can help you and your students at: www.pearson.com/uk
Summer 2026
Question Paper Log Number P79060RA
Publication Code 9BN0_03_2606_MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson
,General Marking Guidance
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the first candidate in
exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded for what they have
shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their perception of
where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be used
appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners should always
award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the mark scheme. Examiners should
also be prepared to award zero marks if the candidate’s response is not worthy of credit
according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles by which marks
will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme to a candidate’s
response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it with an alternative
response.
, Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
number
1(a) An answer that makes reference to one of the following: Expert
• ability (of the heart muscle) to contract without ALLOW ‘stimulus’ (1)
external stimulation (1)
• heart generates its own electrical impulses which
DO NOT ALLOW signal in place of
leads to contraction (1) stimulation or impulse
Mark Scheme (Results)
Summer 2026
Pearson Edexcel Advanced Level in Biology A (Salters Nuffield)
9BN0/03
,Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications
Edexcel and BTEC qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s
largest awarding body. We provide a wide range of qualifications
including academic, vocational, occupational and specific
programmes for employers. For further information visit our
qualifications websites at www.edexcel.com or www.btec.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can get in touch with us using the details on our
contact us page at www.edexcel.com/contactus
Pearson: helping people progress, everywhere
Pearson aspires to be the world’s leading learning company. Our aim is to help
everyone progress in their lives through education. We believe in every kind of
learning, for all kinds of people, wherever they are in the world. We’ve been involved in
education for over 150 years, and by working across 70 countries, in 100 languages,
we have built an international reputation for our commitment to high standards and
raising achievement through innovation in education. Find out more about how we
can help you and your students at: www.pearson.com/uk
Summer 2026
Question Paper Log Number P79060RA
Publication Code 9BN0_03_2606_MS
All the material in this publication is copyright
© Pearson
,General Marking Guidance
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the first candidate in
exactly the same way as they mark the last.
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded for what they have
shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their perception of
where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be used
appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners should always
award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the mark scheme. Examiners should
also be prepared to award zero marks if the candidate’s response is not worthy of credit
according to the mark scheme.
• Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles by which marks
will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme to a candidate’s
response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it with an alternative
response.
, Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
number
1(a) An answer that makes reference to one of the following: Expert
• ability (of the heart muscle) to contract without ALLOW ‘stimulus’ (1)
external stimulation (1)
• heart generates its own electrical impulses which
DO NOT ALLOW signal in place of
leads to contraction (1) stimulation or impulse
