A new chapter in
A-level English Literature
Available from September 2025
Carefully chosen to enrich choice and representation
Today, fresh thinking and collaboration matter more than ever to shape the future of English assessment. At AQA, we're always looking ahead, reflecting on our commitment to ensure that current and future generations of young people have an opportunity to experience a diverse, balanced, and inclusive English Literature curriculum that resonates with their lives and better reflects modern Britain.
We're excited to announce the introduction of five new additional texts to our A-level English Literature specifications (A) and (B), which will be available for first teaching in September 2025. The first examination of these new texts will take place in summer 2027. We are not replacing or removing any of the existing A-level texts, and teachers will be able to continue teaching the texts they have previously taught across our A-level Literature specifications.
Literature that reflects the world students live in
Carefully selected with student insight, we've chosen texts which reflect a wider range of voices and perspectives, and appeal to today's students and teachers.
Since first launching both A-level English qualifications, the range of texts available to teach is now becoming dated and needs modernising. Building upon the foundation of work that started with our GCSE text changes and Penguin Lit in Colour partnership, we intend to continue to diversify and refresh the range of texts in all of our specifications.
A-Level Literature 7712 (Specification A)
Three new set texts to be added from September 2025 (first exam 2027)
The Island of Missing Trees
Writer: Elif Shafak
Paper 1 - Love through the ages
A moving tale of love, loss, and identity, Elif Shafak’s novel follows Ada, a British teen uncovering her parents’ forbidden romance during Cyprus’s 1970s conflict. A fig tree links past and present in this lyrical story of memory and migration.
Wake
Writer: Anna Hope
Paper 2 - WW1 and its aftermath
Set in 1920 London, Wake follows three women, Hettie, Evelyn, and Ada, grappling with grief and trauma in the aftermath of WWI. As the Unknown Soldier is laid to rest, their lives intertwine in a moving reflection on loss, memory, and resilience.
Mr Loverman
Writer: Bernardine Evaristo
Paper 2 - Modern Times
At 74, Barry Walker, a sharp-tongued Antiguan Londoner, longs to leave his wife and live openly with his lifelong love, Morris. Evaristo’s witty, heartfelt novel explores identity, family and truth, with humour and emotional depth.
I'm thrilled that Mr Loverman will now to be available to AQA A-Level students. Offering young people a wide range of literature to study from different demographics is key to developing the imagination, empathy, critical thinking and fostering a deeper understanding of the world in which we live. As writers and readers we are able to inhabit life stories and perspectives that are different to our own which can be enriching, revelatory and bridge-building.”
Bernardine Evaristo, Mr Loverman
A-Level Literature 7717 (Specification B)
Two new set texts to be added from September 2025 (first exam 2027)
Kala
Writer: Colin Walsh
4.2 Texts and Genres Option 2A: Elements of Crime Writing
In a coastal Irish town, three friends reunite 15 years after Kala vanished. As buried secrets and crimes resurface, they confront the past. A gripping dual-timeline thriller exploring youth, trauma, and the dark undercurrents of a close-knit community.
Brotherless Night
Writer: V. V. Ganeshananthan
4.2 Texts and Genres Option 2B: Elements of Political and Social Protest Writing
Set during Sri Lanka’s civil war, this powerful novel follows Sashi, a Tamil woman whose life is shaped by violence, memory, and resistance. A bold, feminist story of truth-telling, loss, and the unseen heroism of women in times of conflict.
The books we read as teenagers often find doors to our minds and kick them open. It’s a wild honour to suddenly find myself in the company of writers I’ve loved since my own school days, and I’d be thrilled if Kala can give students even a fraction of what my teen reading gave to me.”
Colin Walsh, Kala
Support and resources
For whatever texts you choose to teach, we’ll be with you every step of the way. Whilst we continue to build up our resource offer for Autumn 2025, remember to explore our current materials that have been designed to help you, and your learners succeed.
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