Autumn 2026 Computer Science subject update
Welcome to our autumn 2026 newsletter
The start of a new academic year brings fresh opportunities, new challenges and plenty of planning. To support you throughout the year, we're delighted to welcome Daniel Kerr to the AQA Computer Science team as Subject Support Manager.
Daniel has over 12 years’ experience in computer science education and 5 years as a Head of Department. He’s passionate about supporting teachers, having mentored Early Career Teachers. He’s a certified Microsoft trainer and has published educational articles sharing insights and best practices. He’s also represented the UK at the Microsoft E2 Education Exchange in Singapore. Whether you're new to teaching computer science or have years of experience in the classroom, Daniel is looking forward to supporting you throughout the year.
If you have any questions, suggestions or would like additional guidance on computer science teaching, please get in touch.
If any members of your team would like to receive subject-specific updates, they can easily sign up for AQA subject updates , so they’re always informed and part of our community.
Frances Sparrow
Subject Lead for Computer Science
Stay up to date with assessment reform
This autumn, the Department for Education (DfE) is expected to launch its subject content consultation, confirming which subjects will be included in each phase, sharing proposals for phase 1 and inviting teachers, schools and exam boards to give feedback.
There’s nothing you need to do right now. Once the consultation launches, we’ll help you understand what it means and how to have your say.
In the meantime, catch up on our subject webinars to understand what the Curriculum and Assessment Review means for your subject.
You can also join our Teacher Panel to share your views and help shape what comes next.
Help shape the future of digital assessment
We’d like to hear about your experiences of digital teaching, learning and assessment through a short survey.
By sharing your experiences, you’ll help us shape the guidance, resources and support teachers need as digital assessment continues to evolve.
The survey contains 24 questions, takes around 12 minutes to complete and closes on 1 November 2026. As a thank you, participants who complete the survey can enter a prize draw for the chance to win one of four £50 gift vouchers.
Curriculum Connect sessions
- GCSE Computer Science: Exploring summer 2026, Tuesday 22 September, 4pm–5pm
- A-level Computer Science: Exploring summer 2026, Wednesday 30 September, 4pm–5pm
- We also offer: In-school training
Events
- 13 October – AQA is hosting the CAS Computing Trust Leads: Secondary curriculum implementation planning, at AQA Milton Keynes, Wymbush.
- 10 November – Visit the AQA stand at BRILLIANT 2026, The UK’s largest STEAM Education Festival.
Update to A-level Computer Science Paper 1 pre-release materials for 2027
The 7517/1/TN Teacher Notes issued as part of the A-level Computer Science Paper 1 pre-release materials on 1 September have been updated for 2027.
- Section 10: Conduct of the exam: Additional guidance has been included on the software features of IDEs that may be used during the exam. The guidance also clarifies that features utilising artificial intelligence (AI) are not permitted.
- Section 11: Printing: The guidance now advises that Electronic Answer Documents (EADs) should be printed double-sided.
Artificial intelligence (AI) guidance for A-level
Please find new guidance on the use of AI in the A-level Computer Science 7517 NEA on our website.
Digital technologies research
AQA has published research exploring young people’s understanding of digital technologies and calling for digital literacy to be embedded in the curriculum. Read our report Digitally Native or Digitally Naïve
Get more with MyAQA
myAQA gives you access to everything you need to plan, teach and assess, including our secure extranet – Centre Services. Here you’ll find essential resources, such as the latest past papers, as well as Teacher Online Standardisation (T-OLS) and much more.
Don’t have a myAQA account yet? Complete a short form to get started. Once your Exams Officer has verified your registration, then you’re ready to go.
Live online training
We have a range of live, on-demand and eLearning courses for Computer Science teachers. Explore our professional development courses.
- 23 September – A-level Computer Science: Mark scheme guidance and application Paper 2
- 24 September – GCSE Computer Science: Mark scheme guidance and application Paper 1
- 29 September – A-level Computer Science: Mark scheme guidance and application Paper 1
- 1 October – GCSE Computer Science: Mark scheme guidance and application Paper 2
Courses coming soon in the autumn term
- NEA marking
- A-level: Exploring networking
- A-level: Exploring coding
- GCSE: Exploring coding
- GCSE: Exploring levels of response questions
Student Advisory Group recruitment for 2026/27
Help your learners influence the future of exams
We’re looking for learners to join our Student Advisory Group for 2026/27. The group gives young people a direct opportunity to share their experiences and views on qualifications, assessments and the wider exam system. Their insights will help shape the future of the curriculum, qualifications and assessments for young people, as well as our work to offer new vocational qualifications.
If you know any learners who may be interested, please encourage them to apply – we’re looking for students who have taken AQA qualifications, though this is not essential, and they can be sitting general or vocational qualifications.
Applications open: Monday 7 September 2026
Applications close: 5.00pm on Monday 21 September 2026
Thank you for helping us raise awareness of this opportunity among your learners. For more information about the Student Advisory Group and details on how to apply, please visit our website.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) within assessments
Read the latest JCQ guidance on the use of AI in assessments in the AI in assessments: protecting the integrity of qualifications document. The guidance explains how AI can be used appropriately in assessments and outlines the requirements for reporting suspected misuse.
Stay connected
Whatever your question, our Subject Support team is here to help.
Email: computerscience@aqa.org.uk
Call: 0161 957 3980, Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm.