GCSE Science subject update

Welcome to our autumn 2026 newsletter

In this edition you’ll find our assessment updates, online CPD resources and links to support your teaching. Remember, Team Science is here to help with assessment, resources and CPD. Book a Free at 3? slot if you’d like to discuss anything related to our science offer.

Ofqual updates

GCSE Maths and GCSE Sciences formulae and equations sheets for 2027 exams and 2028 onwards

The GCSE Maths and GCSE Science formulae and equation sheets for 2027 are now available. There are no changes from 2026, so students can continue to use the current versions for revision and exam practice. Find them on our website.

Exams in 2028 and onwards

Ofqual has confirmed that students taking GCSE Maths, Physics and Combined Science under the current specifications will continue to receive formula and equation sheets from 2028 onwards. These include advance publication of the sheets and provision of clean copies with every exam paper. A small change will also be made to some of our GCSE Science questions. This is an interim measure until the reformed qualifications as part of the Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review are ready for first exams.

Read our news story for a summary of the decisions and what they mean for schools and colleges.

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.

Community links

Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

• Deepen your knowledge and boost your confidence teaching practicals in chemistry with the RSC's Teaching practical science series. Your 11–16-year-old learners will reap the benefits.
• Discover the RSC's ready-to-use, editable resources to prepare, deliver, assess and enrich key chemistry topics. There are plenty of topics for 11–14 years and topics for 14–16 years to choose from already, with more coming this term.

SAPS

• Looking to gain confidence in teaching photosynthesis? SAPS are offering their free course Teaching photosynthesis with confidence and enthusiasm – science and plants for schools.

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.

Professional development to support your teaching

We offer a range of free training courses to support your teaching. Keep an eye on our professional development page for further details and booking information.

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.