Small changes, meaningful difference
A more positive English Language exam experience for you and your students is coming in 2026.
In summer 2026, we’ll be introducing important updates to our GCSE English Language exam papers and mark schemes. While nothing is changing just yet, we’ll provide all the information you need as the time approaches.
We’ve listened to your feedback and these updates are built on the strong foundation you and your students know. Backed by research, these changes are designed to enhance the exam experience and better align with student needs. While the core skills your learners need will remain the same, this is a step towards a more positive learning experience.
What are the changes?
We haven’t changed the structure of the papers. There are the same number of questions on each paper with the same number of marks and the same assessment objectives (AOs) allocated to each.
Paper 1
- Question 1 is changing to a multiple-choice question.
- Question 3 now focuses on a single effect, for example, ‘How has the writer structured the text to create suspense’ etc.
- Question 4 has had the reference to a ‘student’ making the statement removed, making the focus on the statement clearer. There has also been a change to the wording of the second bullet point referring to methods.
- Question 5 prompt reminds students they can use their imaginations and do not have to describe the exact picture.
- Question 5 narrative option now offers students the option to write an ‘opening’, rather than a whole narrative.
Paper 2
- Question 2 has been reworded to improve clarity.
- Question 4 has a change to the wording of the bullet point referring to methods.
Mark schemes
We’re improving our mark schemes across paper 1 and paper 2 so that you have the guidance you need when marking your classroom assessments and you can better understand what earns marks. The changes will help you apply the mark scheme more accurately, see how your students are performing, and how they can improve.
When will this affect me and my students?
Current Year 11 cohort
May/June 2025
No change to exam papers
Current Year 10 cohort
May/June 2026
First GCSE English Language updated papers
Current Year 10 cohort
November 2026 (resit)
Autumn resit with updated papers
The changes will affect current Year 10 students taking exams in summer 2026 and onwards. Current Year 11 and those students resitting exams in November 2025 will not see any changes to the exam papers.
Ready to give your students a more positive exam experience?
Our team of experts have developed materials to support your preparation for the 2026 exams. Here are some resources to explore now, with more coming soon.
Free training and e-learning
Want to find out more about the changes and get your questions answered? Don't miss your chance to book onto our Curriculum Connect sessions and hear from our experts. Whilst you're there, why not check out our other on demand training and webinars.
Teacher-led support, tailored for you
These changes may raise questions, and we’re here to help. Your go-to team of English specialists provide practical, actionable advice and guidance, rooted in real classroom experience, to help you navigate changes and enhance your teaching. Let us support you every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most – your students.
It’s great to be able to take the feedback we’ve had from teachers and implement these small but meaningful changes to our GCSE English Language exams. By simplifying language, aligning prompts, and adjusting the mark scheme, our aim is to improve the experience of the students answering the questions, and increase clarity for teachers and examiners.”
Stephanie Keenan, Head of Product – English
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