GCSE Computer Science specification changes for summer 2027
Updates to subject content for first teaching in September 2025
We are delighted to announce that we have updated our GCSE Computer Science (8525) specification for first teaching in September 2025, with first exams in summer 2027.
In line with the Department for Education (DfE) changes to GCSE Computer Science subject content, and based on your feedback, we've worked with our team of senior examiners and subject experts to remove content from our GCSE Computer Science (8525) qualification.
We have removed elements of the specification where there were varying views on their continued relevancy, as well as removing some stated examples of networking protocols which you have told us have become less relevant. The updates will mean that there is less content for you to teach, giving you more time to focus on what matters – supporting your learners. The changes will mean content that is more engaging for your students, terminology that's relevant for today, and will give them a better exam experience.
The assessments aren’t changing – paper 2 will simply not cover the removed content from 2027 onwards. We have updated the paper 2 specimen assessment materials (SAMs) to highlight questions that would not be asked from 2027.
Our supporting resources
To make sure you have everything you need to support teaching and prepare your students for the exams in 2027, we have a full support package and resources lined up to guide you through the changes.
The following resources are available ready for first teach from this September:
- updated GCSE 8525 specification version 1.3 (June 2025)
- Sample assessment materials
- Subject specific vocabulary
We are also busy working on the updated Scheme of Work, Programming guides and Teaching guides for Relational Databases, Structured Query Language (SQL), Data Validation and Authentication, and Networking to be available from 1 September 2025, and we’re creating new ones to support you throughout the delivery of the course.
You can find links to all the information and resources you need on our website.
The changes will affect current Year 10 students taking exams in summer 2027. For your current Year 11 cohort taking exams in 2026, please continue to use the current specification content.
Join our Curriculum Connect
We want to make sure you feel supported in your teaching and to answer any questions you might have. So, we are inviting you to join the first of our free online events on Tuesday 24 June, where you’ll get to hear about the changes and new resources in more detail and ask us any questions.
You can register for our Curriculum Connect now on our website.
At AQA, we are continually reviewing our specifications to make sure that they meet the demands of teachers and students. We want to thank those of you who have contributed to giving us your feedback. We hope you will find the changes helpful in supporting your teaching and learning.
Like you, we have been following the Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review and responded to both its call for evidence late last year and the interim report published on 18 March. We share your concerns as Computer Science teachers, and we believe that the specification should match the modern world. The final report and recommendations are due to be published in the autumn.
If you have any questions you can get in touch with us by email at computerscience@aqa.org.uk or call us on 0161 957 3980.
