A-level Drama and Theatre: Updated specification for first teaching from September 2026

We are pleased to confirm that we’ve added two practitioners to the subject content (section 3.5) of our A-level Drama and Theatre (7262) specification. We’ve listened carefully to feedback from teachers highlighting the need for greater variety and diversity within our prescribed practitioner list.

We’re delighted to add Splendid Productions and Toby Olié to the prescribed practitioners list.

• Splendid Productions is a contemporary British theatre company known for creating challenging, engaging, and politically aware work for young audiences.
• Toby Olié is an Olivier Award–nominated puppetry director and designer, whose work spans leading institutions including the National Theatre, the RSC, the Royal Ballet, and Manchester Royal Exchange.

For Year 12 A-level students beginning their course in September 2026, they may apply the work and methodologies of these practitioners to both devised and scripted components for first assessment from 2028.

These additions also reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring the specification represents the dynamic, diverse, and socially engaged nature of contemporary British theatre.

The updated specification (version 1.9, June 2026) is available on our website. Please make sure you are using the latest version.

If you have any questions, you can email us at drama@aqa.org.uk or call 01483 556301.