GCSE Physical Education: specification changes for 2026

For the summer 2026 exams and onwards we’ve made some small updates to the scheme of assessment in our GCSE Physical Education (8582) specification. The updates involve the skills needed for Association Football, Badminton, Rugby Union and Volleyball.

To make sure each of these activities are in line with national governing body guidance and are using the most up-to-date terminology, the following updates will apply to the GCSE PE specification from summer 2026.

Changes in detail

Association football (specification page 57)

• 4. Heading (not compulsory- can be used at the school/college’s discretion in-line with Football Association (FA) guidelines)

Badminton (specification page 64)

• 2. Overhead shots (use of a variety of overhead shots)
• 3. Underarm shots (use of a variety of underarm shots)

Rugby Union (specification page 148)

• 2. Tackling (use of a variety of tackles)
• 3. Maul (as an attacking skill)
• 4. Ruck (as an attacking skill and counter-rucking)

Volleyball (specification page 185)

• 3. Volley – set, straight, sideways, reverse

We understand that students may have already started preparing for their 2026 non-exam assessment (NEA). If your student(s) have already gathered evidence of these skills for the summer 2026 assessments or have used the skill as part of their written NEA, they will still be able to use the previous wording of the skills for their summer 2026 submission. After the summer 2026 series, all students must use the skills as outlined in the updated specification.

The updated specification (v1.6 - 23 June 2025) is available on our website. Please make sure you are using the latest version.

If you have any questions or need any support, you can email us at pe@aqa.org.uk or call us on 01483 477 822.