New optional modern texts added to A-level English Literature specifications
We've added five new optional additional texts to our A-level English Literature specifications A and B, available for first teaching in September 2025.
Published
Friday 5 Dec 2025
We are excited to announce the introduction of five new optional additional texts to our A-level English Literature specifications A and B, available for first teaching in September 2025. The first A-level exam of these new texts will take place in summer 2027.
A-level English Literature specification A (7712)
Three new set texts added from September 2025 (first exam 2027)
A-level English Literature specification B (7717)
Two new set texts added from September 2025 (first exam 2027)
These new texts are optional - we are not replacing or removing any of the existing A-level texts, so teachers will be able to continue teaching the texts they have previously taught across our A-level English Literature specifications.
The updated specifications are available for A-level English Literature A and A-level English Literature B. To support teaching, we’ve released enhanced teaching resources. These include new text overviews, indicative content, and a text selector tool to help identify suitable combinations, giving teachers support and flexibility for future planning.
To find out more, explore the new A-level English Literature texts or contact Team English at english-gce@aqa.org.uk.