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GCSE Religious Studies8061

GCSE Religious Studies (8061) - Updates for Summer 2026

We are introducing some light but meaningful changes to our (8061) assessments from Summer 2026. Read about the changes here.

2.0 Specification at a glance

This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course.

2.1 Subject content

There is one examined component containing the following:

2.2 Assessments

Beliefs, teachings and ethical studies

What's assessed

Section A: The study of religions: beliefs and teachings of two religions from the following:

  • Christianity
  • Islam
  • Judaism
  • Buddhism.
Section B: Thematic studies: religious, philosophical and ethical studies:
  • Theme A: Relationships and families
  • Theme B: Religion, peace and conflict

How it’s assessed

  • Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • 96 marks, plus 6 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
  • 100% of GCSE Short course

Questions

Section A:
  • Students answer questions on two religions
  • The questions within each religion have a common structure made up of five-part questions of 1, 2, 4, 5 and 12 marks.

Section B:

  • Students answer questions on both themes
  • The questions within each theme have a common structure made up of five-part questions of 1, 2, 4, 5 and 12 marks.

All questions are marked out of 24.