AQA are introducing a series of ‘light but meaningful’ updates to make GCSE English assessments clearer and more accessible from Summer 2026.
Clarity First
AQA’s updates aim to streamline comprehension and creative questions:
– Paper 1, Q1 becomes multiple-choice, replacing the traditional ‘list four things’ format.
– Paper 1, Q3 now focuses on a single textual effect (e.g., structure that creates suspense), making the prompt more precise.
– Q4 removes references to ‘a student said…’, simplifying the question wording.
– Q5 encourages imagination beyond the picture prompt and gives students the option to write an opening of a narrative, not necessarily a full story.
– Paper 2, Q2 and Q4 also get reworded for clarity, with updated mark schemes to help students and teachers understand expectations better.
There’s no change to the number of marks or structure of the papers, just an aim to reduce ambiguity so students can focus on demonstrating their skills.
What This Means for Students
– Less confusion, more focus – improved wording and layout help students demonstrate their knowledge without unnecessary distractions.
– Creative writing becomes more accessible – you can choose to write just an opening, reducing pressure to complete a full narrative.
– Improved support for different learners – fonts, layout, and digital readiness all aid clarity and inclusion.
For Parents and Teachers
– The structure and core skills tested in GCSE English remain the same.
– Prepare students for multiple-choice Q1, focused analysis in Q3, and the optional narrative opening in Q5.
– Familiarise students with the updated layout, especially how extracts and planning space are presented.
– Digital exams may follow later—but rest assured, written exams remain the norm until 2026 and beyond.
Final Takeaway
From 2026, GCSE English Language will be easier to understand and sit, with clearer questions, cleaner layout, and reduced mental load. These improvements aim to give students confidence so they can showcase their skills—nothing more, nothing less.
For more information please visit the official AQA website: https://www.aqa.org.uk/news/gcse-english-language-updates-to-our-assessments-for-summer-2026. You can also find a summary of the changes on the AQA website here: https://cdn.sanity.io/files/p28bar15/green/a7b8890d9e771a6a70e16501308897bdea5d3fb4.pdf
