General Qualifications Bulletin - UK - Issue - 66
Dear Colleague,
Welcome to the February qualifications bulletin, I hope you’ve had a good half term break. As the evenings are gradually beginning to get noticeably lighter, I’m certainly looking forward to the spring bulbs flowering and the promise of some warmer days.
This month we bring you some information in preparation for the summer 2025 series, including a reminder about Ofqual’s guidance on ensuring resilience in the qualifications system, contingency dates and a link to the JCQ key dates for the June 2025 exam cycle.
There is new information for Exams Officers for the spring and summer essentials, along with details of the next online training event in March. There is a reminder about the deadline for ordering 3D models for modified papers. Plus, key subject updates and some examiner vacancies for you to take a look at.
This month we have launched a new Facebook group to support Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English teachers, run by our Subject Advisor, Clare Haviland. As our Facebook communities grow, we’re delighted that so many of you are joining the conversations and sharing ideas.
As ever, if you need any more information or want to share any feedback with us, you can always get in touch via our support portal. We will always do our best to get you the answers as quickly as possible.
I wish you all a restful break during the holiday season.
Hayley White
Vice President, Assessment, Standards and Services
Whilst the summer exam series may still seem some time away, we know you’re already preparing, so we wanted to remind you about resilience arrangements and confirm the exam contingency dates.
A reminder about resilience arrangements
Please ensure you are familiar with Ofqual’s guidance on ensuring resilience in the qualifications system.
Centres should put in place a process for gathering evidence of candidate performance in line with the published guidance for GCSE, AS and A levels, Project Qualifications and AEA.
Please refer to the document published by Ofqual: Guidance on collecting evidence of student performance to ensure resilience in the qualifications system.
Contingency dates for exams
The Joint Council for Qualifications has published their key dates document for the June 2025 exam cycle. Two dates have been set aside as contingency in the event of national or significant local disruption to exams in the UK:
- 11 June – afternoon session
- 25 June – full day
Download the JCQ Key dates in the examination cycle guide
Further information and support can be found on our General qualifications assessment support page
Everyone's exam experience is unique, and we understand that preparing for and sitting exams can bring about many emotions. Our exam wellbeing support is here to help you, your students and their families navigate this time – from the run-up to exams, to exam days and results days.
As you and your students begin to focus on the summer exam series ahead, we’d like to share our Getting ready for exam guide for students with top tips on preparing for exams.
The entry deadline for UK centres for GCSE, AS and A level, AEA, Entry Level Certificate, Level 3 Core Maths and Project qualifications has now passed. Please note that entries made for any of these qualifications will now be charged the late entry fee.
The entry deadline for International GCSEs, Edexcel Awards and Level 1 and 2 Projects and Level 3 Extended Project (EPQ) is 21 March 2025.
Further key dates are listed in the Key Dates section below, but you can also take a look at our new interactive qualifications key dates calendar.
The deadline for ordering modified papers for the summer 2025 exam series has now passed. We’d like to remind you that we no longer supply 3D models with the modified large print Maths papers unless they are ordered.
Please note that these will still come as standard with all orders for UEB Grade 1 and Grade 2 braille, so you do not need to request these.
If you have placed an order for modified large print papers for one of the following subjects, and your student(s) requires 3D models, please complete this form by 28 February to order them.
- GCSE Mathematics
- International GCSE Mathematics
- A level Mathematics
- Edexcel Award Number & Measure
Failure to order 3D models by this date will result in no models being sent to your centre.
If you require any further information regarding this, please contact the Modified Formats Team at additional_requirements@pearson.com.
Our EO Support: Spring & Summer Essential Information article is now available to help guide you through the busy months ahead.
Pearson Development Hub and upcoming live EO events
Our dedicated space for Exams Officer training has been created as part of our commitment to you, to offer enhanced support and training in 2024/2025 and beyond.
You can access our library of interactive modules alongside live training, curated support articles, and the most useful documents from our website. We have brought everything you need to one place to save time when you need to upskill or refresh yourself on a topic.
- Pause interactive modules and return to them later.
- Make notes in the notepad that you can refer to and download later.
- Receive email alerts when new content is released.
- Follow curated learning paths for a particular qualification or process.
You can read How to access the Pearson Development Hub in our dedicated support article.
Exams Officer Update live sessions
Why not join us for our next live online event, taking place on Thursday 13 March, 2pm - 3pm.
We’ll go through news, updates and processes for the coming weeks and give you the opportunity to ask any general questions.
Register for this and other upcoming events.
Please book my spot for Thursday 13 March 2-3 pm
If you are unable to attend these events, you can find recordings of previous events and links to sign up in our support article: Exams Officer Update UK Webinar Events 2024/2025.
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook where we’ll be sharing the latest news, updates and information about our support services across subjects. From our own news to updates from Ofqual and JCQ, follow us on @PearsonEdexcel on Facebook to stay up to date.
Follow us @PearsonEdexcel on Facebook
Join our new Facebook Groups
To provide teachers with subject-specific support via Facebook, we’re setting up a number of subject groups, run by our Subject Advisors. The latest subject group is International GCSE English.
International GCSE English
Clare Haviland, our English Subject Advisor, has launched the new International GCSE English Facebook group to support Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English teachers. Created to give you a private, professional space to discuss teaching and learning ideas, ask general questions and connect with other Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English teachers.
Join Clare’s International GCSE English group
Drama and Theatre
Join Paul Webster's Drama and Theatre group
Geography
Join Jon Wolton’s Geography group
Statistics
Join Vicky Wood’s Statistics group
Religious Studies
Join Jenna Wyatt’s Religious Studies group
Art and Design
Join Jaclyn Wiid’s the Art and Design group
Languages
Join Rebecca Waker’s Languages group
Building on the Curriculum and Assessment Review recommendations we shared in response to the Government’s call for evidence, we’re showing how they can be made a reality. This includes:
- Rethinking and reviving English – to make it the engaging, innovative and inclusive subject it truly can be.
- Reforming GCSE Science – to foster a sense of scientific identity, creativity and curiosity.
- Focusing on stable, simplified and clear 16–19 pathways – to give learners a future-ready educational framework.
- Shaping a broad and creative curriculum – so all learners can explore creativity.
Time is running out! Nominations for the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards close on 28 February.
Do you know a teacher, teaching assistant, or support staff member who deserves recognition? Celebrate their impact and bring your school community together!
Winners will be honoured on National Thank a Teacher Day, featured on BBC’s The One Show, and may attend a prestigious London awards ceremony.
Art and Design
As centres prepare to sit the GCSE/A level Art and Design 10/15 hour period of sustained focus under examination conditions, we want to share our guidance regarding Extra Time and SEND within these qualifications.
GCSE Art and Design Extra time and SEND FAQs
A level Art and Design Extra time and SEND FAQs
We have also issued guidance for line managers and individuals without specialised knowledge to aid in supporting GCSE and A level Art and Design departments. It would be advantageous for management colleagues to refer to this guide during the internal assessment and moderation period for this series, as it will contribute to achieving positive results for learners.
Supporting Art and Design departments to deliver GCSE and A level courses
Art and Design Network: Live Q&A
Join us on 3 March at 16:00 (GMT) for our virtual drop-in clinic to support centres with the Component 1 and 2 final marking and moderation process.
This online network event is a live Q&A session, where delegates will have the opportunity to ask senior members of our moderating/marking team questions ahead of the summer examination series.
Supported by our Subject Advisor, Jaclyn Wiid, our senior team will help you troubleshoot problems and address any concerns when preparing for the Pearson Edexcel GCSE, A Level, or International GCSE qualifications in Art and Design.
Design and Technology
GCSE Design Technology face-to-face moderation training event
On Thursday 6 March we’re running two face-to-face moderation training events for teachers and is designed to help centres ensure they meet the required standards.
During the session, we will:
- review exemplar work
- discuss how to interpret the assessment criteria
- answer questions about the moderation process.
Book your training session today.
GCSE Design and Technology: Face-to-face Moderation Training Morning
GCSE Design and Technology: Face-to-face Moderation Training Afternoon
Mathematics
Within GCSE (9-1) Mathematics there has always been some formulae that are provided in the body of a question should they be needed. These formulae are the curved surface area of a cone, surface area of a sphere, volume of a sphere and volume of a cone. These are the formulae detailed in Appendix 3 of the specification and are the formulae that the DfE sets out that candidates can be provided with as detailed on page 16 of the DfE Subject Content for GCSE Mathematics.
Previously, in line with the DfE Subject Content, we didn't include the formula for the volume of a pyramid in this list and candidates had to memorise this formula.
However, given the recent decision from the DfE that candidates should not need to memorise any formulae for exams in 2025, 2026 and 2027 and the continuing provision of an Exam Aid, we have brought the formula for the volume of a pyramid in line with the other specific formulae listed above and will provide it in the question should it be needed.
We can now confirm that students will no longer need to memorise the formula for the volume of a pyramid and this formula will be provided for relevant questions in future series.
Science
GCSE equation sheets
The DfE has confirmed that students will not need to memorise equations for GCSE Physics and Combined Science (physics) for June 2025, 2026, and 2027.
We will follow the same approach for our International GCSE Physics, Science Double Award and Single Award (physics papers) for all series. Clean copies will be provided with the exam papers.
Links to the 2025 equation sheets can be found below:
GCSE Physics and Combined Science
International GCSE Physics and International GCSE Science (Double Award)
International GCSE Science (Single Award) Physics
Subject Advisor support
Stay up to date with all your subject news by signing up to receive your Subject Advisor newsletters. Experts in their fields, and many of them former teachers, our subject advisors are here to support you throughout the year and can help with all your subject-specific queries.
We're looking for knowledgeable and passionate individuals to become Pearson examiners for the 2025 exam series across a variety of subjects.
Becoming an examiner is a great way to deepen your subject expertise, spread your assessment knowledge within your department and acquire valuable insights into the assessment process, empowering you to better prepare your learners for their exams.
You can enjoy the convenience of working remotely, fitting it around your other commitments, and augmenting your income. It can also help you build your professional networks and benefit from opportunities for progression and continuous professional development.
Take a look at the opportunities below.
Examiner - GCSE Citizenship Studies
Chair of Examiners – GCSE Persian
Content Author - A level Politics
Examiner - A level Business Studies
The Provisional timetables for Summer 2026 are now available on our Provisional timetables page.
The feedback window will run until Friday 21 March. Please send any feedback into timetables@pearson.com
Stay organised with our new interactive Qualifications Key Dates Calendar. It can also be downloaded and synchronised seamlessly with your own personal calendar, such as MS Outlook.
Calendar subscriptions allow you to automatically add important exam dates directly to your preferred calendar app (such as Google Calendar, Outlook, or Apple Calendar). Once you click the subscription button, the calendar will update itself with any future changes or new dates, ensuring you always have the most up-to-date information without manually entering or updating dates.
Our Key Dates Finder enables you to find all of the key dates for Pearson general qualifications and subjects in one place. Here are those taking place during the spring term.
Date |
Qualification |
Exam |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|
21 Feb 25 |
All UK general qualifications |
June 25 |
Entry deadline for UK centres |
22 Feb 25 |
All UK general qualifications |
June 25 |
Late entry fees will be charged to UK centres from this date |
28 Feb 25 |
GCSE English Language and Maths |
Nov 24 |
Date by which certificates will be issued |
1 Mar 25 |
GCE A level Physical Education 9PE0/03 and GCSE Physical Education 1PE0/03 |
June 25 |
Start of moderation window for centre visits and remote moderation. Centre marks must be submitted on Edexcel Online 15 days prior to the moderation day |
3 Mar 25 |
Mathematics in Context (Level 3 Core Maths) |
June 25 |
Source booklet for Paper 1 available to download from our website |
5 Mar 25 |
Edexcel Award and Project Qualification |
Jan 25 |
Restricted release of results to centres |
6 Mar 25 |
Edexcel Award and Project Qualification |
Jan 25 |
Release of results to candidates |
7 Mar 25 |
GCE A level Drama 9DR0/02 and GCSE Drama 1DR0/02 |
June 25 |
Centres must complete the submission of text choices at least six weeks before intended examination date (final submission 8th March 2024) |
18 Mar 25 |
GCE A level Biology A 9BN0/03 |
June 25 |
Pre-release material issued on our website |
21 Mar 25 |
All general qualifications |
June 25 |
Deadline to request transferred candidate arrangements |
21 Mar 25 |
All general qualifications |
June 25 |
Deadline to submit applications for access arrangements |
21 Mar 25 |
International GCSE and Edexcel Awards |
June 25 |
Entry deadline for centres |
22 Mar 25 |
International GCSE and Edexcel Awards |
June 25 |
Late entry fees will be charged to centres from this date |
24 Mar 25 |
International GCSE Chinese, French, German, Spanish, English as a Second Language and Swahili |
June 25 |
Speaking tests may begin. |
For more information on key dates for post results services please visit our Post-results services key dates web page.
Multi-factor authentication was successfully rolled out to nearly a quarter of a million Pearson Portal users last year. Although it has now become a standard way of accessing our systems, that we should all be familiar with, it can sometimes present challenges if a smart device is lost or replaced.
You can read more information, see a quick start guide and access FAQs and troubleshooting for our authenticator app in our Pearson Portal Authenticator support article.
