Updates to Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English as a Second Language (4XES2) for Summer 2026
From Summer 2026 onwards, learners and teachers will benefit from the following enhancements to our International GCSE English as a Second Language qualification.
What's new
- Updated CEFR alignment: Reading and Listening will be mapped up to C1 at Grade 9 for candidates achieving the highest grades; Writing and Speaking remain aligned up to B2+.
This strengthens recognition for routes that expect C1 competency in receptive skills without changing the demand of the question paper.We have also provided greater clarity and accuracy in our mapping of the lower grades.
- Refreshed Grammar & Vocabulary lists: We’ve added a carefully limited set of C1-level terms so that very able learners can encounter C1 structures in Reading and Listening extracts targeting Grade 9. This gives you the clarity you need to know what’s expected.
- Accessibility refinements to Reading Q1: Clearer, labelled imagery for Q1 (a–c) to support learners with additional needs; no change to task demands.
- Clarified Speaking Task 3 rubric: Teacher cards for Speaking have been updated to make the Task 3 picture-based discussion instructions clearer and more consistent, reducing ambiguity for examiners and candidates. This does not change the task format or assessment criteria - it simply improves clarity and fairness.
Why we’re making these changes
We’ve listened to feedback from centres and learners and engaged external CEFR expertise. The refinements ensure our mapping reflects performance more precisely at the top end, supports recognition outcomes, and improves accessibility - while keeping teaching content and assessment formats familiar.
There are no changes to question types, mark schemes. The overall specification requirements remain as published
Recognition and certificates
We recognise that many learners use this qualification as proof of English language competency for the purposes of university admissions. To help with this process, we have now created a letter which outlines our CEFR mapping to share with Admissions Officers.
Support and next steps
The updated Specification and Sample Assessment Materials illustrate all the changes. If you have any questions, email us at teachinglanguages@pearson.com – we’re here to help.
