November 2026 International Science Qualification News
Hello colleagues,
Welcome to your November update for International Science teachers. This month we have information on the availability of exams for the current and new (for September 2027) IAL science specifications as well as an update on training available.
As ever, don't hesitate to get in touch if I can help in any way - why not book a Teams call with me (follow the link below) if it would be helpful to talk something over?
Best wishes,
Tim Lawrence
Pearson Edexcel Subject Advisor for International Science Qualifications
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10 November | IAL October 2026 exam papers published |
| 1 December | International GCSE November 2026 exam papers published |
| 11 December | Deadline for Access to Scripts for May/June exam series |
| 22 December | Mark schemes for IG and IAL autumn series published |
| 21 January | Results to candidates for IG and IAL autumn series |
| 26 January | Examiner reports for IG and IAL autumn series published |
Final exam timetables for the summer 2027 exam series are available on our webpage linked below.
As we have previously shared our refreshed Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics will be available for first teaching in September 2027. They are being designed to provide a more coherent teaching, learning and assessment experience. Closer alignment across the specification, assessments and support resources including textbooks will help teachers plan with confidence and enable students to understand what is expected. Improved accessibility for learners using English as an additional language, alongside clearer guidance on breadth and depth, will support progression to university-level STEM study.
What isn't changing?
- The modular structure with three examination series, giving learners flexibility to sit units when they are ready
- Practical skills assessed through written papers, avoiding an additional live practical examination burden for schools
- Access to a full package of support services including training, subject experts, examWizard (test and exam generator), ResultsPlus (results analysis) and free access to scripts.
Key information regarding exam entries:
Schools currently delivering the 2018 Biology, Chemistry and Physics specifications should continue with and complete the current specifications. Learners cannot mix units from the current 2018 qualifications with units from the new 2027 qualifications. You can view the transition timeline here:
Specifications, schemes of work, and sample assessment material will be available in early 2027 and will be made available on the qualification pages:
Schools can sign-up to receive the latest updates as they become available.
We have three free, live online training events coming up for Biology teachers - view all available courses on the page linked here:
View all International Science courses available and book your places.
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 11 November | IG Biology: Understanding Assessment... free online training |
| 16 November | IG Biology (modular): Unserstanding Assessment... |
| 18 November | IAL Biology: Understanding Assessment... |
Free online 'self-paced' courses for International GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics are now available. These use our new interactive training platform to deliver course content and assess understanding.
Register for our International GCSE 'Mark like an Examiner' self-paced courses.
We also provide centre-based training opportunities. If this is something you would like to explore, please visit our training page below.
The questions below have been asked during training events recently, in our Facebook group or in emails to teachingscience@pearson.com:
Currently modular qualifications (including the new IAL science specifications for first teaching in September 2027) are not available to UK schools. The only exception to this is that online schools who enter candidates for exams in the UK and in other countries are able to offer modular qualifications to their UK-based students.
Subject advisor
Irine Muhiuddin and Tim Lawrence
UK and International Science
