February 2026 Design and Technology update
Your latest update for for Design and Technology qualifications.
- Key dates
- Summer 2026 Entry Deadline
- Exemplar materials for GCSE and A level Design and Technology NEA
- Face to face training events - GCSE and A level D&T
- GCSE D&T Grid level training recordings
- Ofqual consultation for on-screen assessment
- Summer 2027 Provisional Timetables
- Survey - Help Improve Exam Equity for Neurodivergent Students! Foundation
- Get in touch!
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 21 February 2026 | Entries deadline (UK) |
| 21 March | Entries deadline (International) |
| 15 May 2026 | Deadline to submit NEA samples and NEA marks for GCSE and A level D&T |
| 22 May 2026 | A level Design and Technology 9DT0 01 exam |
| 10 June 2026 | GCSE Design and Technology 1DT0 (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F) exam |
| 13 August 2026 | A level results day |
| 20 August 2026 | GCSE results day |
Summer 2026 Entry Deadline
The entry deadline for UK centres for summer 2026 is 21 February 2026. Late entries will be charged from 22 February, so make sure that you don't miss this deadline.
The entry deadline for international centres is 21 March 2026, with late entries being charged from 22 March.
More information about the entries process can be found below.
We have expanded our exemplar libraries for GCSE and A level Design and Technology with new materials from Summer 2025 series. You can access further information and the exemplars from the update below.
Please note that we have now full portfolios and grid level evidence available for GCSE D&T, just like the A level library.
We are looking forward to seeing you in the face-to-face moderation training events happening in London and Sheffield later on in this term.
During these sessions, we will:
- review exemplar work
- discuss how to interpret the assessment criteria
- answer questions about the moderation process.
View dates and book your place today!
| Event | Date and Time | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Level Design and Technology: Face-to-face Moderation Training (London) AM | 06 February 2026 at 09:30-12:30 GMT | London | Register |
| A Level Design and Technology: Face-to-face Moderation Training (London) PM | 06 February 2026 at 13:30-16:30 GMT | London | Register |
| GCSE Design and Technology: Face-to-face Moderation Training (London) AM | 06 March 2026 at 09:30-12:30 GMT | London | Register |
| GCSE Design and Technology: Face-to-face Moderation Training (London) PM | 06 March 2026 at 13:30-16:30 GMT | London | Register |
| GCSE Design and Technology: Face-to-face Moderation Training (Sheffield) AM | 31 March 2026 at 09:30-12:30 GMT | Sheffiled | Register |
| GCSE Design and Technology: Face-to-face Moderation Training (Sheffield) PM | 31 March 2026 at 13:30-16:30 GMT | Sheffield | Register |
Fusion Fundamentals CAD Training
20 March 2026 at 09:30-15:30 GMT
Fusion Fundamentals is an intensive one-day course designed specifically for educators, facilitated by experienced instructors from CADclass.org. This 'teach the teacher' workshop equips you with both technical CAD skills and effective teaching strategies to deliver your Design and Technology curriculum.
Recordings and materials from the Grid level training events delivered for GCSE Design and Technology, Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) are accessible in the link below. These have been put togeher as a series of recorded events to support NEA delivery and standardisation.
Grid level Non-Axamined Assessment training recording and materials for GCSE Design and Technology
Ofqual consultation for on-screen assessment
Ofqual has launched a consultation on proposals for how on-screen assessment should be regulated in GCSEs, AS and A levels in England. Whilst they propose a controlled introduction of on-screen assessment, pen-and-paper will remain central to most exams.
As teachers working directly with students, you understand their needs and the challenges this proposal may present.
Your opinion counts. The consultation closes on 5 March 2026.
Summer 2027 Provisional Timetables
The Provisional timetables for Summer 2027 will be available on our Provisional timetables web page from Monday 2nd February. The feedback window will run until Friday 20th March.
Please send any feedback to timetables@pearson.com
Help Improve Exam Equity for Neurodivergent Students!
Pearson have partnered with the UCL Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), to look at how neurotypical and neurodivergent (e.g. those who are autistic/have ADHD) students answer GCSE exam questions.
We hope this will allow us to make our exams more accessible for all students.
We would be very grateful if centres would consider taking part in the next phase of this very important project. To find out more and express an interest in the research, please enter contact details via the link below
Subject advisor
Evren Alibaba
Design and Technology
