January 2026 Design and Technology update
Here is your January 2026 update for GCSE and A level Design and Technology.
- Key dates
- New exemplar materials for GCSE and A level Design and Technology NEA
- Our response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review
- Changes to sample sizes for moderation
- Upcoming training events (online and Face to Face)
- Recorded training events
- Ofqual consultation for on-screen assessment
- Get in touch!
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 21 February 2026 | Entries deadline |
| 15 May 2026 | Deadline to submit NEA samples and NEA marks |
| 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 |
New exemplar materials for GCSE and A level Design and Technology NEA
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.
Our Response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review
The Curriculum and Assessment Review is an important milestone for education and skills in the UK – and it’s just the beginning.
We welcome the Review’s support for many of the recommendations we shared. All of these have been inspired by our work with schools and colleges across the country. And we’ll keep working to build an education system that empowers students, champions teachers, and drives the UK’s long-term success.
As we now move from ideas into further action, we’ll keep collaborating with educators, students, partners, sector experts to drive manageable and truly impactful change.
We’ve already started to do this and would love for you to join us in our next steps.
From June 2026, we’ll be asking you to submit a slightly larger sample size for NEA moderation for both GCSE and A level qualifications.
This change is designed to make moderation smoother and reduce the need for additional sample requests later in the year.
Therefore if you are selecting your students for sampling for the May 26 moderation submission, please ensure that you refer the information here and in the Administrative Support Guide.
We’ve got a range of training events lined up to help you deliver the GCSE and A level Design and Technology specifications with confidence.
And here’s some exciting news – we’re expanding our face-to-face events, including new sessions for A level. These are currently being scheduled, and you’ll be able to book your place soon.
Online events for both GCSE and A level are now scheduled. You can book on to these from the following update!
Online training events for GCSE and A level Design and Technology
Recorded past training events
The training team has been busy sorting out the event recordings from past online events. Here is a few available for GCSE and A level D&T at this moment in time.
Available recordings:
- GCSE D&T exam insights
- A level D&T Grids 4-8 and 9-11 events.
You can access these materials from the qualification website.
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.
Subject advisor
Evren Alibaba
Design and Technology
