July 2025 Drama update
Welcome to this July 2025 update with all the latest news on our GCSE and A level Drama and Theatre qualifications.
I hope term is finishing well and you’re ready for the long break. This update provides all the support you need for the August results period and for getting started in September.
Please do get in touch if you have any questions using my details below.
In this update you will find information on:
Component 1 Devising update
We are pleased to share that we are proposing to offer a duologue performance option alongside the group performance for component 1, in both the GCSE and A level Drama and Theatre qualifications. The expectation is for this to be implemented for first teach September 2025 and first assessment in 2027 however, this will be subject to regulator approval. We will confirm with all our centres as soon as we're able to.
This change aims to provide more flexibility for teachers and students, reducing the need for non-assessed individuals. We appreciate your feedback and remain committed to further improving the Drama and Theatre GCSE and A level qualifications.
New Design support materials for GCSE Drama
If you have students choosing to offer design in Components 1 or 2, we have some information sheets that you might find useful. These cover sound, lighting, costume and set, providing guidance and ideas on the skills and processes involved, timelines and types of evidence needed. There's also a comparison between the process journeys followed by performers and designers, plus an overarching design process map.
All Set for 2025-2026 events
To support you with kicking off the new academic year, I'll be running free online events in September.
In these sessions, we will:
• reflect on the summer 2025 exam series
• look at the key events and up-to-date information for this new academic year
• share ideas, resources and approaches to teaching the three components
• have the opportunity to ask questions.
| GCSE Drama | 16/09/2025 |
Book A Place Now |
| A Level Drama and Theatre | 18/09/2025 1530-1630 |
Book A Place Now |
Results and post results services
The question papers from this summer's Component 3 exams are available now on our website.
The mark schemes will be available on our website during July.
A Level Drama results will be released to centres on 13 August with results released to candidates on 14 August.
GCSE Drama results will be released to centres on 20 August with results released to candidates on 21 August.
Lead Examiner and Lead Moderator reports will be available from 26 August.
From results day you can download centre-specific moderator feedback for Devising. To find out how to do this please read the guidance below.
Moderator Report (E9)
Your moderator writes a report to explain where it was necessary to adjust your centre’s marks. Where possible, your moderator advises you on how you could make improvements for future series.
You can find these on Edexcel Online. Please speak to your examinations officer if you don't have access to Edexcel Online.
Watch our short video on how to find your Moderator Report.
ResultsPlus
ResultsPlus is a free online results analysis tool for teachers that gives you a detailed breakdown of your students’ performance in Edexcel exams. It provides the most detailed analysis available of your students’ performance and helps you to identify topics and skills where your students could benefit from further learning, helping them gain a deeper understanding of their subject.
Facebook Drama group
We have a Facebook Drama community group for teachers. It's a private, professional group, created to support teacher in delivering our Drama and Theatre qualifications.
Teachers can use this group to field teaching and learning ideas, ask general questions and connection with other Drama and Theatre teachers.
I will be available to respond to queries on the group every week day between 9 and 5pm.
Live productions of set texts this summer
There are a couple of live productions of GCSE Drama set texts taking place this summer.
At Shakespeare's Globe theatre in London, Arthur Miller's The Crucible is playing until 12th July.
Across the South East of England, Changeling Theatre will be sharing their version of Twelfth Night in non-traditional locations throughout July and August.
Subject advisor
Paul Webster
Drama, Theatre and Performing Arts
