July 2026 Drama update
Fri Jul 03 13:45:00 UTC 2026
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In this June update you will find all the latest news on our GCSE and A Level Drama and Theatre qualifications.
Please do get in touch if you have any questions using my details below.
In this update you will find information on:
- 2026 Assessment survey
- Component 3 assessment materials release dates
- Preparing for Results Days
- Understanding your students' results - a guide to post-results services
- Support for students ahead of results day
- Training and support in the autumn term
- Future of GCSEs: Creative and Practical Curriculum
- Drama and Theatre Facebook group
- Fences UK tour
- Support and contact
Help us improve the assessment experience for your students
Have your say on our 2026 Drama and Theatre assessments!
If your students took our qualifications in the May/June 2026 series, we'd love to hear about your experience. Share your views on assessment themes, internal assessment processes, moderation, external assessments, and the support and resources available.
Your feedback goes directly to our senior moderators, examiners and subject teams, helping to inform future developments.
| C3 Mark Scheme | GCSE Drama | 14 July 26 |
| C3 Mark Scheme | A Level Drama and Theatre | 21 July 26 |
| C3 Examiner Report | GCSE Drama | 18 Aug 26 |
| C3 Examiner Report | A Level Drama and Theatre | 18 Aug 26 |
Results Dates
Qualification |
Date released to centre |
Date released to student |
|---|---|---|
A Levels |
12 August 2026 |
13 August 2026 |
GCSE |
19 August 2026 |
20 August 2026 |
Getting ready for results day?
Our post-results support guide can help you:
- navigate students’ results,
- understand the available data,
- find the right support if you have queries about grading or marking.
Waiting for exam results can be nerve-wracking for many students. Our guide for students, parents and carers on Understanding results and grades contains helpful information about what to expect on results day and where to find further support.
The guide includes information on:
- dates for results days
- receiving and understanding results
- grades and grade boundaries
- what steps to take if they are not happy with their results
- university applications
- certificates
- where to find further support.
Please pass this information on to your students.
GCSE and A Level Drama training events in the autumn term
We have some free online training events happening in the autumn term for both GCSE and A Level, including All Set for 2026-2027 events in September. As your Subject Advisor, I'll be running these free online events.
In these sessions, we will:
- reflect on the summer 2026 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: All Set for 26-27 | 15 Sept 2026 | 1600-1700 BST |
Register now |
| A Level Drama and Theatre: All Set for 26-27 | 22 Sept 2026 | 16:00-17:00 BST | Register now |
| A Level Drama and Theatre: Sharing Best Practice in Pedagogy | 29 Sept 2026 | 16:00-17:00 BST | Register now |
| GCSE Drama: Supporting Students on Design Routes | 6 October 2026 | 16:00 – 18:00 BST | Register now |
| A Level Drama and Theatre: Exam Insights Summer 2026 | 4 Nov 2026 | 16:30 – 18:30 GMT | Register now |
| GCSE Drama: Coursework Marking Training – Component 1 | 11 Nov 2026 | 16:30 – 18:30 GMT | Register now |
| GCSE Drama: Exam Insights Summer 2026 | 16 Nov 2026 | 16:30 – 18:30 GMT | Register now |
| A Level Drama and Theatre: Preparing for Component 2 | 17 Nov 2026 | 16:30 – 18:30 GMT | Register now |
| GCSE Drama: Preparing for Component 2 | 19 Nov 2026 | 16:00 – 18:00 GMT | Register now |
| A Level Drama and Theatre: Engaging with Purpose – Preparing Students for Component 3 Success | 24 November 2026 | 16:00 – 17:30 GMT | Register now |
| GCSE Drama: Engaging with Purpose – Preparing Students for Component 3 Success | 1 December 2026 | 16:00 – 17:30 GMT | Register now |
Future of GCSEs: Creative and Practical Curriculum
Following the Government response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review, we are speaking with teachers and students about their experience GCSEs across the creative and practical curriculum, and what they would like to see change in the future.
Expression of Interest
Do you teach GCSE Drama or A level Drama and Theatre?
Then this group was made for you. It’s a friendly, professional space where you can share ideas, swap tips, and ask those everyday teaching questions.
Whether you're after inspiration or support, this is a great place to collaborate with others and get the latest news.
If you are teaching Fences as a set text in A Level Component 3, or you are looking for a production to take GCSE Drama students, there's a UK tour of August Wilson's seminal play taking place this autumn.
11 – 26 September Leeds Playhouse
30 September – 3 October Oxford Playhouse
6 –31 October Lyric Hammersmith
3 – 7 November HOME Manchester
10 – 14 November Nottingham Playhouse
Subject advisor
Paul Webster
Drama, Theatre and Performing Arts
Facebook :
Phone :
+44 (0) 344 463 2535
(Teaching Services team | Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm GMT)
