April 2026 History subject update
This update contains useful information, news and advice for Edexcel History teachers including guidance on how to submit A level History coursework samples online and a new video resource on South Africa and apartheid from the Anti-Apartheid Legacy: Centre of Memory and Learning.
Key Dates
LWT Portal opening: The Learner Work Transfer portal opens on 13 April 2026. If you have submitted your coursework marks on Edexcel Online you will be able to see and submit your coursework sample after this date.
NEA submission deadline: The deadline for submitting A level coursework samples and marks to us is 15 May 2026 for Summer 2026 certification. Please note that your Exams Officer may have their own internal deadlines and you also need to take into account the requirement to inform students of their centre assessed marks.
You can find the Summer 2026 exam timetables below:
Training for History teachers
Later this month we’ll be making available recordings of the recent GCSE History ‘Explain why’ and ‘Judgment essay’ training events, as well as the A level History Accessing Level 5 event, via our website.
You can find pre-recorded training videos and guidance to support the marking and delivery of A level History coursework on our website:
Resources and support materials
Lord Peter Hain: “My fight against apartheid”
This short film and series of videos by the Anti-Apartheid Legacy: Centre of Memory and Learning feature Lord Peter Hain, anti-apartheid activist, politician and lifelong campaigner for justice, speaking to Year 12 and 13 students at Esher Sixth Form College.
The session includes a full-length talk and a curated student Q&A, in which A-Level students engage directly with Peter’s lived experience through historically grounded questions aligned to our History A-Level Route F topic on South Africa:
Don’t forget you can also listen to a series of podcasts on the history of apartheid in South Africa which were produced for the Anti-Apartheid Legacy: Centre of Memory and Learning by Dr Natasha Robinson and Professor William Beinart, and is hosted by history teacher Ciara McCombe.
A level History Online Coursework Submission Summer 2026
This update contains a summary of how to submit A level History coursework marks and samples in Summer 2026. It includes guidance on how to submit your marks and samples online, a reminder of the deadlines, the materials you need to submit, and lots of other useful advice and links.
Talking to students about AI in coursework: why the conversation matters
Ofqual has published a new blog highlighting the importance of open, honest conversations with students about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in coursework.
AI tools are now part of everyday life for many young people. But it’s important that students understand where the boundaries are. Using AI to generate coursework without proper disclosure is cheating, and the consequences can be serious - including the loss of a qualification.
The blog is designed to help you start those conversations with confidence. It includes a ready-to-use lesson plan to support classroom discussion about AI and assessed work. There is also a senior leadership team briefing pack to help schools and colleges develop a clear, whole school approach to AI in coursework.
Together, these resources can help ensure students are informed, supported and clear about expectations - before assessment pressures begin.
We also have AI guidance for A level History teachers:
Reminder of GCSE History Paper 2 assessment arrangements Summer 2026
This update is to remind teachers and exams officers of the exam arrangements for Edexcel GCSE History Paper 2 in Summer 2026, to ensure there is a clear understanding of how the paper will be assessed on the day of the exam.
GCSE History student walkthrough videos
Help prepare students for this summer’s exams with these student walkthrough videos. There is one video for each question type we've also created some guidance on command words and handy revision tips:
Humanities teachers – we'd love your insight!
As we prepare for upcoming curriculum and assessment reform, our Humanities publishing team at Pearson would really value the opportunity to spend time in your school listening to teachers and seeing resources in action. We’re keen to better understand how departments are currently teaching across KS3, KS4 and KS5, how specifications are being interpreted, and how supporting resources are used day-to-day – both in the classroom and beyond. We'd also like to discuss your thoughts on curriculum reform and future publishing resources to support this.
We’re looking to visit a range of schools across the country, ideally covering different contexts and key stages. If you’d be open to a visit or conversation with our publishing team, please complete this short form and we’ll be in touch:
UCAS admissions consultation
We know many of our centres and students use the UCAS application service when applying to Higher Education in the UK. We wanted to let you know that UCAS are currently consulting on the operation of the UCAS undergraduate admissions cycle including:
- the number of initial choices a student can make
- the firm and insurance choice
- application deadlines, including the early (October) deadline and January Equal Consideration Date.
This is an opportunity for you to have your say. You can find out further details about the consultation and respond on the UCAS website. The deadline to respond is 18.00 (UK time) on 22 April 2026.
Greenhead College presents: Teaching Medieval Women History Festival
Greenhead College in Huddersfield have organised a History Festival on 22 April to celebrate the role of Medieval women and power for History students, teachers and enthusiasts. They hope to raise awareness and create further interest among young people. To register your interest please email Joanna Donaghey at jdonaghey@greenhead.ac.uk
Subject advisor
Mark Battye
History
