February 2025 History subject update

Spring term training events for GCSE and A level History

There are still places available on the training events we are running this term to support teachers with sources and interpretations:

• A Level History: Teaching and Assessing Sources - 13 February 2025 at 16:00 - 17:30 GMT
• GCSE History: Teaching and Assessing Sources - 05 March 2025 at 16:00 - 17:00 GMT
• GCSE History: Teaching and Assessing Interpretations - 11 March 2025 at 16:00 - 17:00 GMT

Edexcel International GCSE History entry codes

This update is to help Edexcel International GCSE History centres understand the different entry codes which are available for Summer 2025. It also includes a reminder of the deadline for international entries.

Summer 2025 entry deadline for UK centres

Don’t forget the deadline for making entries for the Summer 2025 examination series is 21 February 2025 for UK AS, A level and GCSE qualifications. After these dates late entry fees may be charged.

Please note that your exams officer will have their own internal deadlines in order to get the information necessary to make entries.

You can use our GCSE History entry code calculator to generate entry codes.

Reminder of GCSE History Paper 2 assessment arrangements this Summer

This update is to remind teachers and exams officers of the exam arrangements for Edexcel GCSE History Paper 2 in Summer 2025, to ensure there is a clear understanding of how the paper will be assessed on the day of the exam.

A level coursework deadline: 15 May 2025

The deadline for submitting A level coursework samples and marks to us is 15 May 2025 for Summer 2025 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.

Over the next couple of months we’ll be providing you with advice on how to submit coursework samples and marks online. In the meantime you can find guidance and support for marking and delivering coursework in our coursework guide and via re-recorded training videos.

Apply to be an examiner for GCSE History

There are still vacancies to mark GCSE History for us this summer. If you are interested in becoming an examiner you can apply online via our website.

Summer 2026 Provisional Timetables

The Provisional timetables for Summer 2026 will be available on our Provisional timetables web page from Monday 3rd February.

The feedback window will run until Friday 21st March. Please send any feedback to timetables@pearson.com.

Curriculum and Assessment Review

Last summer the government commissioned an independent review chaired by Professor Becky Francis into curriculum and assessment. The review covers Key stages 1–5, and is focusing on the key challenges to attainment for young people, especially those who are economically disadvantaged, or with special education needs or disabilities.

Review timeline:

• Interim report due early 2025.
• Final review with recommendations due Autumn 2025.

We will keep teachers up to date with any developments in newsletters and via training events.

Historical Association Conference 2025

This year’s HA Conference is taking place in Liverpool on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 May 2025. We will be attending the event and running a workshop to discuss future qualifications and specification reform. Registration for the HA conference is now open and you can find more details via the HA website.

What do your students know about the British Empire?

UCL and Oxford University are looking for secondary students across England to take part in a national survey this term. This survey explores secondary school students' existing knowledge and understanding of the British Empire and invites them to share their experiences learning about this history and its legacies, both inside and outside of school.

Through participating in this study your students will directly help shape support for future teaching and learning in this important field. If you are interested in getting involved, please email a.pettigrew@ucl.ac.uk as soon as possible as the survey will close on Friday 28 February.

Transform History Teaching with Multimedia Resources from the Educational Recording Agency (ERA)

The ERA Licence provides seamless access to television and radio recordings, offering a single point of clearance for the rights needed to create and use authentic media resources in your classroom. With ERA’s free video streaming platform, licensed institutions can explore a rich library of curriculum-mapped TV and radio clips tailored to GCSE, AS, and A-level teaching.

Engage your learners with curated clips, full-length documentaries, and programmes that bring historical contexts to life. The platform also includes exclusive access to the BBC Shakespeare and Literary Archives, offering unique cross-curricular opportunities to enrich your lessons with impactful media - perfect for both homework and classroom activities.

To access this free resource registration is required - but is quick and simple. State schools in England are licensed under a central agreement with the DfE and the vast majority of independent schools also hold a current ERA Licence.

Have your say about our Subject Advisor updates

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