February 2026 History subject update

Key Dates

Training for History teachers

Resources and support materials

Curriculum and Assessment Review survey for Edexcel GCSE History teachers

Late last year we shared with you some key insights and next steps following the publication of the CAR final report.

Future reform of international qualifications

Following the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment review final report and timeline of UK qualification reform, we’ve been receiving questions from international History teachers about when international qualifications will be reformed.

Our international GCSEs are designed to be aligned to the UK qualifications, with international learners in mind and are recognised around the world as being equivalent. This is still our guiding principle through the next reform and the international team will work closely with the UK on understanding the proposed changes, and what this could mean for international qualifications going forwards so that we retain this aligned approach. At this time, we are not planning to make any immediate changes to the international qualifications, though this may change once more details are released at a subject level with the DfE.

Onscreen assessment update for International History qualifications

This update provides the latest information on our onscreen assessments for International GCSE and IAL History, including the availability of onscreen papers, links to guidance and details of new familiarisation materials.

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. Please take a look and have your say.

Ofqual paper exploring principles of AI use in high stakes marking  

 Ofqual recently published a fascinating working paper which explores the principles and implications of using artificial intelligence (AI) in high stakes marking.

Pearson National Teaching Awards: call for entries

The Pearson National Teaching Awards are an annual, UK-wide celebration of excellence in education, recognising the outstanding work of teachers, support staff and school leaders in early years settings, schools, and colleges across the country. The deadline for entering a nomination for the Pearson National Teacher Awards is 27 February 2026.

Historical Association Conference 2026

This year’s Historical Association Conference will be held in Newcastle on 15 and 16 May 2026. Pearson will have a stand at the conference and we'll be running a session on future qualification reform on the Friday afternoon. Find out more and book your place via the HA website:

Help Improve Exam Equity for Neurodivergent Students

Pearson has partnered with the UCL Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), to look at how neurotypical and neurodivergent (e.g. those who are autistic/have ADHD) students answer GCSE exam questions.

We hope this will allow us to make our exams more accessible for all students.

We would be very grateful if centres would consider taking part in the next phase of this very important project.

Need help with our History qualifications?

You can book a quick Teams meeting with me to talk about our History qualifications and get the support you need.