March 26 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. There is also some important information about changes to the coursework mark and sample submission process which will be implemented this summer.
Key Dates
International entry deadline: The deadline for making entries for the Summer 2026 examination series is 21 March 2026 for international centres.
As a result of the introduction of International GCSE History modular specifications (overseas centres only) and onscreen assessment (now also available for IAL) we have many different entry codes available for our international History qualifications. This update will aim to clarify each code to ensure centres are confident they are making the correct entries for students in the Summer 2026 exam series:
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.
Training for History teachers
The following training event is now available to book via our training page.
- GCSE History: Exploring the 'judgement essay' question, 17 March 2026 at 16:00 - 17:00 GMT
We will share a recording with teachers after the event has taken place.
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
Important changes to mark and sample submission for A level History coursework
This update is to inform A level History teachers about some important changes to NEA mark and sample submission which will be implemented this summer.
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.
Summer 2027 Provisional Timetables now available
The provisional timetables for Summer 2027 are available to view on our website. The feedback window will run until Friday 20 March. Please send feedback to timetables@pearson.com.
2nd edition student books for Edexcel GCSE History are now available
Pearson have updated some of the Edexcel GCSE History student books to reflect the latest assessment support. These new books combine the visual, less text-heavy approach of the foundation series with the standard student books' support for higher achieving learners, challenging activities and interesting case studies. 2nd edition books are now available for the following topics:
- Medicine in Britain, c1250-present
- Crime and punishment in Britain, c1000–present
- Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–1088
- Henry VIII and his ministers, 1509–1540
- Early Elizabethan England, 1558–1588
- The American West, c1835–c1895
- Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91
- Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–1939
- The USA, 1954–1975: conflict at home and abroad
If you’re already using these new 2nd edition books we’d love to get your feedback on them. Head over to the Pearson History Facebook group and share your views with other teachers.
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:
Subject advisor
Mark Battye
History
