A Level Religious Studies Update
For the attention of centres that teach A level Religious Studies.
This update contains details on amendments made to our A level Religious Studies qualification.
The government has confirmed that new A Levels, including Religious Studies, are expected to be taught from 2031 or 2032. Until then, we will continue to review our qualifications and resources to ensure they remain clear, relevant, and supportive for teaching and learning. Where appropriate, we may make small, targeted updates ahead of wider reform.
Following a recent review of the anthology, we are making two changes:
1. Anthology format
To make the anthology easier to use, extracts are now available as separate zipped folders for each paper. These extracts now become Issue 4.
2. Amendments to Anthology extracts and timeline
We have made amends to anthology extracts in Paper 2 (Religion and Ethics) and Paper 4D (Islam).
In all cases the timeline is:
First teaching: September 2026 (Year 12 cohort)
First assessment: Summer 2028
Paper 2 (Religion and Ethics) Extract 1 (W.Barclay)
We have amended the language to make it more up-to-date and a few passages have been removed.
The new extract is available in the Paper 2 zip folder
Paper 2 (Religion and Ethics) Extract 4 (M.Wilcockson)
We have replaced this extract with a more up-to-date text on medical ethics. The new extract is available in the Paper 2 zip folder
We will provide supporting guidance to help you incorporate the new extract into your current curriculum delivery.
Paper 4D (Islam) Extract 1 (T.Ramadan)
We have replaced this extract with a different text about Jihad from Muhammad Sa’id Ramadan.
References in the specification to Tariq Ramadan in Section 5.1 have been updated to reflect this.
The new extract is available in the Paper 4D zip folder
We hope you found this update useful, however please email us at TeachingReligiousStudies@pearson.com if you have any questions.
Subject advisor
Jenna Wyatt
Religious Studies
