English
GCSE English Language 2.0
Our new specification for GCSE (9-1) English Language is designed to engage and motivate students through a choice of contemporary texts that reflect the diversity of our learners, and skills-based writing tasks.
After listening to feedback from the English teaching community in 2020, we recognised that a ‘one-size fits all’ approach to English Language doesn’t equally suit the needs, interests and progression of all students.
We consulted with English Language teachers in developing a new GCSE, which will motivate and engage students to equip themselves with lifelong skills and enable progression to further academic or vocational study and employment.
Our newly accredited Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Language 2.0 for first teaching in 2021, provides:
- An engaging choice of contemporary texts and writing tasks to motivate students following a less literary pathway through their English studies
- Real-world, applicable content providing a strong foundation for further academic or vocational pathways
- Equally weighted papers of 80 marks (50%) each
- A functional 19th century non-fiction text element requiring no co-teaching of literature
- A fresh, new English Language course to motivate students required to re-sit
We’ll also be providing a full range of support to help you get started and deliver the qualification with confidence.
Visit our website to find out more about GCSE English Language
Subject advisor
Clare Haviland
English
Subject updates
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Summer 2026 results support for English qualifications
Access key information and guidance for the results period for GCSE, International GCSE and A level: key dates; details of post-results services (access to scripts, reviews of marking & appeals); grade boundaries; and when exam materials will be available.
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July 2026 teaching English update
Dear Colleagues
As we head into the last two or three weeks of the summer term, this update will provide you with all the information you need for the results period and the start of the next academic year.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your hard work. It’s once again been a great pleasure to answer your questions; talk about your coursework text choices; and to think through your teaching and learning conundrums together.
I wish you all a real rest over the long holidays and look forward to talking to you in meetings, in emails and on Facebook and LinkedIn in the new academic year.
Best wishes
Clare Haviland