History
October 2026 History subject update
This update contains useful information, news and advice for Edexcel History teachers including key dates for your diary and details of training events we are running this term.
Key Dates
- Access to scripts deadline: 11 December 2026 - After this date you will no longer be able to view your students’ scripts using our free service.
Training for History teachers
The GCSE and A level History Summer 2026 exam insights events are now available to book online:
- GCSE History: Exam Insights Summer 2026 - 13 October 2026 at 16:00 - 17:30 GMT
- A Level History: Exam Insights Summer 2026 - 21 October 2026 at 16:00 - 17:30 GMT
We are also running network events for GCSE and A level History in early 2027:
- A Level History: Tackling the Paper 2 Depth Study - 25 January 2027 at 16:00 - 17:30 GMT
- GCSE History: Tackling the Period Study - 10 February 2027 at 16:00 - 17:00 GMT
- GCSE History: Exploring Paper 3 Question 3 - 02 March 2027 at 16:00 - 17:30 GMT
Find out more and book your place by searching for History on our training page.
We will be making recordings of these events available for teachers who can’t attend.
Read our PD guide for more information on training available this academic year:
We have several recorded training events for teachers who are new to teaching our History specifications or who need more support:
Resources and support materials
JCQ Summer 2026 results and new dashboards
JCQ have now published Summer 2026 results on their website for GCSE and A level.
The results provide insights into student entries and attainment in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. JCQ has published results data for 26 years and all the data is on their website to facilitate comparisons.
For the first time JCQ has also published interactive data dashboards for A levels and GCSEs. These dashboards are being piloted with GCSE and A level data in the first instance.
Help shape how our specifications are written
How clear is your GCSE specification about what to teach, and how deeply?
We’re thinking about redesigning how future specifications are written and want to hear directly from teachers about what works and what doesn’t. The survey is short, anonymous and takes around 12 minutes — and you can take part whatever exam board you use.
Free CPD opportunities from Historic Royal Palaces
Explore Historic Royal Palaces’ free CPD opportunities to build confidence, subject knowledge and practical history teaching skills:
- Exploring Diverse Histories (online) – 7 October
- Visual Literacy Skills (online) – 11 November
- War of the Roses A-Level Residential – 21-23 January 2027, Tower of London
- Teach the Six Queens Differently (with keynote speaker Tracy Borman) – 24 March 2027, Hampton Court Palace
Whether you're looking to diversify your curriculum, develop analytical skills or deepen your expertise in Tudor and medieval history, these engaging sessions will provide fresh ideas, valuable resources and practical approaches to take back to the classroom.
GCSE History of Medicine Study Days at the British Library
The British Library are running a series of free hands-on History of Medicine Study Days for GCSE History students, in collaboration with the Royal College of Physicians. The dates are 5 November 2026, 1 December 2026 and 11 January 2027.
Linked to their major exhibition, Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery, students will explore themes including war-time medical innovations, the link between poisons and drugs, and the role of women in the history of medicine. The day will include an exhibition visit, interactive workshops and the chance to handle selected archival material from the collection of the Royal College of Physicians.
Subject advisor
Mark Battye
History
Subject updates
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September 2026 History subject update
This update contains useful information, news and advice for Edexcel History teachers including key dates for your diary and details of training events we are running this term.