Politics
February 2026 Politics subject update
This update contains useful information, news and advice for Edexcel Politics teachers including a new FT for Schools case study on Sir Keir Starmer as PM and the Labour factions plotting against him.
Key Dates
Summer 2026 entry deadline: The deadline for making entries for the Summer 2026 examination series is 21 February 2026 for UK AS and A level qualifications. Find politics entry codes in the information manual:
Training for Politics teachers
We are running a Paper 3 Network event in early February which is available to book via our training page:
- A Level Politics: Tackling Paper 3 Network: 09 February 2026 at 16:00 - 17:00 GMT
We will be making available a recording of the A level Politics Summer 2025 insights events soon on our website via the qualification page.
We have the following pre-recorded training events for teachers who are new to teaching our Politics specification or are considering switching:
Edexcel A Level Politics network event – building exam skills
( 57:42 )
Pearson Edexcel A Level Politics Exam Insights May/June 2024
( 1:28:16 )
Edexcel A level Politics Core and Non-Core Political Ideas network event
( 1:26:47 )
A Level Politics: New to Pearson Edexcel
( 1:55:51 )
Youtube Video Title
Youtube video contentRelated Videos
Edexcel A Level Politics network event – building exam skills
( 57:42 )
Pearson Edexcel A Level Politics Exam Insights May/June 2024
( 1:28:16 )
Edexcel A level Politics Core and Non-Core Political Ideas network event
( 1:26:47 )
A Level Politics: New to Pearson Edexcel
( 1:55:51 )
Resources and support materials
Up-to-date support for A level Politics
The following document contains a comprehensive list of all our support and guidance. We will keep this document up to date as and when new support is available.
New FT for Schools case study: Keir Starmer as PM
We’ve created a brand-new case study Sir Keir Starmer as PM, using the Financial Times for Schools resource.
This case study, based on an FT article, the five Labour factions plotting against Starmer, relates to the following specification points:
- UK Government: 3.3.2 The powers of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to dictate events and determine policy.
- UK Politics: 2.2 The origins and historical development of the Conservative Party, the Labour Party and Liberal Democrat Party, and how this has shaped their ideas and current policies on the economy, law and order, welfare and foreign affairs.
It contains research activities, discussion points, suggested homework exercises and sample student responses.
Look out for more FT for Schools case studies which will be made available soon!
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.
Timeline for future specification reform
In November, the government published their response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report, which contained a timeline for future specification reform:
Once it's confirmed which phase A level Politics will fall into for redevelopment, we'll share this with you.
Subject advisor
Mark Battye
Government and Politics
Subject updates
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April 2026 Politics subject update
This update contains useful information, news and advice for Edexcel Politics teachers including two brand new FT for Schools case studies on the House of Lords and US Supreme Court.
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March 2026 Politics subject update
This update contains useful information, news and advice for Edexcel Politics teachers including a new FT for Schools case study on Global Power and our new official Pearson Edexcel Politics Teachers Facebook group.