Welcome to the April Teaching Science Update.
This update includes key dates for Head Teacher declaration forms, the A level Biology A pre-release article for summer exams, training events such as a BTEC briefing on Level 2 and Level 3 reforms in England, Paper 3 preparation networks for A level Chemistry and Physics, new A level Physics switching guides for Pearson Edexcel, and other qualifications news to keep you informed.
Best wishes,
Irine Muhiuddin
Science Subject Advisor
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 15 April | GCSE Science Practical Head Teacher form deadline |
| 15 April | GCSE Astronomy Observation statement deadline |
| 15 May | A level Science Practical Head Teacher form deadline and Endorsement result deadline |
| 15 May | Standards verification first sampling deadline |
| 15 June | Standards verification Second sampling deadline (if required) |
| 5 July | Deadline to report internally assessed unit grades on Edexcel Online for release of results in August. |
The Pearson Edexcel A Level Biology A (9BN0) Paper 3 Scientific Article for Summer 2026 was made available for secure download from the qualification page on the 18 March.
If you are new to teaching the qualification, please refer to short information video on obtaining and issuing the article to your students.
Centres must confirm that students have completed the mandatory core practicals by completing and submitting the GCSE Head Teacher declaration form by 15 April. You can access the Head Teacher declaration form online, along with accompanying FAQs, from the links below.Please note that there are no changes to this process for Summer 2026.
The declaration form should be submitted to Pearson online.
Any failure by centres to provide the declaration will be treated as malpractice and/or maladministration.
The video below explains the GCSE Science Practical Statement Head Teacher Declaration form requirement and where to find support for delivering the core practicals. It’s particularly useful if you’re new to the qualification.
For all students sitting GCSE Astronomy (1AS0) in the May/June 2026 exam series, centres must complete the Observation Statement to confirm that students have completed at least one unaided observation and one aided observation. The deadline for submitting the Observation Statement is 15 April 2026. A link to the Observation Statement is provided below. Please note that there are no changes to this process for Summer 2026. Failure to submit the Observation Statement will be treated as malpractice and/or maladministration.
The following video explains how to submit the GCSE Astronomy Observation Statement and contains information on where you can get further support for observations. It’s particularly useful if you’re new to the qualification.
Centres must ensure that the A level Science Head Teacher declaration form is signed and submitted by 15 May in the year of certification. This declaration confirms that students have completed the required practical activities that meet the Practical Endorsement requirements of the specification. Please note that there are no changes to this process for Summer 2026.
Any failure by centres to provide the declaration will be treated as malpractice and/or maladministration.
Endorsement result submission: A ‘Pass’ (P) or ‘Not Classified’ (NC) outcome for each student must also be submitted on Edexcel Online (EOL) by 15 May. This can be done via the ‘coursework marks’ option in Edexcel Online once entries for the qualification have been made.Please note that access to Edexcel Online and user permissions are managed by the Exams Officer at each centre. If your Exams Officer requires support with EOL setup or permissions, they can contact our Exams Officer support team on 0344 463 2535.
Below is a guidance video on how to submit the Head Teacher declaration form and practical Endorsement grade by 15 May deadline.
There are some important changes to the submission of Entry Level Certificate Science student marks and samples for Summer 2026 and beyond.
1. Submissions via Learner Work Transfer (LWT)
From 2026 onwards we’ll be using our established Learner Work Transfer (LWT) system for Entry Level Certificate Science submissions. For the assessment of student work, you’ll need to upload all student work to LWT. The deadline for submission remains 15 May 2026.
Please follow the guidance in our LWT support article that provides clear instructions on how to do this.
As submission of student work is all online there will be no labels for you to print out, and student work need not be sent by postal service. Please DO NOT send us any hard copies of student work.
2. Centre marks must be submitted before we release the list of students selected for the moderation sample.
You will be aware of the email we sent on 12 February about the change to mark submission for moderated work. This change includes ELC Science qualifications and requires you to submit your centre marks before we release the list of students selected for the moderation sample.
3. Larger sample size
We’ll also be asking for a larger sample size when moderating internally assessed work. From June 2026 onwards this approach will apply to Entry Level Certificate Science qualifications. This change is designed to make moderation smoother and reduce the need for additional sample requests later in the year.
Read our email about changes to sample sizes
The 2025/26 BTEC key dates and checkpoints are live. While exams officers take the lead, your involvement is still important.
Your overview of key QA activities for the year.
Exam Timetables
Summer 2026 timetables for all qualifications can be accessed from the link below.
The provisional timetables for 2027 are available on our website.
28 April 16:00 - 16:45 GMT
We will bring you up to date with the recent government announcements on Post-16 Vocational reform at Levels 2 and 3. You'll learn more about government decisions on what new qualifications will look like, when each subject area will transition, and what this means for funding of current qualifications.
04 June 2026 | 16:00 - 17:00 | Online | Free to attend
This free online event is for teachers delivering the Pearson Edexcel GCSE science qualifications, including Combined Science, Chemistry, Physics and Biology.
The training offers a chance to network with fellow teachers and explore ideas and suggestions on how you, as a classroom teacher, can better support students who find the subject more challenging. You will:
Please note: a recording of the event will be available to attendees only. Subsequently, the recording will be added to the qualification website, secured behind a padlock, later in the term. This event counts as 1 hour of CPD. You will receive a certificate via email after the event.
📅 22 April 2026 🕓16:00 - 17:00 📍 Online – Free to attend
This free online event supports teachers delivering Pearson Edexcel A Level Physics. The training focuses on equipping your learners with the skills needed to effectively answer the practical questions in Paper 3. You will:
Please note: a recording of the event will be available to attendees only within three days of the event. Subsequently, the recording will be added to the qualification website, secured behind a padlock, later in the term.
📅 23 April 2026 🕓16:00 - 17:00 📍 Online – Free to attend
This free online event supports teachers delivering Pearson Edexcel A Level Physics. The training focuses on equipping your learners with the skills needed to effectively answer the practical questions in Paper 3. You will:
Please note: a recording of the event will be available to attendees only within three days of the event. Subsequently, the recording will be added to the qualification website, secured behind a padlock, later in the term.
📅 30 April 2026 🕓16:00 - 17:00 📍 Online – Free to attend
Join the Vocational Quality Assurance Managers (VQAMs) to get a hands-on understanding of:
We'll also share tools, templates, and FAQs to help you manage programmes effectively and improve learner outcomes. This is your chance to see what's new in the BTEC National AAQs and how it differs from the current BTEC programmes. Please note, this event covers general quality assurance and is not subject specific.
15 April 2026 at 09:00 - 11:30 GMT
New to delivering BTEC Higher Nationals (RQF)?
This online event is suitable for Program Managers, Internal Verifiers, Assessors, Tutors, Heads of Department, Quality Nominees, Centre Managers, working in centres offering BTEC Higher Nationals in Applied Science.
At this event delegates will gain support and guidance in planning, implementation, delivery, and assessment.
The session will:
📅06 May 2026 🕓 09:00 - 15:00 GMT
This online event should be attended by Program Managers, Internal Verifiers, Assessors, Tutors, Heads of Department, Quality Nominees, Centre Managers and HN BTEC subject practitioners who are preparing for Assignment Writing (RQF).
Online events are a great way to train the whole department. You can do this by simply projecting the session onto a whiteboard rather than placing multiple bookings.
This online session will:
7 May and 15 June at 16:00 - 17:00 GMT.
This session is an excellent CPD opportunity aimed at new and experienced Lead
Internal Verifiers (LIVs). The session will take you through the key roles and responsibilities over the academic year with reference to the BTEC Entry/Level 1 to Level 3 annual quality assurance model. The event will cover team standardisation, the importance of assessment planning, internal verification planning, resubmissions and retakes and standards verification. It will also cover the quality assurance monitoring responsibilities as a Lead IV.
You can register from the quality assurance events and support page below and also view other training available.
Dates: 29 April and 18 June at 16:00 - 17:00 GMT
Join us for an introduction to the key responsibilities involved in the role of Quality Nominee. Throughout the session, we will provide suggestions and tips that will help you to make a success of the role and ensure confidence in the quality assurance of your BTEC provision.
This is recommended as the first event that you access so that you can have an overview of what is involved; we will provide a clearer understanding of the other support available that will also enhance your role.
This session is suitable for new Quality Nominees, those who may not have overseen BTEC qualifications before, or those returning to the role who would like a refresher of the responsibilities involved.
You can register from the quality assurance events and support page below and also view other training available.
You can book a 15-minute appointment with your Vocational Quality Assurance Manager (VQAM) to discuss any vocational quality assurance queries you may have throughout the year.
We also provide centre-based training opportunities. If this is something you would like to explore, please visit our training page below.
On our Professional Development Academy training page not only can book onto GCSE and A level training, you can also watch pre-recorded events, such as 'New to Edexcel' training.
Find out more in our Pearson Professional Development Guide (page 8 for Science).
You can also find past training content on each A level, GCSE and BTEC qualification page in the 'teaching and learning materials' section if you missed any training or would just like a refresher.
Two new support documents are now available for Pearson Edexcel A level Physics (9PH0), including a practical switching guide and a list of equipment and techniques to support centres moving to the specification.
We’ve published updated versions of the BTEC L3 National AAQ in Applied Science specification and sample assessment materials with some minor changes. Centres can see what’s changed in the summary table at the start of each document.
The Planning and Teaching Guide has been updated. You can see what’s changed in the summary table at the start of the document.
You can download the updated guide from the course materials page, under ‘teaching and learning materials’:
The new Specification for the T-Level Science is now with the DfE for approval. It's an exciting time and soon we will be able to unveil the new specification ready for you to teach in September 2026.
As soon as we have more information we will share it with you!
Sign up got the T-Level Updates
If you’re currently using ActiveLearn Secondary (ALS) for science, you’ll be given access to ActiveHub by the start of summer term. In ActiveHub, you'll find the ActiveLearn Science resources you’re familiar with, along with enhanced features for a more seamless learning experience. We’ve updated our existing resources and added brand-new content developed by teachers.
Over the coming weeks, subscribing schools will receive an email from noreply@notifications.pearson.com confirming access to ActiveHub. You’ll log in using the same username and password you use for ActiveLearn, making the transition straightforward.
What happens next?
Once you have access, you’ll be able to:
Not currently using ActiveLearn for Science?
If you don’t have an ActiveLearn subscription but want to find out more about ActiveHub for Science, including content, assessment tools and classroom benefits, explore our dedicated ActiveHub pages.
With exam season approaching you may want to refer to our GCSE Science Exam Boost videos that contain useful tips covering areas such as exam structure, short answer questions, calculations, graphs, extended open response questions and command words. Links to the six videos we have available are provided below.
Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions- #1 exam structure
( 9:40 )
Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions # 2 - Tackling short answer questions
( 11:06 )
Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions # 3 - Calculations
( 13:32 )
Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions - #4 - Graphs
( 13:42 )
Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions #5 - Extended open response questions
( 13:42 )
Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions #6 - Command words
( 13:11 )
Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions- #1 exam structure
( 9:40 )
Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions # 2 - Tackling short answer questions
( 11:06 )
Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions # 3 - Calculations
( 13:32 )
Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions - #4 - Graphs
( 13:42 )
Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions #5 - Extended open response questions
( 13:42 )
Pearson Edexcel (9-1) GCSE Science - Exam Boost sessions #6 - Command words
( 13:11 )
Additional Sample Assessment Materials – Available now!
We’ve created an extra set of Sample Assessment Materials and they are now available to download from the qualification page.
Planning and Teaching Guide
The latest version Planning and Teaching Guide includes updates designed to make planning, delivery and assessment easier, including the most recent guidance and clarifications for external Units 1-3.
You can download the updated guide from the course materials page, under ‘Teaching and Learning Materials’.
External assessment training
Look out for training to help teachers prepare for external assessment.
examWizard
examWizard is an online resource containing a bank of past paper questions to help you create your own mock exams and tests. It’s available for GCSE, A Level subjects, and BTEC, so you can select suitable questions to prepare your own mocks and tests.
We have resources to help with planning and delivery, including:
Transition guide
The mapping of the Pearson BTEC National AAQ in Applied Science to the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science specification is provided in our transition guide.
New training videos now available
We’ve uploaded new training videos to help with delivering the practical requirements for Physics tasks in Unit 4:
BTEC National Applied Science - Task 3A: Investigating the rate of transfer of thermal energy
( 7.37 )
BTEC National Applied Science - Task 3B: Investigating resistivity in electrical circuits
( 7.18 )
BTEC National Applied Science - Task 3c: Energy transfer from a renewable resource
( 5.20 )
BTEC National Applied Science - Task 3A: Investigating the rate of transfer of thermal energy
( 7.37 )
BTEC National Applied Science - Task 3B: Investigating resistivity in electrical circuits
( 7.18 )
BTEC National Applied Science - Task 3c: Energy transfer from a renewable resource
( 5.20 )
At the beginning of the PSAB under ‘instructions for teachers’ there is a list of practical equipment required for the procedures. This list is not exhaustive but does give an indication of the equipment required.
Complete Revision and Practice for Level 3 AAQ BTEC National in Applied Science
Paid-for published Revision and Practice resources are available if you’d like to consider them.
Please note: there is no compulsory requirement to purchase or use published resources to teach the course – schools and colleges are free to choose the resources they use to support teaching and delivery.
On 10 March 2026, the government published the outcome of its consultation on post-16 level 3 and below pathways. The consultation sought views on the design and implementation of a third, vocational pathway at level 3 — to be called V Levels — and on two new pathways at level 2 in post-16 education.
You can read the latest updates on the pages below where you can be guided to the DfE announcement, our response to the outcome, and a link to the training page to join a Science briefing session taking place on the 28 April with the latest news.
The future of post-16 level 3 vocational qualifications in England
The future of post-16 level 2 vocational qualifications in England
You can also see our updated funding guides below:
As part of the consultation response, we've updated our Science sector page, including the Level 3 reform Options Guide for the Science Sector. The options guide will provide a clear overview of what centres can offer in Science from September 2026 onwards to support your planning.
Science Sector Page
Options Guide for the Science Sector
If you are in Wales or Northern Ireland visit our page below:
Information for Wales and Northern Ireland
We also have a dedicated page for you to keep up-to-date with news and policy:
We know many of our centres and students use the UCAS application service when applying to Higher Education in the UK. We wanted to let you know that UCAS are currently consulting on the operation of the UCAS undergraduate admissions cycle including:
This is an opportunity for you to have your say. You can find out further details about the consultation and respond on the UCAS website. The deadline to respond is 18.00 (UK time) on 22 April 2026.
Ofqual has published a new blog highlighting the importance of open, honest conversations with students about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in coursework.
AI tools are now part of everyday life for many young people. But it’s important that students understand where the boundaries are. Using AI to generate coursework without proper disclosure is cheating, and the consequences can be serious - including the loss of a qualification.
The blog is designed to help you start those conversations with confidence. It includes:
A ready‑to‑use lesson plan to support classroom discussion about AI and assessed work. A senior leadership team briefing pack to help schools and colleges develop a clear, whole‑school approach to AI in coursework.
Together, these resources can help ensure students are informed, supported and clear about expectations - before assessment pressures begin.
The annual BTEC Higher Nationals Student Survey is open for responses. Please encourage your students to complete the survey for their chance to win one of two £100 Amazon vouchers. Survey closes: Thursday 30th April 2026.
We’ve created a new form to make applying for special considerations for internally assessed BTEC units quicker and easier. You should make sure you save a copy and use it for all future special consideration applications for internal units.
This new form has more detailed instructions and dedicated sections for your rationale, alternative arrangements and grade profile, making it easier for you to provide the right evidence from the start and avoid any follow-up questions that delay the application.
You should submit all special considerations applications for internally assessed BTEC units by 30 June.
On our general qualifications assessment support page, you can find news, information and updates from Ofqual, the DfE, JCQ and Pearson relating to exams and assessments for our GCSE, AS and A level qualifications.
We have a BTEC Teaching, Learning and Assessment for page with the most up-to-date information and key dates for vocational assessment for this academic year.
You can book a quick Teams meeting with me to talk about our Science qualifications and get the support you need.
Hello colleagues,
Welcome to your April update for teachers of International Science qualifications! This update has information on the scientific article for IAL biology, an invitation to take part in research for IAL biology and chemistry teachers, news of support for centres affected by the conflict in the Middle East, a UCAS consultation which may be of interest to those in the UK, and recordings of recent 'preparing for our exams' training!
As ever, don't hesitate to get in touch if I can help in any way - why not book a Teams call with me (follow the link below) if it would be helpful to talk something over?
Best wishes,
Tim Lawrence
Pearson Edexcel Subject Advisor for International Science Qualifications
