Hello everyone,
I hope you and your students have settled into the start of the new academic year. In this update you'll find the latest news, guidance and resources to help support your planning and teaching of Pearson Science qualifications.
Best wishes,
Irine Muhiuddin
Science Subject Advisor
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 11 December 2026 |
The deadline for Access to Scripts |
Exam Timetables
Timetables to support your planning can be accessed from the link below.
Whether you're delivering BTEC qualifications for the first time or preparing for another academic year, our term-time checkpoint and key dates guide can help you understand the key milestones coming up across the year.
The guide brings together important dates, deadlines and actions, along with links to guidance, training, resources and support to help you plan ahead.
While many of the key dates are managed by your exams officer or quality nominee, it's important that everyone involved in delivering qualifications understands what's coming up and when. Working closely with your exams officer can help ensure registrations, assessment activity and internal processes stay on track, supporting the timely issue of learner results.
You'll also find opportunities to join events and webinars throughout the year, helping you stay informed, connected and up to date with the latest guidance.
We recommend bookmarking the guide and referring to it throughout the year. You may also want to share it with colleagues involved in qualification delivery, so everyone understands key milestones, what's expected and where to go for support.
Read the BTEC term-time checkpoint and key date guide:
Your overview of key QA activities for the year.
You can visit the T Levels Admin Support page to access the Key Dates Schedule for the T Level Technical Qualification in Science (2026-28), which includes registration periods, assessment dates, results release dates, and post-results services deadlines.
Go to the T Levels Admin support page
Candidates sitting GCSE Physics and GCSE Combined Science (physics papers) will be provided with an equation sheet in the Summer 2027 exam series. The equation sheet will be issued as an insert in the exam papers, as it was in Summer 2026. The equation sheet is available to view and download from the Pearson Science qualification page, so students can familiarise themselves with it ahead of their exams.
The wording of the A level Practical Science Headteacher Declaration has been updated slightly to align more closely with some of the latest JCQ declaration wording.
Centres should use this online version, which will ensure they are accessing the most up-to-date version of the form.
The deadline for submitting the form is 15 May in the year of certification.
We’ve recently updated our Entry Level Certificate Science and Further Science assessment record and authentication sheets to align more closely with some of the latest JCQ declaration wording.
Please ensure that you use these versions of the forms when submitting samples from 2027 (deadline 15 May):
We've updated all Pearson-set assignment briefs (PSABs) in September as part of our annual review and quality assurance process. These changes reflect improvements to guidance and updated references.
Before using these materials this academic year, make sure you've downloaded the latest versions and deleted any earlier copies you've saved locally. This will help ensure you're working from the most up-to-date assessment materials.
We have added new Centre Standardisation Materials for our BTEC Applied Science qualifications. You will find them on the qualification page under Internal Assessment.
Download AAQ Applied Science Centre Standardisation materials
Download BTEC Nationals Applied Science Standardisation materials
We updated the Assessment Record Template to better reflect the use of AI in assessments. Please ensure you are using the most up-to-date version of the form which can be downloaded from our website.
The Digital Assessment Plan (DAP) is now live, giving centres a simpler way to plan assessments. If you're delivering eligible BTEC qualifications to students starting in September 2026, you'll need to complete a digital assessment plan for those qualifications by 13 November 2026.
You only need to complete plans for programmes with a September 2026 start date. Existing cohorts already studying these qualifications don't need a digital assessment plan.
You need to complete a digital assessment plan for BTEC Level 3 Nationals and BTEC Level 1/2 Firsts. For a full list of qualifications in and out of scope, along with detailed guidance, see the digital assessment plan centre user guide.
You can also attend digital assessment plan training and drop-in sessions for support and guidance.
You can also refer to a video guide:
The BTEC Teaching, Learning and Assessment page provides the support you need for vocational qualifications in one place. The page is updated throughout the year right up to the release of results.
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.
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.
You may use our free Access to Scripts service to view your candidates’ marked exam scripts online or download as a PDF. It is available from results day until the 11 December 2026.
Providing a rich source of information, you can use this service to help make decisions about requesting a review of marking, but it can also help inform future teaching and learning and gives insights and visibility that performance data alone cannot provide.
If scripts have been marked ‘traditionally’ (ie not online), you will need to request them, free of charge, by 11 December 2026, via the Post Results section of Edexcel Online as in previous exam series.
Note, you will need 'Exam viewer' in your Edexcel Online profile if you want to download candidate scripts from results day. Please ask your Exams Officer if you need this adding to your profile. Discover more about Access to Scripts, along with FAQs and a step-by-step User Guide.
Please note, candidate consent is required before requesting script copies, as per section 4.2 of the JCQ's Post-results services guide. Candidate consent can only be obtained after results have been published.
See how teachers have been using Access to Scripts
"An excellent service, we have used it to inform our teaching"
Take a look at the Access to Scripts case studies to see how a number of schools and colleges have been using this service to evaluate how their students performed in the exams, identify skills gaps, help tailor future teaching plans and to develop staff CPD.
We will provide a range of live online training events over the coming months across our science qualifications. Keep an eye on our training page to explore all upcoming events and book your place.
Training events that are available in the near future have been highlighted below.
Our Summer 2026 Exam Insights events will take place in October for GCSE Science and in November for A level Science.
These training events are for teachers of Pearson Edexcel GCSE and A level Sciences and provide feedback and insights on the summer 2026 exam series. The sessions identify key observations related to candidate performance highlighted in the examiner report and provides strategies to help with your planning for the year ahead. You will:
Book from our Professional Development Academy page.
18 November 2026 at 16:00 - 17:30 GMT
This free online training, delivered by one of our credible specialists, supports teachers delivering Pearson Edexcel GCSE science qualifications. The session provides an opportunity to review a range of past paper exam questions and explore student exemplars. Participants will learn how to apply examiner guidance to award marks accurately. You will:
Book from our Professional Development Academy page.
We are hosting informal fortnightly 'T Level Laboratory Science: Ask, Share, Solve' drop-in sessions from 4.00pm to 5.00pm.
The next session will take place on 14 October.
These sessions provide an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and explore practical solutions to support your delivery of T Level Laboratory Science. Whether your questions relate to content, assessment, resources or implementation, join us to discuss what matters most to you and receive practical guidance to support your delivery.
17 November 2026 at 16:30 - 17:30 GMT
This session is aimed at teachers in England only preparing to deliver the BTEC National (2025) in Applied Science. This is a repeat of sessions which have run under the same title in 2025/26.
This live session will meet the following objectives:
The training provides a general run through of internal and external assessment. These areas are covered in greater detail in our BTEC National (2025) ‘Getting Ready to Assess Internal Units’ and ‘Preparing Your Learners for External Assessment’ events. These live events will be available during the 2026/27 academic year and beyond. Please be aware that this event will be recorded and may be shared publicly.
20 October & 23 November 2026 at 16:30 - 18:00 GMT
These events, and the qualifications covered, are suitable for CENTRES IN ENGLAND ONLY. Please note: This event will cover a minimum of one mandatory unit plus other units where applicable.
Delegates will:
Address common issues and frequently asked questions. Pearson has reviewed the format and content of all its training events to ensure the security of its examinations. Please be aware that this event will be recorded and may be shared publicly.
03 November & 30 November 2026 at 16:30 - 18:00 GMT
During this session you will:
This training is for ENGLAND CENTRES ONLY. You can register for the event from the training page.
If you deliver BTEC qualifications, a range of training and support is available to help you prepare for the year ahead, including:
Now is a great time to explore the available support and plan for the upcoming year.
If you would like to review any past training in preparation for the new academic year, you can download past training materials from the qualification pages. These can be found under 'Course Materials' in the 'Teaching and learning materials' section.
Highlighted below are also ways you can access pre-recorded and on-demand training.
For GCSE and A level qualifications, you can also visit our Professional Development Academy. Here, you'll find a range of pre-recorded training courses, including New to Edexcel, as well as information about upcoming GCSE and A level training events that you can book onto.
Find out more in our Pearson Professional Development Guide (page 9 for science).
Access our on-demand training at a time that suits you. This includes general training and sector specific training.
Please refer to the update providing FAQs for BTEC National AAQ Applied Science where you will be pointed to recorded training we have available.
Go to FAQs for BTEC National AAQ Applied Science update
If you deliver BTEC qualifications, a range of training and support is available to help you prepare for the year ahead, including:
Now is a great time to explore the available support and plan for the upcoming year.
We also provide centre-based training opportunities. Visit our training page to find out more.
We have a new support video for optional Unit 6.
Interested in finding out more about the Exam Practice Assistant in Pearson Revise Online?
Pearson Publishing is hosting a free webinar 'Improving Performance in Edexcel Science GCSE' on 13 October at 4-4.30 pm. This will provide you with an opportunity to see the resource in action.
Find out more about Exam Practice Assistant
Pearson qualifications are also supported by resources produced by a range of other publishers. You don't have to purchase any paid for resources, including those from Pearson, to deliver our qualifications.
We’ve provided new T Level Science teaching resources to support planning and delivery including suggested Schemes of Work, topic-level guidance, presentations and student worksheets.
Download these resources from the T Level Science qualification page
Find answers to frequently asked questions on the AAQ Applied Science qualification via a dedicated update. This update will be reviewed regularly to include new questions from teachers.
Find recordings of past events and pre-recorded training for your GCSE and A level Science qualifications in this handy YouTube playlist document:
Ofqual podcast for teachers and school leaders 'Can I Just Qualify That?' will be built around conversations that matter and advice you can use. Episodes cover everything from qualification reform and how GCSE and A level grading works, to helpful tips for exams, results days and cyber security. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. You can also subscribe to Ofqual's YouTube channel.
Please use these links to obtain our very latest information and guidance related to Level 2 (Post 16) and Level 3 reforms:
The Post-16 Level 3 vocational qualification reforms affect England only and do not affect Wales or Northern Ireland.
Sign up for one of our live sector-specific webinars to get the latest details about how and when post-16 vocational reforms will affect your subject area. You'll be updated on funding of current qualifications, regulatory requirements that will govern new content and assessments, and timelines for transition.
If you’d like to be involved in the development of our future qualifications through this reform period, let us know. We rely on your expertise and experience to make sure our qualifications suit the needs of you and your learners.
Sign-up to get involved
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.
We're working alongside teachers, students and science experts to help shape the future of GCSE Science and support schools through reform.
Becoming an examiner is a great way to deepen your subject expertise, spread your assessment knowledge within your department and acquire valuable insights into the assessment process, empowering you to better prepare your learners for their exams. You can enjoy the convenience of working remotely, fitting it around your other commitments, and augmenting your income. It can also help you build your professional networks and benefit from opportunities for progression and continuous professional development. Opportunities as they arise will be posted on our recruitment page below.
Hello colleagues,
Welcome to your October update for International Science teachers.
For teachers of our IAL Science courses there's some news in this update regarding our new specifications which will be for first teaching in September 2027 - do get involved in our consultation on these if you are interested! We've also got news of free online resources and upcoming CPD opportunities, including new 'mark like an examiner' self-paced courses for International GCSE science teachers!
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
