{"id":27811,"date":"2025-02-05T09:40:38","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T09:40:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationallearninggroup.co.uk\/beta\/?p=27811"},"modified":"2025-02-05T09:47:56","modified_gmt":"2025-02-05T09:47:56","slug":"aqa-gcse-english-language-changes-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nationallearninggroup.co.uk\/beta\/aqa-gcse-english-language-changes-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"AQA GCSE English Language: Key Updates for 2026 and What They Mean for Students"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"27811\" class=\"elementor elementor-27811\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a76128d elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a76128d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a5bb8f0 elementor-headline--style-rotate elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-animated-headline\" data-id=\"a5bb8f0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;headline_style&quot;:&quot;rotate&quot;,&quot;rotating_text&quot;:&quot;With NLG&quot;,&quot;rotate_iteration_delay&quot;:3000,&quot;animation_type&quot;:&quot;typing&quot;,&quot;loop&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"animated-headline.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-headline elementor-headline-animation-type-typing elementor-headline-letters\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-headline-plain-text elementor-headline-text-wrapper\">Stay Updated on AQA Changes<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-headline-dynamic-wrapper elementor-headline-text-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-headline-dynamic-text elementor-headline-text-active\">\n\t\t\t\tWith&nbsp;NLG\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36d8320 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"36d8320\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-752f99f elementor-widget-divider--view-line_icon elementor-view-default elementor-widget-divider--element-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"752f99f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon elementor-divider__element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_1\" data-name=\"Layer 1\" viewBox=\"0 0 283.4 199.67\"><defs><style>      .cls-1 {        fill: #2caae2;      }      .cls-1, .cls-2 {        stroke-width: 0px;      }      .cls-2 {        fill: #231f20;      }    <\/style><\/defs><path class=\"cls-1\" d=\"m281.43,65.91c-18.12,10.9-35.81,21.57-54.28,32.68-2.17,1.33-5.18.14-5.58-2.38-.84-5.02-5.63-7-9.85-9.31-49.84-27.27-98.87-25.4-146.82,4.74-.91.58-1.47,1.73-1.91,3.1-1.03,3.2-4.86,4.6-7.75,2.87-1.12-.68-2.26-1.35-3.41-2.03-1.77-1.07-3.55-2.12-5.42-3.22-.58-.35-1.19-.7-1.8-1.05v-.02c-1.1-.65-2.26-1.35-3.46-2.05-.07.82-.19,26.26-.3,34.71v.98c0,6.05,0,12.37.02,16.43v4.34c.16,1.52,2.15,7,3.81,11.81,1.14,3.36,2.15,6.37,2.24,7.49.14,1.49.21,4.44.23,7.77.05,6.56-.07,14.57-.09,15.5-.21,6.33-4.93,11.04-11.09,11.37-6.3.35-12-4.13-12.42-10.55-.07-1.12-.16-9.52-.14-16.32.02-3.31.05-6.23.14-7.77l2.36-7.49,3.69-11.81v-4.34l.05-17.42s.05-33.99.07-37.4c.05-3.1-.86-4.93-3.64-6.56-.16-.09-.3-.19-.47-.26-.26-.19-.51-.33-.77-.47-7.7-4.51-15.31-9.17-23.21-13.96-2.36-1.45-2.12-4.95.4-6.05C23.61,49.83,98.05,17.68,137.3.99c2.36-1,5.81-1.4,8.08-.44,39.24,16.65,112.38,48.11,135.57,58.15,3.06,1.31,3.32,5.49.49,7.21Z\"><\/path><path class=\"cls-2\" d=\"m206.8,129.69v14.68c0,1.49-.75,2.78-1.82,3.53-1.19.84-2.82,1.1-4.34.4-.3-.14-.61-.26-.91-.4-24.49-10.79-75.85-15.85-114.7,0-.07.02-.09.05-.16.05-1.52.63-3.1.56-4.46-.05-2.05-.86-3.55-2.87-3.55-5.35v-12.86c.02-2.15.02-4.3.02-6.44,0-4.3,0-8.57-.02-12.86,0-3.92,0-7.82-.07-11.74-.05-3.1.82-4.97,3.67-6.49,1.68-.89,3.34-1.73,5-2.54,37.52-18.42,75.03-18.47,112.48,0,1.68.82,3.34,1.66,5,2.57,1.59.84,3.69,2.75,3.69,4.2.09,4.65.12,9.31.14,14.01.02,4.37.05,8.71.02,13.12.02,2.05.02,4.11.02,6.19Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-27757ef e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"27757ef\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8dd10ca elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8dd10ca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>AQA has announced important changes to <strong>GCSE English Language<\/strong>, set to take effect from <strong>Summer 2026<\/strong>. These updates will impact students currently in <strong>Year 9 or below<\/strong>, and they mark a shift in how reading and writing skills are assessed.<\/p><h2><strong>What\u2019s Changing?<\/strong><\/h2><p>AQA\u2019s new structure aims to provide <strong>clearer feedback, greater inclusivity, and a stronger focus on core literacy skills<\/strong>. Here\u2019s what students and parents need to know:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Separate Reading &amp; Writing Scores<\/strong> \u2013 Students will receive distinct marks for reading and writing, helping them and their teachers identify specific areas for improvement.<\/li><li><strong>More Focus on 19th-Century Texts<\/strong> \u2013 Expect deeper engagement with historical literature, requiring strong comprehension and analysis skills.<\/li><li><strong>Technical Accuracy Matters More<\/strong> \u2013 Spelling, punctuation, and grammar will have a greater influence on overall grades.<\/li><li><strong>More Accessible Questions<\/strong> \u2013 Adjustments will be made to ensure that exam questions are clearer while maintaining the same level of challenge.<\/li><\/ul><h2><strong>What This Means for Students<\/strong><\/h2><p>These updates emphasise <strong>structured learning and skill development<\/strong>, making strong reading comprehension, analytical writing, and technical accuracy more important than ever. Students who struggle with 19th-century texts or essay writing will need <strong>focused preparation<\/strong> to adapt to the new assessment format.<\/p><h2><strong>How NLG Can Help<\/strong><\/h2><p>At <strong>The National Learning Group<\/strong>, we\u2019re already <strong>aligning our tuition to these changes<\/strong>. Our expert tutors provide tailored support to ensure students:<\/p><p>\u2714 <strong>Develop strong analytical skills for 19th-century texts<\/strong><br \/>\u2714 <strong>Improve spelling, punctuation, and grammar for better writing scores<\/strong><br \/>\u2714 <strong>Gain confidence in structuring high-scoring responses<\/strong><\/p><p><strong>Want to stay ahead of the changes?<\/strong> Get in touch today to find out how our tutoring can help your child succeed under the new AQA GCSE English Language format.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a82529c e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a82529c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf45686 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"bf45686\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"\/contact\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">get in touch<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-64a360f e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"64a360f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d0582ec elementor-post-navigation-borders-yes elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-navigation\" data-id=\"d0582ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-navigation.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post-navigation\" role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Post Navigation\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post-navigation__prev elementor-post-navigation__link\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nationallearninggroup.co.uk\/beta\/importance-of-christmas-holiday-tuition\/\" rel=\"prev\"><span class=\"post-navigation__arrow-wrapper post-navigation__arrow-prev\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-left\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M31.7 239l136-136c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L127.9 256l96.4 96.4c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L201.7 409c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-136-136c-9.5-9.4-9.5-24.6-.1-34z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"elementor-screen-only\">Prev<\/span><\/span><span class=\"elementor-post-navigation__link__prev\"><span class=\"post-navigation__prev--label\">Previous<\/span><span class=\"post-navigation__prev--title\">The Importance of Tuition Support Over the Christmas Period<\/span><\/span><\/a>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post-navigation__separator-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post-navigation__separator\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post-navigation__next elementor-post-navigation__link\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/nationallearninggroup.co.uk\/beta\/county-councillor-nlg-visit\/\" rel=\"next\"><span class=\"elementor-post-navigation__link__next\"><span class=\"post-navigation__next--label\">Next<\/span><span class=\"post-navigation__next--title\">County Councillor Gordon Stewart Visits National Learning Group to Explore Local Educational Impact and Job Creation<\/span><\/span><span class=\"post-navigation__arrow-wrapper post-navigation__arrow-next\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"elementor-screen-only\">Next<\/span><\/span><\/a>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stay Updated on AQA Changes With&nbsp;NLG AQA has announced important changes to GCSE English Language, set to take effect from Summer 2026. These updates will impact students currently in Year 9 or below, and they&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":27812,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"audio","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[369,370,358],"series":[],"class_list":["post-27811","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-exams","tag-gcse","tag-gcse-exam-preparation"],"episode_featured_image":"https:\/\/nationallearninggroup.co.uk\/beta\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Student-Buzz-11.png","episode_player_image":"https:\/\/nationallearninggroup.co.uk\/beta\/wp-content\/plugins\/seriously-simple-podcasting\/assets\/images\/no-album-art.png","download_link":"","player_link":"","audio_player":false,"episode_data":{"playerMode":"dark","subscribeUrls":{"apple_podcasts":{"key":"apple_podcasts","url":"","label":"Apple Podcasts","class":"apple_podcasts","icon":"apple-podcasts.png"},"stitcher":{"key":"stitcher","url":"","label":"Stitcher","class":"stitcher","icon":"stitcher.png"},"google_podcasts":{"key":"google_podcasts","url":"","label":"Google Podcasts","class":"google_podcasts","icon":"google-podcasts.png"},"spotify":{"key":"spotify","url":"","label":"Spotify","class":"spotify","icon":"spotify.png"}},"rssFeedUrl":"https:\/\/nationallearninggroup.co.uk\/beta\/feed\/podcast\/the-first-podcast","embedCode":"<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"mOeFsEiDKd\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nationallearninggroup.co.uk\/beta\/aqa-gcse-english-language-changes-2026\/\">AQA GCSE English Language: Key Updates for 2026 and What They Mean for Students<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" src=\"https:\/\/nationallearninggroup.co.uk\/beta\/aqa-gcse-english-language-changes-2026\/embed\/#?secret=mOeFsEiDKd\" width=\"500\" height=\"350\" title=\"&#8220;AQA GCSE English Language: Key Updates for 2026 and What They Mean for Students&#8221; &#8212; \" data-secret=\"mOeFsEiDKd\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\"><\/iframe><script>\n\/*! 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