Both GCSE English specifications — what you’ll sit, how long it takes, how it’s marked, and where the official papers live. Free for every student and parent, whether you join us or not.
English language & literature
Shakespeare & the 19th-century novel
Modern texts & poetry
Explorations in creative reading & writing
Writers' viewpoints & perspectives
Literature is closed book — you can’t take the texts in. Language also includes the separate Spoken Language endorsement, assessed in school and reported alongside the grade.
Understand the text, answer the actual question, back it up with quotations.
Analyse language, form and structure — and the effect on the reader.
Link the text to its context — when it was written and for whom.
Spelling, punctuation, sentences and vocabulary — accuracy earns marks.
Our courses follow these specifications lesson by lesson — and the first one is free.
GCSE English Literature assesses your ability to analyse texts, explore writers’ choices, and develop clear exam responses. The qualification is assessed through two closed-book papers.
Paper 1
Paper 2
Understanding & Response
Writer’s Methods
Context
Accuracy
Paper 1
Paper 2
Use these trusted resources to understand the specification and practise with real exam materials.
Official course requirements and assessment details.
Past papers are the single best free revision tool.
Explore our GCSE English courses with structured lessons, expert explanations, and exam-focused guidance designed to help students succeed.
