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AQA’s question paper changes from June 2027
On 22 September 2026 AQA announced changes to the layout and question formats of its papers from the summer 2027 exams. Updated papers for classroom and mock use are due on Centre Services later in the autumn term 2026.
AQA announced on 22 September 2026: “For summer 2027, we’re introducing some small but important changes to our question papers”. The changes are meant to make papers easier to access. They apply to all of AQA’s subjects except modern foreign languages, whose GCSE, AS and A-level papers follow from summer 2028. That includes GCSE English Language and English Literature.
What is changing
- Source texts: “Source texts will be presented in a more consistent format, using a single left-aligned column, except where the layout is part of what is being assessed.”
- Line numbers: “Where line numbers are required, they’ll be placed on the left-hand side to align with natural reading patterns and support readability.”
- Type: “We’ll use less bold and italic fonts, capital letters and underlined text, as these styles are not as accessible for some learners.”
- Question formats: fewer kinds of format, with “a consistent tick-box format for all multiple-choice questions (MCQs) across all subjects”. Students “will no longer be asked to circle words”, and tasks that ask them to draw lines or write letters in boxes will be used less often.
AQA says it based the changes on research into accessible assessment design and on feedback from teachers and learners, including its Student Advisory Group.
What it means for English departments
Both English qualifications print texts for students to read: the sources in the Language papers, and the extracts and poems in Literature. Students who revise from past papers may find that the June 2027 papers look different, so the new layout is worth showing them before then.
Language Paper 1 Question 1 has been multiple choice since June 2026, and students record the answer by shading a circle, as on Paper 2 Question 1. The announcement says all multiple-choice questions will use a tick-box format, so check how both questions look in the updated papers.
- Use the updated papers for at least one timed practice or mock once they appear, and point out that line numbers will sit on the left of a source.
- Check department mock papers and booklets that copy AQA’s current layout.
AQA’s announcement describes changes to how papers are laid out and how some answers are recorded. It does not say that any question wording, mark scheme or assessment objective will change.
What happens next
AQA says: “The updated papers will be available on Centre Services, our secure website, later in the autumn term 2026 and can be used in the classroom and in your mocks.” The first English paper in the new format is Literature Paper 1 on Wednesday 12 May 2027: see AQA’s English exam dates for June 2027. Modern foreign languages change from summer 2028.
Sources
- AQA, Changes to assessments from summer 2027 onwards (22 September 2026)
- AQA, GCSE English Language (changes to the papers from summer 2026)
- AQA, GCSE exam timetable May/June 2027, version 1.1 (2026)