GCSE English Literature is an untiered GCSE, so every student sits the same two papers and can be awarded any grade from 1 to 9. This guide covers the texts and papers, how marks are weighted, the resit dates and where to practise.
What the GCSE English Literature exam involves
Under the AQA specification (8702), GCSE English Literature is assessed in two papers, both taken at the end of the course. The two papers are worth 160 marks in total, and they are not weighted equally.
- Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel, 1 hour 45 minutes, 64 marks (40 percent of the grade)
- Paper 2: modern texts and poetry, 2 hours 15 minutes, 96 marks (60 percent of the grade)
Paper 1 covers a Shakespeare play and a 19th-century novel. Paper 2 covers a modern prose or drama text and a poetry anthology, along with an unseen poem. Most exam boards use a similar structure, but check the specification your school follows.
Tiers and grades
GCSE English Literature is untiered, so there is no foundation or higher tier to choose. Every student sits the same papers and can reach any grade from 1 to 9. Grade 4 is a standard pass and grade 5 is a strong pass. Grade boundaries are set after the exams, so there is no fixed mark for each grade in advance.
Resit and key dates
- Summer 2027: exams run in May and June 2027, with results in August 2027. Read the summer 2027 resit guide.
- How is GCSE English Literature graded? Read the grading answer.
Check with your school or exam board for the exact timetable and whether any earlier series is available, as dates can change.
Free practice
Last updated 3 November 2026.