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A Level English Literature Exam
A Level English Literature Exam
Book your A Level English Literature exam with Pass and secure your private candidate exam entry at a local exam centre. We offer exam options with AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International (CIE), with support provided throughout the booking process.
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Fast-Track A Level English Literature Qualification. Work towards your A Level English Literature qualification without needing to follow the traditional school or college pathway. Pass offers a straightforward exam booking route for private candidates and adult learners across the UK.
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Ofqual-Regulated A Level English Literature Exam. Sit a fully recognised A Level English Literature qualification regulated by Ofqual and accepted in the same way as qualifications achieved through schools and colleges.
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Low Cost Guaranteed, No Hidden Fees. Our pricing is clear and competitive, with your fee covering the essential exam arrangements and official certification, so you know exactly what is included from the start.
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Spread the cost over up to 6 months
Spread the cost over up to 6 months
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How does the A Level English Literature exam process work?
Not sure how to begin booking your A Level English Literature exam? Pass is here to make the process clear and manageable. Whether you need support choosing between AQA A, Edexcel, OCR or Cambridge International (CIE), guidance around set texts and coursework requirements, or help entering as a private candidate, our team is available to support you throughout the process.
A Level English Literature exams are usually sat during the summer exam series at a local Pass exam centre. The qualification is open to private candidates and adult learners across the UK, with our team handling the key arrangements on your behalf to help everything run smoothly.
Contact us today and one of our A Level exam advisors will guide you through your options, answer your questions and help you move forward with your A Level English Literature exam booking confidently.
Reserve your place
Register for your A Level English Literature exam online. The Pass team will then be in touch to confirm your booking at a suitable local exam centre.
Take your exam
We will confirm the time, location and all relevant details of your A Level English Literature exam ahead of the day, so you arrive fully prepared.
Receive your results
On national A Level results day, your exam centre will release your results and you will receive your grade.
Take the next step in your career
Use your A Level English Literature qualification to progress to university, degree apprenticeships, further study, or a wide range of graduate-level career pathways.
Fast-Track A Level English Literature Qualification
Achieve your A Level qualifications without returning to a traditional school or college setting. Pass supports private candidates and adult learners with a straightforward exam booking process designed to fit around your schedule and future plans.
Ofqual-Regulated A Level English Literature Exam
This A Level English Literature qualification is fully regulated by Ofqual and carries the same academic recognition as an A Level completed through a school or sixth form. Exams are available to private candidates throughout the UK.
Low Cost Guaranteed, No Hidden Fees
We provide clear and competitive pricing for A Levels online, with no unexpected fees. Your booking includes the essential exam arrangements, from exam entry through to certification with the exam board.
1 Reserve your place
Choose your preferred exam date, exam board and exam option online, then complete the checkout to secure your booking.
2 Take your exam
Ahead of your exam day, we will provide full confirmation of your exam time, exam centre location and all important information you need before attending. This gives you time to prepare properly and familiarise yourself with the exam rules in advance. On the day of your assessment, you will attend your local exam centre and sit your A Level exam in person alongside other candidates across the UK.
Exam Information
Exams are taken in person at an exam centre local to you
A Level English Literature exam dates can be found below
AQA A, Edexcel and OCR include a Non-Exam Assessment component. Cambridge International (CIE) is assessed by written examination papers only.
3 Receive your results
A Level results day is Thursday 12th August 2027. Students across all exam boards and subjects receive their results on the same day.
If you are taking your exams as a private candidate, your results will normally be provided directly by your exam centre. As different centres may issue results in different ways, it is recommended that you check beforehand whether your grades will be available for collection in person, sent by email, or delivered by post.
4 Take the next step. It all starts with a Pass.
Use your A Level English Literature qualification to progress into university, a degree apprenticeship, or take the next step towards a rewarding career.
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A Level English Literature Exam Information - AQA A (7712)
For the official exam-board details, see the AQA A Level English Literature A 7712 specification.
Paper 1 - Literary Genres
Topics
Study of three texts: one poetry and one prose text, of which one must be written pre-1900, and one Shakespeare play. The examination includes two unseen poems.
Format
Extended written responses and comparative essays.
Paper 2 - Texts and Genres
Topics
Study of three texts: one prose, one poetry and one drama text, of which one must be written post-2000. The examination includes an unseen prose extract.
Format
Comparative and analytical essay questions.
Non-Exam Assessment
Topics
Comparative critical study of two texts, at least one of which must have been written pre-1900. Candidates produce one extended essay of around 2500 words and a bibliography.
Format
An internally assessed and externally moderated coursework component, arranged through an approved centre.
A Level English Literature Exam Information - Edexcel (9ET0)
Paper 1 - Drama
Topics
Students study aspects of the form of drama through two plays, including one Shakespeare play and a second drama text.
Format
Two analytical essays.
Paper 2 - Prose
Topics
Students study aspects of prose through two thematically linked texts, at least one of which must be pre-1900.
Format
One comparative essay question.
Paper 3 - Poetry
Topics
Students study a selection of poems from two published poetry texts, including contemporary poetry and unseen poetry response skills.
Format
Comparative and unseen poetry essay questions.
Non-Exam Assessment
Topics
Students study aspects of a range of poetry, from the established literary canon through to the present day.
Format
One extended comparative essay referring to two texts.
A Level English Literature Exam Information - OCR (H472)
Paper 1 - Drama and Poetry Pre-1900
Topics
Drama and poetry texts, including the study of pre-1900 works, with a focus on close analysis, interpretation and critical response.
Format
Extended written responses and essay questions.
Paper 2 - Comparative and Contextual Study
Topics
Comparative and contextual study of prose and drama texts, exploring themes, contexts and connections between works.
Format
Comparative and analytical essay questions.
Non-Exam Assessment
Topics
Independent study of post-1900 literature, supported by wider reading and critical research.
Format
Two extended coursework essays arranged through an approved centre.
A Level English Literature Exam Information - Cambridge International (CIE) (9695)
Paper 1 - Drama and Poetry
Topics
Drama and poetry set texts. Candidates study one drama text and one poetry text.
Format
2-hour written paper. Candidates answer two questions: one from Drama and one from Poetry.
Paper 2 - Prose and Unseen
Topics
Prose set text and unseen text, which may be poetry, prose or drama.
Format
2-hour written paper. Candidates answer two questions: one on a set prose text and one on an unseen text.
Paper 3 - Shakespeare and Drama
Topics
Shakespeare and drama set texts.
Format
2-hour written paper. Candidates answer two questions: one on a Shakespeare text and one on another drama text.
Paper 4 - Pre-1900 and Post-1900 Texts
Topics
Pre-1900 poetry and prose, plus post-1900 poetry and prose set texts.
Format
2-hour written paper. Candidates answer two questions. One response must be on poetry and one on prose.
A Level English Literature Exam Dates (Summer 2027)
You can also read more about A Level exam booking if you want a wider overview of how Pass supports private candidate exam entries.
| DATE | TIME | DURATION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQA A Paper 1 | Thursday 13 May | Morning | 3h |
| AQA A Paper 2 | Thursday 20 May | Morning | 2h 30m |
| Edexcel Paper 1 | Thursday 13 May | Morning | 2h 15m |
| Edexcel Paper 2 | Thursday 20 May | Morning | 1h 15m |
| Edexcel Paper 3 | Friday 28 May | Morning | 2h 15m |
| OCR Paper 1 | Thursday 13 May | Morning | 2h 30m |
| OCR Paper 2 | Thursday 20 May | Morning | 2h 30m |
| Cambridge International Papers 1–4 | Dates pending | — | — |
AQA A Paper 1
AQA A Paper 2
Edexcel Paper 1
Edexcel Paper 2
Edexcel Paper 3
OCR Paper 1
OCR Paper 2
Cambridge International Papers 1–4
FAQs
Can I book an A Level English Literature exam as a private candidate?
Yes. Pass can help you book your A Level English Literature exam as a private candidate and arrange your place at a suitable exam centre.
Which exam boards are available for A Level English Literature?
The available exam boards are AQA (7712), Edexcel (9ET0), OCR (H472) and Cambridge International (CIE) (9695). For a broader official overview, GOV.UK publishes the A Level English Literature subject content used across specifications.
Does A Level English Literature include coursework?
AQA, Edexcel and OCR include a Non-Exam Assessment component. Cambridge International (CIE) is assessed entirely through written examination papers.
Can I take an A Level English Literature resit?
Yes. You can book an A Level English Literature resit if you want to improve a previous grade or complete the qualification again as an external candidate. If you are comparing your wider resit options, you can also read more about online A Levels with Pass.
Are there entry requirements for this exam?
There are no formal entry requirements. Strong reading, analysis and essay-writing skills are recommended because the assessment is at A Level standard.
When are A Level English Literature exam results released?
For the 2027 exams, A Level results day is Thursday 12th August 2027.
Can I sit the written exams online?
No. A Level written exams must be sat in person at a registered exam centre. Pass will confirm the time, location and details before exam day. Pass does offer A level courses online for some select subjects, which can be done remotely.
What should I consider when choosing an exam board?
Private candidates should consider whether they need a written exam only option, whether NEA is required and which specification best matches their texts and plans.
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