AQA GCSE English Language at a glance
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| AQA GCSE English Language 8700 | |
|---|---|
| Qualification number | 601/4292/3 |
| Papers | 2 written papers |
| Length | 1 hour 45 minutes each |
| Marks | 80 per paper, 160 in total |
| Weighting | 50% each |
| Tiers | None: untiered, grades 9 to 1 |
| Spoken language | Separate endorsement (Pass, Merit, Distinction), not part of the 9 to 1 grade |
| Coursework | None |
| Exam series | May/June and November |
Source: AQA GCSE English Language 8700 specification.
Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks, 50% of the GCSE.
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| Section | Task | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A: Reading | One literature fiction extract from the 20th or 21st century. One short question (4 marks), two longer questions (8 marks each) and one extended question (20 marks) | 40 |
| B: Writing | One descriptive or narrative writing task | 40 (24 for content and organisation, 16 for technical accuracy) |
In practice: Question 1 asks you to list information, Question 2 is about language, Question 3 is about structure, and Question 4 asks you to evaluate a statement about the extract. Section B gives you a choice of a picture-based description or a story opening. For a question-by-question walk-through with timings, see our GCSE English Language Paper 1 guide.
Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives
1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks, 50% of the GCSE.
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| Section | Task | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A: Reading | Two linked texts: one non-fiction and one literary non-fiction, one from the 19th century and one from the 20th or 21st century. One short question (4 marks), questions worth 8 and 12 marks, and one extended comparison (16 marks) | 40 |
| B: Writing | One extended piece presenting a viewpoint, for example an article, letter or speech | 40 (24 for content and organisation, 16 for technical accuracy) |
The spoken language endorsement
Alongside the exams, AQA requires a spoken language assessment: a prepared presentation of up to about ten minutes, followed by questions. It is graded Pass, Merit, Distinction or Not Classified and reported separately on your certificate. It does not change your 9 to 1 grade.
How many marks do you need for a grade 4?
Grade boundaries change every series. Our guide to GCSE grade boundaries explains how raw marks out of 160 turn into grades and where to find AQA's published boundaries for each series.
AQA GCSE English Language past papers
AQA publishes past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports on its website and keeps most of them there for three years. The newest series reaches the public site later: AQA's published date for the November 2025 papers is 30 October 2026, and for summer 2026 it is 9 July 2027. Our English Language Paper 1 past papers guide shows how to work through them.
When can you sit AQA English Language?
English Language is one of only two GCSEs (with Maths) that run in November as well as May/June. The November series is open to candidates aged 16 or over at the start of the academic year. Dates for this year are in our GCSE November 2026 resit timetable.
Studying AQA GCSE English Language online as an adult
Adults of any age can study AQA 8700 and sit the same two papers as school candidates, as a private candidate. There are no formal entry qualifications and no upper age limit. At Lift College you study online with a named UK tutor who marks your reading answers and writing, and on the +Exams plan we enter you before AQA's deadline and book your seat at one of ten Tutors & Exams centres across England. Most adults study 6 to 12 hours a week and finish in 12 to 18 months, or sooner with more weekly study.
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| Plan | Monthly (pay today) | Annual (pay today, save up to 17%) | What is included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study | £39.99 (£44.99 after a 7-day free trial) | £359.99 (£458.99 after a 7-day free trial) | Full AQA 8700 course, named UK tutor, marked practice |
| +Exams | See the course page | See the course page | Everything in Study plus AQA exam entry and Tutors & Exams centre fees, seat booked for you |
Every plan starts with a 7-day free trial: £0 today, nothing charged until day 8, no contract, no credit check, and a 14-day money-back guarantee on every payment. Monthly +Exams has a 9-month expected term because exam fees are built in; you can cancel any time with no exit fee. See the GCSE English Language online course, or compare providers in our guide to the best online GCSE English Language courses.
What can a grade 4 in English Language lead to?
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| Grade | Typical next steps |
|---|---|
| 7 to 9 | A Level English Language or Literature, competitive college and university courses |
| 5 to 6 | Most college and sixth form courses, apprenticeships, nursing and healthcare routes |
| 4 (standard pass) | The usual minimum for colleges, apprenticeships, teacher training and many employers |
Sources checked
- AQA, GCSE English Language (8700) specification, aqa.org.uk (checked 15 October 2026)
- AQA, Exams administration: what's available when, aqa.org.uk (checked 15 October 2026)
- Lift College, GCSE English Language online course page: qualification number, tiers, exam series, plans and prices (checked 15 October 2026)
Want to study it with a tutor? Our GCSE English course online teaches AQA 8700 with a named UK tutor who marks your writing, and on +Exams your exam seat is booked for you.