GCSE English Language & Literature Tuition | Updated & Expert Support

GCSE English Language vs Literature — What’s the Difference?

GCSE English is split into two distinct qualifications: English Language and English Literature. Though related, each has its own focus, exam formats, and learning objectives. We offer expert 1-to-1 online tuition to help students succeed in both.

GCSE English Language

GCSE English Literature

Recent and Coming Changes to the GCSE Curriculum

There are important updates that current and future students should know about:

Exam boards such as AQA have announced updates for Summer 2026 to GCSE English Language (8700). These include clearer question wording, changes to Paper 1 and Paper 2, and improved mark schemes to support student access and clarity.
The English Association and other expert bodies are calling for broader reforms: more modern texts, clearer distinction between Language and Literature, more diverse global voices, speaking/listening or oracy being reassessed, and more creative writing and varied writing tasks.
For English Literature, exam specs already include new, more diverse texts. For example, AQA has added modern texts and poetry clusters such as “Worlds and Lives” and balanced inclusion of contemporary authors alongside classic literature.

We keep our tuition materials and mock exams updated so our students are ready for the changes as they arrive.

What Students Study in English Language & Literature

English Language: reading comprehension, writing (creative and transactional), grammar, vocabulary, and (in many exams) spoken language and listening skills

English Literature: analysis of prose, drama, and poetry; unseen texts; themes, context, and character development; and modern vs classic texts

We tailor support depending on your chosen exam board (AQA, OCR, etc.), personal goals, and the recent changes to specifications.

Why Confidence & Clarity Matter

Many students struggle because the exam wording or expectations can shift—especially with the updates in 2026. Knowing those changes, having a tutor who explains context, and practising with up-to-date sample materials all reduce anxiety and improve performance.

How LearningClubs Prepares You for the
New GCSE Exams

Expert tutors who stay informed on board changes and adjust lesson focus accordingly
Updated mock papers and past-paper practice that reflect new question styles (e.g. for AQA from 2026)
Clear explanations of literary context, analysis, and language features
Mindfulness and breathing strategies to help you stay calm during exams

Parent & Student Feedback

Before testing, I was asked many questions about my son’s development and learning. I felt listened to. The testing provided me with specific information I understood. His improvement is visible already.— Parent

Parent FAQs about GCSE English Changes & Tuition

Q: What changes will be introduced in GCSE English Language for Summer 2026

A: For many English Language exams, new wording for some questions, improved clarity in tasks, and updates to mark schemes to help students show their abilities without being confused by layout or expectations. AQA

Q: Will Literature exams change too?

A: Yes—boards are including new texts and poetry clusters to bring in more diversity, modern texts, and balanced reading. Some texts previously used may be removed.

Q: How does this affect exam prep?

A: It emphasizes practising newer texts, understanding changes in question styles (especially in Language), and using updated mock exams. Tutors will help students adapt to changes rather than relying on old formats.

Q: Do different exam boards require different preparation?

A: Absolutely. Boards like AQA, OCR, etc., have different formats and specifications. We tailor our lessons to your board so you can approach exams with confidence.

📌 Stay ahead of the changes; build confidence in both English Language and Literature with expert support.