GCSE English Literature for Private Candidates
GCSE English Literature is fully available to private candidates. It is assessed by two written papers with no coursework and no spoken assessment, so the only thing to arrange is the exam entry itself.
Specification code
8702
Awarding body
AQA
Entry fee
£215
Coursework / NEA
None
Can you take GCSE English Literature as a private candidate?
GCSE English Literature is assessed entirely by written examination. There is no coursework and no endorsement to arrange, which makes it one of the more straightforward subjects to sit as a private candidate — the work is in the reading, not the paperwork.
Home-educated students taking it alongside English Language, and candidates who need a second English GCSE for a specific course requirement. Because the papers test set texts, choose your specification before you start reading.
Requirements verified against the awarding body on 7 September 2026 —private candidate guidance ·specification
How is GCSE English Literature assessed?
GCSE English Literature (8702) is assessed by 2 written papers and no coursework. You sit all of them in the same exam series, at the same tier.
| Paper | Length | Marks | Weighting | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | — | — | 40% | Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel |
| Paper 2 | — | — | 60% | Modern texts and poetry |
English Literature entry fees
English Literature
8702 · AQA
£215
Fees cover the awarding body entry, invigilation at the centre and processing of your results. See the full fees list or check entry deadlines to avoid late charges.
English Literature questions from private candidates
Is English Literature easier to arrange than English Language?
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Yes, in administrative terms. English Literature has no Spoken Language endorsement to organise, so any centre accepting private candidates can enter you. English Language requires the centre to arrange a spoken assessment as well.
Do I choose which texts I am examined on?
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The awarding body sets the text options and your centre confirms which are entered. Check the specification you are being entered for before you begin studying, as reading the wrong set text is a costly mistake to discover late.
Can I take the texts into the exam?
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Assume not. GCSE English Literature is normally sat closed book, so you should prepare to write about quotations from memory. Confirm the exact arrangements for your specification with us before the exam.
Other GCSE subjects
Ready to enter GCSE English Literature?
Tell us your subjects and the part of London that suits you. We secure your seat at an approved centre and handle the registration.