For the attention of GCSE Computer Science teachers
Following the Department for Education’s (DfE) review of GCSE Computer Science, we’ve carefully considered their proposed changes to subject content. We know that stability is crucial for you and your students, and at a time when so much is in the process of review in the curriculum and assessment space, we’ve decided to keep our current specification as it is.
We absolutely agree that Computer Science needs to evolve to stay relevant in a fast-changing world. However, the proposed changes to subject content wouldn’t take effect until 2027 assessments, by which time plans for a broader reform are likely. With the wider curriculum and assessment review already underway, we believe now is not the right time for fragmentary changes to subject content.
The Curriculum and Assessment Review is considering all subjects and key stages, with a taskforce dedicated to reviewing the inclusion of digital, AI and technology in the curriculum. We look forward to their recommendations later this year and would like to see meaningful updates that modernise and increase uptake of the subject.
In the meantime, we’re keeping things consistent so you can continue delivering our GCSE without the burden of reworking lessons, resources and assessments.
We know our qualification, thoughtfully redeveloped in 2020, already offers the most modern approach for GCSE Computer Science. Our content is streamlined, and our onscreen assessment gives students a more engaging and relevant exam experience.
For now, we are keeping our content stable, so that you can carry on delivering our specification with confidence, but we will continue to review and evolve our qualification in the future, always keeping teacher and student experience at the heart of every decision.
If you have any questions, we’re always happy to hear from you. Please contact
TeachingComputerScience@pearson.com.
Best wishes
Emily McRae
Senior Qualification Manager 
