Reminder on the updated set texts for AS and A Level English Literature
25 June 2025
This update was first published on 25 March 2024.
On 1 October 2024, we reminded you we’re updating three Shakespeare set texts for first teach September 2025. On 21 January 2025, we published teacher guides on Teach Cambridge to support you. We now remind you to make sure you're using the latest specifications and supplementary sample assessment material – see below for further details.
For AS and A Level English Literature (H072/H472), we confirm we're updating three Shakespeare set texts for Component 01. We first informed centres about these set texts proposals in September 2023.
The changes will take place for first teach September 2025, with first assessment for AS Level in June 2026 and for A Level in June 2027.
Final A Level assessment will take place in June 2026 for the following set texts:
- Coriolanus
- Twelfth Night
- Measure for Measure
Final assessment for AS Level was June 2025. After these final assessments, we'll remove these set texts from our approved list of teaching material.
For first teach September 2025, we are replacing the set texts above with the following Shakespeare plays:
- Othello
- The Taming of the Shrew
- King Lear
New teaching guides available
To support teachers with teaching the new set texts, we have published the following resources:
These guides, for first teach September 2025, are intended as a starting point for engaging with the Shakespeare plays.
You can view and download the concise text guides from the Teaching > Teaching delivery > Teaching and delivery guides > Shakespeare section on Teach Cambridge.
Amended specifications
We've updated our specifications to reflect the set text change:
You can view and download the specifications from the qualification page on our website and Teach Cambridge.
Please make sure you're using the latest versions with your students.
Supplementary sample assessment material
We've also provided sample question papers for the replacement Shakespeare texts. You can view and download this supplementary material from the Assessment > Exams > Sample assessment materials > Sample question papers section on Teach Cambridge.
If you have any queries about this update, please call our Customer Support Centre on 01223 553998, or email us at english@ocr.org.uk.
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