Following changes to the JCQ Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments document in March 2026, we have updated the specification for Entry Level English (R393).

We have updated our guidance on the support teachers can give students when completing the Reading and Writing tasks for this certificate.

We have listed the updates and corresponding section numbers in the ‘Summary of updates’ at the end of the specification.

These changes apply for teaching from September 2026 with first assessment in June 2027.

You can view and download the updated specification (version 2.1) from the Entry Level English qualification page on our website and Teach Cambridge.

To reflect the updated guidance, we have also updated the sample assessment materials. You can view these from the Assessment > Sample assessment materials section on our website and the Assessment > Exams > Sample assessment materials section of Teach Cambridge.

If you have any queries about this update, please contact the English Subject Team on 01223 553998 or email english@ocr.org.uk.

Qualification

• English - R393 (from 2016)