A Level and GCSE English Literature
25 March 2019
Confirmation of the Shakespeare text edition used for setting exam questions
We have updated the guidance provided in the A Level English Literature and GCSE English Literature specifications to confirm the Shakespeare text edition that is used in setting exam questions.
Where a passage from a set Shakespeare text is printed on the question paper, it will be taken from the The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: The Alexander Text (Collins Classics).
Centres are free to use any complete edition of their chosen Shakespeare text for teaching purposes. We strongly advise against the use of specific performance editions of the plays, which can be heavily edited.
The updated text can be found in section 2c of the specifications:
The specifications can also be downloaded from the relevant qualification pages.
If you have any queries about this update, please call our Customer Support Centre on 01223 553998.
Qualifications