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About A Level English Literature
A Level English Literature is the qualification students sit in their final year of school. It runs over two years: Year 12 first, then Year 13, when the exams happen. Many schools call that second year A2, and others call it Grade 12 or Upper Sixth. It suits anyone heading for English, law, history, journalism or education degrees. You can see how A Level is structured across both years.
The step up from GCSE is the length and depth of the argument. A Level essays run far longer, and marks come from weighing up different readings rather than retelling the plot. Students also have to bring in context and critical views, and quote precisely under time pressure.
Every lesson starts from the specification your child's school follows, so study time goes where it counts. We mark real past papers and show exactly where the marks went, and we pull extra practice from our past paper library. Parents can follow progress in the Centaurus Academy LMS all through Year 13.
Who A Level English Literature Is For
This course suits Year 13 students who want an English literature grade they can rely on.
- Year 13 students in the final year of A Level
- Students aiming at English, law or history degrees
- Learners pushing from a B up to an A or A*
- Students who know the texts but write thin, descriptive essays
- Retake students who need a better grade this summer
A Level English Literature Exam Boards We Cover
AQA and Edexcel are the UK boards and both include a project worth 20%. Cambridge is exam-only, and it rotates its set texts every year, so the list changes with the exam year. OxfordAQA lets students choose an unseen-text exam or a coursework submission for their final unit. Cambridge runs exams in June and November, and OxfordAQA in January and June.
AQA
Two papers and a project. Paper 1 is Love through the ages, a 3 hour paper worth 40%, covering Shakespeare, unseen poetry and a comparison of two texts. Paper 2 is Texts in shared contexts, 2 hours 30 minutes and 40%, built around a set text, an unseen extract and two linked texts. The final 20% is an independent critical study comparing texts across time.
Edexcel
Three papers and a project. Component 1 is Drama at 2 hours 15 minutes and 30%. Component 2 is Prose at 1 hour 15 minutes and 20%. Component 3 is Poetry at 2 hours 15 minutes and 30%. All three papers are open book, so students take clean copies into the exam. The last 20% is a coursework essay.
Cambridge
Four papers, all exam, all 2 hours and 50 marks. Paper 1 is Drama and Poetry and Paper 2 is Prose and Unseen, and together they make up the AS. Paper 3 is Shakespeare and Drama and Paper 4 is Pre- and Post-1900 Poetry and Prose. Set texts rotate each year, so the list changes with the exam year, and set texts are not allowed in the exam room.
OxfordAQA
Four units, split into an AS and an A2. Unit 1 covers Aspects of Dramatic Tragedy and Unit 2 covers Place in Literary Texts, each 2 hours and worth 20% of the A Level. Unit 3 is Elements of Crime and Mystery at 30%. Unit 4 is a choice: a 2 hour 30 minute exam on unseen texts, or a coursework submission. Exams run in January and June.
How Centaurus Helps A Level English Literature Students Excel
Argument, Not Retelling
Most lost marks come from retelling the story. We teach students to build a line of argument, then support it with short, precise quotations.
Context and Critical Views
Every board rewards context and different readings. We show how to weave both in without letting them take over the essay.
Quotations That Stick
Set texts are banned from most of these exams, so recall matters. We build revision systems that make the right quotations available under pressure.
The Coursework
AQA, Edexcel and OxfordAQA all include a project. We help narrow the question, choose the texts and shape the argument to the mark scheme.
Exam Board Precision
From Edexcel's open book papers to Cambridge's rotating set texts, the four boards work differently. Lessons follow the exact papers your child will sit.
24/7 Progress Reporting
Families get access to the Centaurus Academy LMS, with attendance, progress and lesson notes available to parents, students and teachers at any time.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right A Level English Literature support makes a real difference. Here is how Centaurus Academy compares with typical online providers.
Meet our Team Of Experts
Our expert tutors bring deep subject knowledge and a passion for teaching — helping every student reach their full potential.
What Parents Say About Us
Hear from the parents and students who have experienced our personalised teaching first-hand.
Excellent long-term experience
We have an excellent long-term experience with the academy and Sir Awais. Our three children studied with them during different periods and succeeded well. We highly recommend the academy.
Excellent academy
Centaurus Academy is truly one of the best educational institutions I've come across. The environment is nurturing, the staff are incredibly dedicated, and the quality of education is outstanding. They focus not only on academic excellence but also on character building and personal growth. The teachers are supportive and go the extra mile to ensure every student feels confident and motivated.
My child has gained confidence
I'm very satisfied with the dedication and teaching approach. My child has gained confidence and improved significantly in understanding math concepts, thanks to the teacher's clear explanations and supportive guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Level English Literature
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