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About GCSE French
GCSE French is taken at the end of Year 11 and is one of the few GCSEs with a tier to choose. Foundation covers grades 1 to 5 and Higher covers 4 to 9, and both boards require every paper to be taken at the same tier, so the decision matters. The good news is that the four skills carry equal weight, so no single paper can carry or sink the grade. You can see how our GCSE tutoring works.
Both boards have moved to a new specification, first taught from September 2024 and first examined in 2026. It sets out four papers of equal weight, each worth 25% and 50 marks, for a total of 200 marks: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The assessment objectives are identical on both boards, with 35% for understanding and responding to spoken language, 45% for written language, and 20% for grammar and vocabulary.
The speaking paper works differently from the other three. It is conducted by the student's teacher, recorded, and then marked by the exam board rather than the school. It lasts 7 to 9 minutes at Foundation or 10 to 12 at Higher, with 15 minutes of supervised preparation beforehand, and it is worth the same 25% as every other paper. That makes it too important to leave late, so we rehearse it from the start, working from past papers and mark schemes.
Who GCSE French Is For
This course suits students who want a French grade they can rely on.
- Year 10 and Year 11 students sitting GCSE French this summer
- Students aiming for grades 7 to 9
- Learners who read well but freeze in the speaking test
- Students who need help with grammar accuracy, which carries 20% of the marks
- Students sitting the new specification, first examined in 2026
GCSE French Exam Boards We Cover
Both boards are on the same new specification, first examined in 2026, and both are tiered with four papers at 25% each. Their assessment objectives match exactly. The difference is mostly timing: AQA's listening paper is 35 minutes at Foundation against Edexcel's 45, and Edexcel allows five more minutes on the writing paper at each tier. Neither board permits a dictionary.
AQA
Four papers, each worth 25% of the GCSE and 50 marks, for a total scaled mark of 200. Foundation covers grades 1 to 5 and Higher covers 4 to 9, and all four papers must be taken at the same tier and in the same series. Paper 1 is Listening: 35 minutes at Foundation and 45 at Higher, with 5 minutes' reading time before the recording starts and 2 minutes at the end to check. Section A is listening comprehension answered in English or non-verbally, worth 32 marks at Foundation and 40 at Higher, and Section B is dictation, transcribing short sentences, worth 8 marks at Foundation and 10 at Higher. Paper 2 is Speaking, conducted and audio-recorded by the teacher and marked by an AQA examiner: 7 to 9 minutes at Foundation or 10 to 12 at Higher, plus 15 minutes of supervised preparation, made up of a role play, a reading aloud task with a short conversation, and a photo card discussion. Paper 3 is Reading: 45 minutes at Foundation and 1 hour at Higher, with comprehension questions followed by a translation from French into English. Paper 4 is Writing: 1 hour 10 minutes at Foundation and 1 hour 15 at Higher, running from short structured tasks and grammar exercises up to a 150-word open-ended piece at Higher. Dictionaries are not permitted at any time.
Edexcel
Four papers, each worth 25% of the qualification and 50 marks. Every paper is available at Foundation or Higher tier, and students must be entered for a single tier across all papers. Paper 1 is Speaking, internally conducted and externally assessed: 7 to 9 minutes at Foundation or 10 to 12 at Higher, plus 15 minutes' preparation, with a read aloud task worth 12 marks, a role play worth 10, and a picture task with conversation worth 28. Paper 2 is Listening: 45 minutes at Foundation and 60 at Higher, each including 5 minutes' reading time, with 40 marks for listening and 10 for a dictation section. Paper 3 is Reading: 45 minutes at Foundation and 60 at Higher, with 40 marks for comprehension and 10 for translation into English. Paper 4 is Writing: 1 hour 15 minutes at Foundation and 1 hour 20 at Higher, with open-response questions set in formal and informal contexts plus a translation into French. All assessments are marked by Pearson, and dictionaries may not be used.
How Centaurus Helps GCSE French Students Excel
Tier Decided Carefully
Both boards require all four papers at the same tier. We look at recent work and give a straight view before the school confirms the entry.
Speaking Rehearsed Properly
The speaking paper is worth the same 25% as the rest, and it is the one students neglect most. We run the tasks repeatedly until they feel routine.
Grammar Accuracy Targeted
Knowledge and accurate application of grammar and vocabulary carries a fixed 20% of the marks on both boards. We teach it as exam content, not as background.
Listening at Natural Speed
Both papers play at natural pace, and both include a dictation section. Regular timed listening, including dictation practice, makes the difference.
Vocabulary Built Steadily
Both boards work from a prescribed vocabulary list. We build it in small, tested batches rather than one long list in the last month.
Classes in Your Local Time
Live sessions scheduled around your time zone, so no late nights or early mornings just to make a class.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right GCSE French 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 GCSE French
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