Supporting Exam Preparation For Dyslexic Students: What’s Changing For 2026 GCSEs?
For many teachers and parents, preparing students with dyslexia for their GCSEs is a careful balancing act of ensuring that they gain knowledge and skills, while also putting in place fair support so that exam conditions don’t unfairly penalise them. With changes coming into force for the 2026 GCSE exam cycles, we thought we would take a quick look at what is being amended and what it means for pupils, schools, and families.
What’s changing?
For the 2026 GCSE exams, there are several changes coming into force across a variety of subjects.
English Language
AQA has recently announced “light but meaningful changes” to its GCSE English Language assessments from summer 2026 onwards. While these changes do not alter the exam’s overall structure or the weightings of assessment objectives, they do aim to improve clarity, especially in wording, mark scheme guidance and question framing.
The opening question in Paper 1 will move from a “list four things” style question to a multiple choice format. Paper 2 also sees a number of changes, from revised mark schemes to tightening of the language in various questions.
What does this mean for dyslexic students and support planning, though? The shift in format to multiple choice questions can help those who may struggle with fast reading by eliminating the need to scan for detail or insight. The addition of the “typical features” in Paper 2 gives more transparency and guidance on what strong answers look like, while the removal of ambiguous or indirect prompts helps reduce cognitive load for learners who struggle with inference or parsing complex phrasing.
Mathematics, Physics and Combined Science
In October 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) confirmed that for GCSEs in Mathematics, Physics and Combined Science taken in 2025, 2026 and 2027, students will not be required to memorise all the usual formulae or equations. To support this, Ofqual has decided that formulae sheets and equation sheets will continue to be provided as exam aids in those years.
Exam boards will publish the formulae and equation sheets ahead of time, while in exam rooms, only clean copies of those sheets will be provided. This will help to remove the burden of recalling formulae, freeing up working memory and helping to reduce anxiety. It also means students can have a year of preparation, giving them the confidence they need to achieve their best.
Practical strategies for teachers, SENCos and parents
So, what can you do to ensure students are as prepared as possible for the exam season next summer? Here are some of our top tips:
- Integrate the new sample papers for all students (not just Year 11) so they become familiar with the new cues.
- In STEM classes, always allow the use of the official sheets so dyslexic students can build fluency with them.
- When studying English, model how to parse prompts, annotate question demands, and decode techniques with clear language.
- Continue to build a robust evidence base (mock performance, timed work, observation notes) that supports any access arrangements. The more consistent the “normal way of working,” the more confidently you can justify support.
- Ensure communication among schools, parents, and students, ensuring that all parties are working towards the same goals.
Final thoughts
The 2026 updates to GCSE English Language and the continuing provision of formula and equation sheets in maths and sciences offer both opportunities and responsibilities. For dyslexic students, these changes can reduce unnecessary barriers but only if preparation is intentional, support is consistent, and students are fluent in the tools they will use.
As you plan for the next exam cycles, The Dyslexia Shop is here to help you with tailored aids, assistive tech and guidance. Want to find out more? Check out our full range today or get in touch with our team, who will be happy to help!