English Language and Literature A Level

NEW Applications for September 2026

Applications Open - Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close - Monday 5th April 2026 at 5pm

Entry Requirements - A minimum of six separately identifiable GCSE subjects at grade 6 or above, OR an average of grade 6 in the best six GCSE subjects achieved

At least a grade 5 in both English and Mathematics For most subjects at A Level, a grade 6 in the subject at GCSE is required. However, for A Level Mathematics a grade 7 is required, and for Further Mathematics a grade 8 is necessary

How to Apply - Applications can be made through Kent Choices

Please contact us directly if you have any questions - contact sixthformrecruitment@nks.kent.sch.uk

Open Evening

Thursday 15th January - 6pm - 8pm

Presentations at 6:30pm & 7:30pm

No booking necessary.

Open Mornings - Please visit our school website to book a slot for the open mornings www.nks.kent.sch.uk

Thursday 20th November 2025 9am - 12pm

Thursday 11th December 2025 9am -12pm

Please visit our website for information on consultation meeting if you would like to visit the school and talk to a member of the Sixth Form Team - https://www.nks.kent.sch.uk/page/?title=Sixth+Form+Admissions&pid=33

Studying English Language and Literature together is a great combination and one which will equip students with a variety of transferable skills such as writing, analysis, applying context and reading for meaning.​​

The course is perfect if you enjoy not only the creative aspects of the written word, but also if you’re interested in how literature and language reflect society. It will complement your other studies and prepare you well for university and your future career.​​

Students will combine the skills developed in the separate qualifications of GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language and learn to apply these to texts in an integrated approach.​​

Learners will be required to study a range of literature texts including Shakespeare and modern texts. These texts will be explored through the prism of language analysis.​​

The content of A level English Language and Literature is broader than that of other English A levels because, in addition to the study of novels, poetry and plays, it includes the study of non-fiction and spoken texts as well as providing exciting opportunities for creative writing.​​

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Exam format:​​

At Norton Knatchbull we teach Edexcel’s English Language and Literature specification which covers six set texts and is made up of three components: ​​

• 1 Voices in Speech and Writing Examined component worth 40%​​
• 2 Varieties in Language and Literature also examined and worth 40%​​
• 3 Investigating and Creating Texts and is the Coursework component worth 20%​​

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GCSE grade 6 in English Language and English Literature.

Students can progress from A level language and literature to higher education courses such as degrees in English, English literature, creative writing or in related subjects such as journalism, media, teaching, drama, and history amongst others​​

There are also a wide range of careers which are directly related to English language or literature, such as teacher, editor, writer, or in areas such as publishing, journalism, the media, advertising, marketing, public relations, arts administration, record offices, libraries, national and local government and the civil service​​