English Literature

Applications Open: Thursday, 27th November 2025 from 5pm.

Applications Close: Friday, 13th February 2026.

Entry requirements: • All students must gain 5 passes at Grade 4 or above at GCSE (or the equivalent for vocational qualifications) including a pass in English and / or Maths.

How to apply:

Internal Students - please use the schools internal system: https://www.studentoptions.co/sixthform/

External Students - please use KentChoices. Log in to get started here.

Before starting A level English literature, you should consider whether you enjoy reading, you will have to read a lot of texts, including 40 poems, at least two full novels and two full plays, including one by Shakespeare. Do you excel at writing essays? You will have to write long essays under exam conditions to do well in this subject. How much do you enjoy analyzing texts and exploring the many ways that writers convey meaning, and how easy is it for you to convey ideas in your own writing? You will have to explore the historical context and literary traditions that link to the texts that you study: is this something you enjoy?

Component 1: Drama

Section A: Shakespeare

Section B: Other drama

Component 2: Prose

Component 3: Poetry

Section A: Post-2000 Poetry

Section B: Specified Poetry Pre- or Post-1900

• engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them

• develop and effectively apply your knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation

• explore the contexts of the texts you are reading and others’ interpretations of them

• undertake independent and sustained studies

80% Examination and 20% Coursework 

There are three written examinations:

Component 1: Drama – 30% of the total qualification, 2 hrs 15 minutes - two sections.

Section A: Shakespeare – One essay question from a choice of two on their studied text.

Section B: Other drama – One essay question from a choice of two on their studied text.

Component 2: Prose – 20% of the total qualification, 1hr 15 minutes – one section.

one comparative essay question from a choice of two on your studied theme.

Component 3: Poetry – 30% of the total qualification, 2 hrs 15 minutes – two sections.

Section A: Post-2000 Poetry – One comparative essay question from a choice of two on an unseen modern poem written post-2000 and one named poem from the studied contemporary text.

Section B: Specified Poetry Pre- or Post-1900 – One essay question from a choice of two on your studied text.

Non-Examination – 20% of the qualification

One extended comparative essay referring to two texts.

Grade 4 in English Literature.

A level English literature leads to:

• higher education courses such as degrees in English, English literature, creative writing or in related subjects such as journalism, media, teaching, drama, history.

• a wide range of careers directly related to English 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.