Pearson’s International A Level Computer Science is “a completely new qualification”, first taught in September 2026. It has four units: two written papers and two 3-hour practical programming exams in Python 3, taken onscreen. The IAS (XCP01) is first examined in June 2027 and the full IAL (YCP01) from June 2028, in January and June only.
What is in the new Edexcel IAL Computer Science?
Four equally weighted units, two per year. From the specification (Issue 1, March 2026):
| Unit | Title | Assessment | Time | Marks | Weighting (IAL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (IAS) | Principles of Computer Science | Written (WCP01/01) or onscreen (WCP01/01C) | 1h 30m | 80 | 25% |
| 2 (IAS) | Practical Programming and Problem-solving | Practical, onscreen (WCP02/01) | 3h | 80 | 25% |
| 3 (IA2) | Advanced Principles of Computer Science | Written (WCP03/01) or onscreen (WCP03/01C) | 1h 30m | 80 | 25% |
| 4 (IA2) | Advanced Practical Programming and Problem-solving | Practical, onscreen (WCP04/01) | 3h | 80 | 25% |
The written units cover computer systems, data representation, networks and encryption (cybersecurity at IA2), data structures, problem-solving, and enabling and emerging technologies. The practical units cover programming, handling data, best practice, computational thinking and algorithms, and at IA2 “additional programming paradigms”. At least 10% of marks across the papers are for mathematics, and calculators are not allowed in Unit 1.
How are the practical programming exams run?
Onscreen, in Python 3, with AI disabled. The specification says the qualification develops “programming skills using Python 3”, “removing the reliance on pseudocode”. It offers “hands-on experience of three programming paradigms”. In Units 2 and 4, students work in an “integrated development environment (IDE) of choice”. They get a hard-copy question paper, digital coding files and a digital programming language subset, and may use “constructs beyond those listed”. Pearson requires that “all AI-enabled tools, including locally installed large language models (LLM) or other automated code-generation features, are fully disabled during examination conditions”.
For exams officers, that means rooms with Python-ready devices for two 3-hour practical exams per student, with AI assistants removed. Pearson’s general onscreen requirements, such as a secure setup and workstations spaced 1.25 m apart, are covered in our guide to Edexcel onscreen exams. Pearson’s onscreen page still lists IAL Computer Science as “2027 (to be confirmed)”. The summer 2027 timetable shows the written code for Unit 1, so confirm the format of each paper with Pearson before entries close.
When are the first IAL Computer Science exams?
| Series | Units available |
|---|---|
| June 2027 | Units 1 and 2 (first IAS certification August 2027) |
| January 2028 | Units 1 and 2 |
| From June 2028 | All four units, in January and June “for the lifetime of the qualification” (first IAL certification August 2028) |
There is no October series for this subject. Pearson recommends that learners “complete Unit 1 alongside Unit 2 during the first year of study” and Units 3 and 4 in the second. IAS entries for summer 2027 close on 21 March 2027.
How is it graded?
Each unit carries 100 UMS, with A at 80 and E at 40. The IAS is out of 200 UMS (A at 160), and the IAL out of 400 (A at 320). For the A*, a student needs “an A for the International Advanced Level qualification (at least 320 uniform marks)” and “at least 180 uniform marks” across the two IA2 units. Students can resit any unit, and “only the better of the two most recent attempts of that unit will be available for aggregation”. Our IAL modular strategy guide covers timing and cash-in. Pearson notes that these qualifications “are not accredited or regulated by any UK regulatory body”.
What should a computing department plan now?
Students who started Year 12 in September 2026 are already on it. Five planning steps:
- Python everywhere. Standardise on Python 3 across Years 10–13, since the practical exams assume it.
- Practical exam practice. Schedule full 3-hour onscreen programming mocks before June 2027.
- Devices and rooms. Plan capacity for practical exams, with AI tools disabled on exam machines.
- Mathematics. Build the 10% mathematics content into teaching; Unit 1 is non-calculator.
- Course choice. IAL Information Technology is still timetabled for summer 2027. Decide which qualification each cohort takes; Pearson describes Computer Science as new, not as a replacement.
How schools do this with AI Buddy
AI Buddy supports computer science students with past-paper-style questions and instant feedback on theory topics, and teachers see gaps by topic across the class. For the new IAL, departments can use that topic data to focus Unit 1 revision. The Python practical units need hands-on coding practice in an IDE, which AI Buddy does not replace. Ask us what computer science content AI Buddy covers today.
Frequently asked questions
What changes in the new Edexcel IAL Computer Science?
It is a completely new qualification: four units, including two 3-hour practical programming exams in Python 3 taken onscreen, first taught in September 2026.
When is the first IAL Computer Science exam?
June 2027 for Units 1 and 2 (the IAS). All four units are available from June 2028.
What programming language does IAL Computer Science use?
Python 3. The practical exams use an IDE of the student’s choice, with AI code-generation tools disabled.
Is IAL Computer Science available in October?
No. Units run in January and June only.
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Sources
- Pearson, International Advanced Level Computer Science (2026)
- Pearson, IAL Computer Science specification, Issue 1 (March 2026)
- Pearson, Onscreen assessment
- Pearson, Exam timetables and International key dates 2026-27