Pearson lists 11 Edexcel International GCSE subjects that can be taken onscreen by 2026. They are English Language A, English Literature, Business, Economics, History, Geography, Global Citizenship, Islamic Studies, Pakistan Studies, ICT and English as a Second Language. Computer Science is planned for 2027, to be confirmed. The questions are the same as on paper, sat at the same time.
Which Edexcel International GCSE subjects are available onscreen?
Pearson says that “by the examination series in 2026 there will be 14 subjects available for international schools to take onscreen exams in”. That total is 11 International GCSE subjects and 3 International A Level subjects (Pearson). Pearson’s Information Manual 2025/26 shows which series each can be sat in.
| Qualification | Subject | Onscreen from | Onscreen series (2025/26 entries) |
|---|---|---|---|
| International GCSE | English Language A, English Literature | 2022 | November 2025 and June 2026 |
| International GCSE | Business, Economics, History | 2024 | November 2025 and June 2026 |
| International GCSE | Geography | 2025 | November 2025 and June 2026 |
| International GCSE | Global Citizenship, Islamic Studies, Pakistan Studies | 2025 | June 2026 only |
| International GCSE | ICT, English as a Second Language | 2026 | June 2026 only |
| International GCSE | Computer Science | 2027 (to be confirmed) | — |
| International A Level | English Literature, English Language | 2024 | Not stated |
| International A Level | History | 2026 | Not stated |
| International A Level | Computer Science (new qualification) | 2027 (to be confirmed) | — |
The International A Level subjects are marked “not available in the UK”. International GCSE no longer has a January series: “The January 2023 series was the final January series available for International GCSE.”
Is an onscreen exam different from the paper exam?
No. Pearson says: “Our onscreen assessments are the same as the paper-based assessments. The questions are the same and the exams are taken at the same time - the only difference is the format.” Both routes “follow the normal awarding process”, with measures “to ensure fairness and consistency so that no student is advantaged or disadvantaged as a result of the medium” (Pearson FAQ).
How do onscreen entries work?
Centres must first ask Pearson for approval: “Centres must request approval to offer the onscreen option.” Onscreen then uses its own option codes under the same specification code. “Centres choosing the onscreen option select papers marked as ‘C’ in the title. Centres using both regional and onscreen papers select papers marked as ‘CR’.” For Business 4BS1, for example, option ZA is both papers onscreen, ZB is Paper 1 onscreen, and ZC is Paper 2 onscreen. Not every paper labelled “C” is an onscreen paper, so exams officers should check each subject’s entry table.
Schools do not have to move everyone. Pearson notes that some schools “may choose to split their entry between paper-based and onscreen assessment”. In History, “it is possible to sit a mixture of onscreen and traditional papers across Papers 1 and 2” (Pearson).
What technology does a school need?
Exams run on the Pearson Modulus platform. Pearson’s requirements, from its onscreen FAQ:
- Devices: Mac and Windows devices must install Pearson’s secure browser. Chromebooks must be “centre-owned” and in “Kiosk-mode”. “Tablets cannot be used.”
- Rooms: workstations 1.25 metres apart, and one invigilator per 20 students.
- Connectivity: if the connection drops, “work is being saved locally to their device”.
- Access arrangements: requested “through the normal route via the Pearson Access Arrangements online tool”, and the platform has built-in accessibility features.
Cambridge’s digital exams have similar requirements, including 1.25 m spacing. Our guide to Cambridge digital exams covers them.
How should schools prepare students for onscreen papers?
Give students practice in the actual interface, then practice under timed conditions. Pearson provides sample assessment materials in its Sandbox environment for every subject currently delivered onscreen. It also offers a paid mock service in which students sit a past paper onscreen and Pearson’s marking team marks it. Beyond that, the practical skills are typing speed for extended answers, navigating between questions, and pacing without a paper script to flick through. These are best built with regular timed practice from Year 10.
How schools do this with AI Buddy
AI Buddy gives students regular onscreen practice with past-paper-style questions, marked instantly with feedback. That helps build the typing, navigation and timing habits onscreen papers need. Teachers use the test builder to set timed tests and see who struggles under timed conditions before a Pearson Sandbox or mock session. AI Buddy is not Pearson’s Modulus platform and does not replicate it.
Frequently asked questions
Which Edexcel International GCSE subjects are onscreen?
English Language A, English Literature, Business, Economics, History, Geography, Global Citizenship, Islamic Studies, Pakistan Studies, ICT and English as a Second Language. Computer Science is planned for 2027, to be confirmed.
What is Pearson onscreen assessment?
Pearson’s option to sit Edexcel exams on a computer, on the Pearson Modulus platform. The questions and timing match the paper exam.
Is IAL Computer Science onscreen from 2027?
Pearson lists the new International A Level Computer Science as onscreen in 2027, to be confirmed. The qualification was first taught in September 2026.
Can a school mix onscreen and paper entries?
Yes. Schools can split cohorts between formats, and some subjects allow a mixture of onscreen and paper papers for the same student.
For the full change calendar across both boards, see the Exam Board Change Radar.
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