Essential links for MFL GCSE speaking exams

This blog post may well be the most boring one I've ever written! But please don't let that put you off... as I think it's also one of the most important ones I've ever written.

If you follow me on Instagram and/or Facebook, you may know that in March 2026 I shared a reel a day with answers to questions about the new GCSE speaking exams. I used my own CPD workshop resources (which I ran in August 2024 and are still 100% relevant), plus some helpful documents and videos from the exam boards.

Here are the links to the documents that you NEED to read if you haven't done so already, so you're totally prepared for the exams.

AQA

1. Instructions for the conduct of exams. This is a dull document, that is wordy and not pretty, but absolutely ESSENTIAL reading for anyone who is conducting AQA exams this spring. Find the document here.

2. Top tips for success. This is a pupil-friendly document that covers all 4 exams, and I would print them off and have the speaking pages available in the prep room as a reminder to pupils. This document can be found here.

3. Notes and guidance: Video mini-series on paper 2. This isn't a document, but a really helpful video series that talks you through everything from setting up the prep room, to conducting each part of the exam, to uploading and sending off the files afterwards. Find the videos here.

Pearson Edexcel

1. Student speaking support document. This is designed for your students to read and is a clear guide for each part of the exam. Find the document here.

2. Paper 1 Teacher guide. I use this document all the time to answer questions about these exams, as it is so clear and comprehensive. You can find it here.

3. Video examples of speaking exams. Download the commentaries, which include links to the videos here (French), here (German) and here (Spanish).