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Written question asked by Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 4 September 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 September 2025 (named day). It was answered by Georgia Gould (Labour) on Friday, 3 October 2025 on behalf of the Department for Education.


Literature: Curriculum

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether the Curriculum and Assessment Review will consider mandating a gender balance in the authors of texts students study for GCSE English Literature.

Answer

The selection of set texts for examination in GCSE English Literature is down to the exam boards. Schools are given the freedom of choice to select works that fulfil the aims of the national curriculum for English Literature, which aims to ensure that all pupils appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
75068
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Curriculum Gender Publications Literature Curriculum and Assessment Review
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk