English Literature
English Literature at The Perse Sixth Form combines rigorous literary study with lively debate—inspiring perceptive critics, confident writers and independent thinkers. Through the study of poetry, prose and drama across different periods and cultures, students engage with some of the most influential works in the literary canon while developing analytical, creative and communication skills.
Developing critical readers and thinkers
Discussion, debate and independent thought lie at the heart of English Literature at The Perse. Through seminars, presentations, collaborative analysis and personal study, students learn to explore complex ideas, evaluate differing interpretations and construct sophisticated arguments. Students engage with writers ranging from Chaucer to contemporary authors, examining how literature reflects and shapes society while developing increasingly confident and original responses to texts.
A distinctive feature of the course is the opportunity to choose texts independently for extended coursework. This allows students to develop university-level research skills, intellectual independence and the confidence to pursue their own literary interests in depth, preparing them for the demands of higher education.
Learning beyond the specification
English offers a rich super-curricular programme that extends learning far beyond the examination specification. Weekly Thursday Enrichment sessions encourage literary discussion, wider reading and engagement with ideas that strengthen both university applications and personal statements. Students are encouraged to read broadly, explore different critical perspectives and develop their own scholarly interests.
The department also provides regular opportunities to engage with literature through theatre productions, exhibitions, galleries, lectures and literary events. Students can take part in debating, public speaking and literary competitions, developing the confidence to communicate ideas persuasively while broadening their cultural awareness and intellectual curiosity.
Learning through literature and culture
Literature is brought vividly to life through an extensive programme of trips and visits. Students explore the literary landscapes of New York and Paris on residential visits: tracing the Lost Generation, experiencing Broadway and visiting sites including Ellis Island, the Tenement Museum and internationally renowned galleries. Shakespeare productions and workshops in Stratford-upon-Avon and London, together with events such as the Cambridge Literary Festival, provide valuable opportunities to engage with literature in its cultural and historical context.
University preparation and future pathways
English Literature develops advanced skills in critical thinking, research, written communication, analysis and argumentation. Students learn to think independently, construct persuasive arguments and engage thoughtfully with complex ideas, making the subject excellent preparation for higher education.
The subject opens doors to a wide range of degree courses and careers, including English, Law, Journalism, Publishing, Politics, Media, Marketing, Teaching and the creative industries. Above all, it develops curious, articulate and culturally aware young people who are equipped to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.
Recent highlights
English students consistently achieve exceptional academic outcomes. In 2025, 94% of students achieved A*/A grades, including 61% at A*. Students regularly progress to Oxford, Cambridge and other leading universities, combining academic excellence with intellectual curiosity and independent scholarship.
Beyond the classroom, Perse students have enjoyed success in prestigious national competitions, including winning the English-Speaking Union’s Public Speaking Competition for Sixth Forms and reaching the final of the ESU Mace Debating Competition. These achievements reflect the department’s commitment to developing confident communicators, perceptive literary critics and independent thinkers.
Assessment details
Two written examinations and two pieces of non-examined assessment submitted at the end of the Upper Sixth.
The examining board is OCR.