English Language · XEN01 / YEN01

How International A level English Language works

Start here: the units, their exam codes and when you can sit them for Pearson Edexcel International AS and A level English Language.

Two qualifications in one course

International A level English Language is modular: you sit it unit by unit.

The International AS (cash-in code XEN01) is Unit 1, Unit 2. It is a qualification on its own.
The full International A level (cash-in code YEN01) is all 4 units: the AS units plus Unit 3, Unit 4.

You can bank AS results in Year 12 and add the A2 units in Year 13.

The units

Each unit has its own exam code. These are the codes your exams officer uses to enter you.

Unit	Code	Title	Level	Exam series 2026/27
Unit 1	WEN01	Language: Context and Identity	AS	January and June only
Unit 2	WEN02	Language in Transition	AS	January and June only
Unit 3	WEN03	Crafting Language (Writing)	A2	January and June only
Unit 4	WEN04	Investigating Language	A2	January and June only

Source: Pearson Information Manual 2026/2027, International A level

When you can sit them

Pearson runs International A level exams in January, May to June and October, but not every unit is offered in every series. Plan your units with your teacher, and always confirm entries with your exams officer: Pearson updates the manual every year.

Worked example

You finish Year 12 having sat the AS units in English Language. What can you claim?

The AS units are Unit 1, Unit 2.
Together they give the International AS (XEN01).

Answer: The International AS in English Language (XEN01); add the A2 units in Year 13 for the full A level (YEN01).

Key idea: International AS English Language = Unit 1, Unit 2 (XEN01). Full International A level = all 4 units (YEN01). Not every unit is offered in October.

Check yourself

What is the cash-in code for the full International A level in English Language?
- XEN01
- ZEN01
- YEN01
- WEN01
Show answer
YEN01. YEN01 is the full International A level; XEN01 is the International AS.
Which code is the International AS in English Language?
- XEN01
- YEN01
- WEN01
- QEN01
Show answer
XEN01. XEN01 is the International AS cash-in code.
How many units make up the full International A level in English Language?
Show answer
4. The full A level is 4 units: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4.
In 2026/27, in which exam series can you sit English Language Unit 1 (Language)?
- October, January and June
- January and June only
- June only
- January only
Show answer
January and June only. Pearson's 2026/27 manual lists Unit 1 as available in: January and June only.
Which English Language unit has the code WEN02?
- Unit 1
- Unit 3
- Unit 4
- Unit 2
Show answer
Unit 2. WEN02 is Unit 2: Language in Transition.

Practise with instant feedback

Sources

Last updated 7 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email alevel@lifereadysociety.com.