GCSE Exam Predictions 2025: Britain Migration, Empires and the People (AQA)

As we approach the 2025 GCSE History exams, I know many of you are feeling that familiar mix of nerves, hope, and determination. And if you're studying Britain: Migration, Empires and the People, you’ll know just how broad—and fascinating—this topic is.

Over the years, I’ve sat with many of you, poring over sources, debating significance, and comparing complex events from across more than a thousand years of history. Today, I want to share my personal reflections and reasoned predictions for what might appear in this summer’s paper. Of course, no one has a crystal ball—but by analysing patterns in past papers, we can prepare with clarity and confidence.

Looking Back Briefly

Recently, they really dug into the significance of the Vikings, used a source on Britain's relationship with Europe, compared the American War of Independence and the Boer War, and had that big essay on whether ideas like imperialism were the main reason empires developed. Before that, we saw questions on the Angevin Empire, emigration, Alfred the Great, British India, and essays focused on economic factors for migration, the role of governments in migration, and individuals in empire loss.

So, while anything could reappear, it feels less likely they'll ask those exact questions again so soon. Examiners usually like to spread the love across the vast timeline and themes we've studied.

My Hunches for This Year

• Q1 (The Source): Given the recent focus areas, I wonder if we might see a source linked to the Norman Conquest? Or perhaps something on the complexities of the Slave Trade or its Abolition? It also wouldn't surprise me to see a source reflecting the experiences of specific migrant groups like the Huguenots or the Windrush generation, or even something exploring the impact empire had back home in Britain.

• Q2 (Significance): My gut feeling? Keep a very close eye on the Norman Conquest (1066). It's such a cornerstone of this course and hasn't been the star of the 'significance' question for a while. Other strong contenders could be the Abolition of the Slave Trade – its impact was huge – or perhaps the significance of Commonwealth migration after World War II, or even the impact of the World Wars themselves on the Empire.

• Q3 (Comparison): They often ask for similarities. Maybe this time they'll compare the experiences or impacts of different groups who came to Britain? Think Huguenots vs Jewish migrants, or perhaps Irish vs Commonwealth migrants. Comparing how or why the empire was built in different periods is another angle. Or maybe comparing resistance movements? They could even flip it and ask for differences, so be ready for that possibility.

• Q4 (The Big Essay): This is always the toughest to call! They've recently covered 'ideas' for empire growth, 'economics' and 'government' for migration causes, and 'individuals' for empire loss. So, what's left? I have a feeling they might pivot towards impact. For example: "To what extent have economic factors [or social/cultural] been the main impact of migration on Britain?" Or perhaps the same question but about the impact of Empire on Britain. Another possibility is focusing on the role of War and Conflict as the main driver for migration or changes in the empire. Or they could revisit a factor like Economic Resources, but ask about its role in the development or loss of Empire, rather than migration.

  
  

Why These Thoughts?

These are just areas that feel a little 'due' for attention. They cover different parts of our timeline (from 1066 right up to the 20th century), touch upon really significant themes like conquest, exploitation, resistance, and identity, and fill some gaps from recent years.

The Really, Really Important Bit!

Please, please, please remember – these are just educated guesses from your history teacher! Treat them as areas to perhaps put a little extra focus on during your final revision push, but do not revise only these topics. That would be a huge mistake. The examiners can, and sometimes do, surprise everyone.

The absolute best strategy is to make sure you have a solid understanding across the whole course – from the Vikings and Normans right through empire building, the slave trade, various migration waves, to decolonisation and Britain's relationship with Europe.

Go back through your notes, practice different question types, and make sure you can link examples from different eras for that big Q4 essay.

If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed or unsure where to focus, our GCSE guides for AQA at Kingsbridge Education are packed with what you actually need such as clear summaries, countless model answers and integrated flashcards and quizzes to test yourself along the way. Find out more here: https://www.kingsbridgeeducation.co.uk

You've all worked incredibly hard. You know this stuff. Trust yourselves, stay calm, read the questions carefully. All the best!