Are texts with publishers' notes allowed in the open text exam?

There are many editions of set texts available, with newer editions sometimes including notes (often displayed on facing pages), illustrations, activities and further resources which make these texts particularly useful and user friendly for classroom use.

For examination in 2026 and 2027, if you are purchasing texts that are intended for both classroom and examination use, we would advise that you avoid editions that include extensive study notes and page-facing translations as such texts may not be used in the Open Text examination for Paper 3.

For examination from 2028 onwards, centres may allow candidates to take in texts which contain printed notes and commentaries by editors : such work of others may be used by candidates, but it should be quoted and referenced appropriately. Please see Section 4 of the syllabus document for further information.