Essentials of UK Politics and Government: Pearson Edexcel A-Level

This is the go-to textbook on UK Politics and Government for all A-level Politics students studying on the Edexcel specification. Building on Andrew Heywood’s signature accessible style, this edition has been overhauled throughout by Kathy Schindler and Adam Tomes who draw on their extensive teaching and examining experience to provide a comprehensive and innovative guide to the UK Politics for A-level. 

Written in a clear and accessible style, the book covers everything from Democracy and Participation, Political Parties and Elections, to Voting Behaviour and the Media, the Constitution, and Parliament, as well as coverage of key events such as the 2019 general election and the latest Brexit developments. In addition, it features a unique Exam Focus chapter offering advice on responding to essay and source questions, alongside annotated example answers. Alongside the book is a companion website featuring extra case studies, further sample student answers with annotations, tips for planning and organising revision, a list of resources for further study and more. 

ANDREW HEYWOOD is author of such best-selling textbooks as Politics, Political Ideologies and Global Politics, used by hundreds of thousands of students around the world. Andrew was vice principal of Croydon College, having previously been director of studies at Orpington College and head of politics at Farnborough Sixth-Form College. He had many years’ experience as an A-Level chief examiner for government and politics.

KATHY SCHINDLER has been teaching Politics for 30 years, working in large comprehensive school in London for most of that time. Kathy is part of the Senior Examination Team for a large exam board and was involved in the development of the new linear Politics specification. Subsequently, Kathy has led many training sessions for the exam board around the country, helping teachers to get to grips with the demands of the new specification as well as supporting individual politics departments and holding student revision conferences in schools. In addition to this book, Kathy has also textbooks published by Pearson.

ADAM TOMES has been teaching since the year 2000, working at York College, a large Further Education College, for most of that time. Adam has taught History, Philosophy and Politics at A level with the majority of his teaching experience in Politics, the subject that is closest to his heart. Adam is a strong advocate for Politics A-Level, hoping to see it grow across the education sector and really engage and enthuse students. Adam has held a range of roles as an examiner and trainer for a large exam board whilst also co-authoring a number of textbooks.