Shyla J.
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Queen Mary University of London
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Updated June 2026
GCSE Exam Dates 2026
GCSE exams 2026 run from Monday 4 May until the last papers in mid-June, with the JCQ contingency day on Wednesday 24 June 2026. Results day is Thursday 20 August 2026. Below is the full official timetable for every GCSE subject across AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and WJEC — plus a free printable PDF with a revision planner.
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Exams Start
Monday 4 May 2026
Exams End
Wednesday 24 June 2026
Results Day
Thursday 20 August 2026
Official 2026 Timetable
These dates are from the official exam board timetables published for Summer 2026. All major boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) now use the same dates for core subjects. Always confirm your personalised timetable with your school.
When is GCSE results day 2026?
GCSE results day 2026 is Thursday 20 August 2026. Most schools open for collection between 8am and 10am, and many email results or publish them in online portals from around 8am. In England, students whose schools have signed up to the DfE's new Education Record app can also view their grades in the app from 11am.
What time do GCSE exams start?
Morning GCSE exams start at 9:00am and afternoon exams at 1:30pm, the standard JCQ session times used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR. Schools can shift timings slightly within a session, so always follow the personal timetable your school issues and arrive at least 15 minutes early.
What is the GCSE contingency day 2026?
Exam boards have reserved the morning and afternoon of Wednesday 24 June 2026 as contingency sessions, in case national disruption forces a paper to be rescheduled. Every GCSE student must remain available up to and including 24 June, even if their final timetabled exam is earlier.
GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026
| Exam Board | Paper | Date | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Boards | Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) | Thursday 14 May 2026 | 9:00 AM | 1h 30m |
| All Boards | Paper 2 (Calculator) | Wednesday 3 June 2026 | 9:00 AM | 1h 30m |
| All Boards | Paper 3 (Calculator) | Wednesday 10 June 2026 | 9:00 AM | 1h 30m |
Maths Paper 1 is on 14 May. Find an online GCSE Maths tutor and start building confidence now — try 4 sessions for just £15 each.
GCSE English Exam Dates 2026
| Exam Board | Paper | Date | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Boards | English Literature Paper 1 | Monday 11 May 2026 | 9:00 AM | 1h 45m |
| All Boards | English Literature Paper 2 | Tuesday 19 May 2026 | 9:00 AM | 2h 15m |
| All Boards | English Language Paper 1 | Thursday 21 May 2026 | 9:00 AM | 1h 45m |
| All Boards | English Language Paper 2 | Friday 5 June 2026 | 9:00 AM | 1h 45m |
English Literature starts 11 May. Find an online GCSE English tutor for Language & Literature — try 4 sessions for just £15 each.
GCSE Science Exam Dates 2026
Dates apply to both Combined Science (Trilogy) and Separate Sciences
| Exam Board | Paper | Date | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Boards | Biology Paper 1 | Tuesday 12 May 2026 | 1:30 PM | 1h 15m |
| All Boards | Chemistry Paper 1 | Monday 18 May 2026 | 9:00 AM | 1h 15m |
| All Boards | Physics Paper 1 | Tuesday 2 June 2026 | 9:00 AM | 1h 15m |
| All Boards | Biology Paper 2 | Monday 8 June 2026 | 9:00 AM | 1h 15m |
| All Boards | Chemistry Paper 2 | Friday 12 June 2026 | 9:00 AM | 1h 15m |
| All Boards | Physics Paper 2 | Monday 15 June 2026 | 9:00 AM | 1h 15m |
Biology Paper 1 is on 12 May. Find an online GCSE Science tutor — Biology, Chemistry & Physics specialists. Try 4 sessions for just £15 each.
Exam dates confirmed for 2026
Worried about GCSE exams?
Many parents start tutoring once exam dates are confirmed. A short intro call can help you decide if support is needed.
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Jamie W.
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Imperial College London
MathsFurther Maths
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Saina S.
University of Warwick
English LanguageEnglish Literature
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What Happens After the Exams
With the final GCSE papers wrapping up in June, attention shifts to results day on Thursday 20 August 2026 and what comes next: sixth-form enrolment, A-Level choices, and for some students, resits.
Results are released at school from around 8am on 20 August
Sixth forms confirm places once they see GCSE grades
Missed grade 4 in English or maths? November 2026 resits are the quickest route back
Starting A-Levels? The GCSE-to-A-Level jump is the biggest in secondary school
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After Results Day: Your Options
Whether your child is celebrating on 20 August or weighing up next steps, these are the routes families typically consider.
Review of marking
If a grade lands just below a boundary, your school can request a review of marking from the exam board in the weeks after results day.
November resits for English and maths
Students who miss grade 4 can resit GCSE English Language and Maths in November 2026. See how resit tutoring works.
Prepare for A-Levels
Year 12 content builds fast. A few sessions before September smooths the GCSE-to-A-Level jump. Read the transition guide.
In Year 10? 2027 prep starts now
Next year's cohort gains most from fixing weak topics over the summer, before Year 11 begins.
Support Through Results Season and Beyond
From results-day decisions to resits and A-Level preparation. Try 4 sessions at just £15 each.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do GCSE and A-Level exams typically start?
GCSE and A-Level exams usually begin in mid-May and run until late June. The exact dates vary by subject and exam board. Results are released in mid-August.
Are exam dates the same for all exam boards?
Core subjects like Maths, English, and Sciences now have aligned dates across AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. However, some subjects still vary by board, so always check your specific exam board's timetable.
How can tutoring help with exam preparation?
A tutor can create a personalised revision plan, identify knowledge gaps, teach exam technique, and provide practice with past papers. Many students improve by 1-2 grades with focused exam preparation.
How far in advance should I start tutoring before exams?
We recommend starting at least 3-6 months before exams for best results. However, even a few weeks of intensive tutoring can make a significant difference to grades.
What happens on results day?
GCSE results are typically released on the third Thursday of August, and A-Level results on the Thursday before. Results can be collected from your school or accessed online if your school offers this.