GCSE Exam Dates 2026: A Student's Essential Guide

The GCSE 2026 Exam Dates are set. The exam season begins on Monday, 4th May and continues until Friday, 26th June 2026.

Students face eight weeks of exams. Your revision strategy needs careful planning if you're taking GCSEs in 2026. The mock exams happen in December or January of Year 11. This leaves you with limited time to work on weak areas before the actual exams.

My experience with hundreds of students shows that early knowledge of exam dates makes a real difference. Having these dates ready helps you manage subject-specific preparation and balance your revision throughout the exam period.

The GCSE results come out on Thursday, 20th August 2026 [-3]. This date serves as a clear target throughout your studies.

This detailed guide will show you everything about the GCSE dates 2026. You'll find subject timetables, morning and afternoon session timings, and ways to build an effective revision plan based on your exam schedule.

When Do the 2026 GCSE Exams Start and End?

Major examining boards have finalised the GCSE exam timetable for 2026. Students should plan their schedules from early May through late June, with several dates they need to remember.

Key dates for the exam season

The 2026 GCSE examination period starts on Monday, 4th May and ends on Friday, 26th June. Students have nearly eight weeks to complete all their subject examinations.

These dates will shape your 2026 exam schedule:

• First GCSE exam day: Monday, 4th May 2026

• Last scheduled exam: Friday, 26th June 2026

• Contingency day: Wednesday, 24th June 2026

• GCSE Results Day: Thursday, 20th August 2026

Schools get their results one day earlier, on Wednesday, 19th August 2026. Modern foreign language speaking tests and practical science experiments might happen before the main exam period starts, as individual schools schedule these assessments.

You'll find the latest timetables on your exam board's official website. AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, and Eduqas all have their schedules online. All the same, your school will give you a personal examination timetable that shows your specific papers.

Morning and afternoon session timings

GCSE exams follow set times across all exam boards, split between morning and afternoon sessions:

• Morning exams begin at 9:00 am

• Afternoon exams begin at 1:30 pm

Schools can adjust these official start times within certain limits. Morning exams can start between 8:30 am and 9:30 am. Afternoon sessions can begin between 1:00pm and 2:00pm.

Students with multiple exams in one session take them back-to-back with supervised breaks between papers. This helps handle schedule conflicts while keeping exams secure.

Students usually line up 15 minutes before each exam starts. This gives enough time to enter the hall, get papers distributed, and read instructions before the exam begins.

Contingency days and what they mean

The contingency day on Wednesday, 24th June 2026, serves as a backup plan for the entire exam system.

All awarding bodies include this day in their standard planning. It helps deal with "national or significant local disruption to examinations". This could mean extreme weather, widespread illness, or other unexpected events that might stop exams from happening on their scheduled dates.

No exams are currently set for this date, but students must stay available until Wednesday, 24th June 2026. Don't book holidays or make unchangeable plans before this date. You might need to take a rescheduled exam on this day if problems arise.

The contingency day isn't just one school's choice - all awarding bodies agree on this as part of their backup planning. This applies to every student taking GCSE examinations in 2026, whatever exam board or school they're with.

GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026: What You Need to Know

Math takes centre stage in your GCSE timetable with three papers spread throughout the exam period. The 2026 schedule shows that all major exam boards have set these most important assessments on similar dates. This creates a standardised pattern that helps you prepare better.

Non-calculator and calculator paper dates

The GCSE Maths exams maintain a three-paper format in all major examination boards. Your math papers will run according to this schedule:

• Paper 1 (Non-Calculator): Thursday, 14th May 2026 (Morning)

• Paper 2 (Calculator): Wednesday, 3rd June 2026 (Morning)

• Paper 3 (Calculator): Wednesday, 10th June 2026 (Morning)

Each paper runs exactly 1 hour and 30 minutes and begins in the morning session at 9:00 am. Your exam centre can adjust the start time within limits – morning exams can begin at 8:30 am and must start by 9:30 am.

This schedule creates gaps between papers, giving you about three weeks between your first and last math exam. You'll have time to revise between papers and identify what you need to work on after each test.

Exam board differences: AQA, Edexcel, OCR

The exam dates are similar, but each exam board structures their mathematics papers differently:

AQA Mathematics:

• Paper 1: Non-Calculator (Foundation & Higher tier)

• Paper 2: Calculator (Foundation & Higher tier)

• Paper 3: Calculator (Foundation & Higher tier)

Edexcel Mathematics:

• Paper 1 (1MA1 1F/1H): Non-Calculator (Foundation/Higher tier)

• Paper 2 (1MA1 2F/2H): Calculator (Foundation/Higher tier)

• Paper 3 (1MA1 3F/3H): Calculator (Foundation/Higher tier)

OCR Mathematics:

• Paper 1 (Foundation)/Paper 4 (Higher): Calculator

• Paper 2 (Foundation)/Paper 5 (Higher): Non-Calculator

• Paper 3 (Foundation)/Paper 6 (Higher): Calculator

OCR stands out by allowing calculator use in their first paper, unlike AQA and Edexcel, which start with non-calculator papers. OCR also numbers its papers differently - Papers 1-3 for Foundation and Papers 4-6 for Higher.

Note that OCR's non-calculator paper comes second in the sequence. This might affect how you plan your revision compared to other boards.

Tips to prepare for each paper

The structured dates and format differences suggest these preparation strategies:

For Non-Calculator Papers:

• Become skilled at mental arithmetic, especially with fractions, percentages and decimals

• Work on algebraic manipulation without technology

• Learn key formulae not shown on the formula sheet

• Complete past non-calculator papers with time limits

For Calculator Papers:

• Learn your calculator's functions well before exam day

• Get comfortable with statistical functions, trigonometry and powers

• Master quick calculator techniques for complex problems

• Know when manual methods work better than calculator use

Your revision timetable should focus heavily on non-calculator topics in April and early May. Then switch to calculator-based techniques for the June papers. The three-week gap between Paper 1 and Paper 2 gives you time to work on areas where you need help.

The morning sessions last 1 hour and 30 minutes across all boards. This helps you establish a steady preparation routine no matter which examination board you follow. Just keep in mind the different calculator/non-calculator sequences, especially with OCR.

English and Science Exam Timetables Explained

GCSE English and Science exams are the foundations of your studies. The major examining boards follow similar patterns in their structured paper sequences. A good grasp of how these core subjects fit into the exam period helps you create a better revision plan.

English Language and Literature paper dates

The English examinations in 2026 follow a logical sequence that starts with Literature and moves to Language papers. Here's the schedule:

English Literature:

• Paper 1: Monday, 11th May 2026 (Morning) - Duration: 1h 45m

• Paper 2: Tuesday, 19th May 2026 (Morning) - Duration: 2h 15m for AQA

English Language:

• Paper 1: Thursday, 21st May 2026 (Morning) - Duration: 1h 45m

• Paper 2: Friday, 5th June 2026 (Morning) - Duration: 2h 05m for Edexcel [131]

Students from all major exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, and OCR) take their English exams at the same time. This helps schools manage their resources better, especially those offering multiple exam boards.

Biology, Chemistry, and Physics exam breakdown

Science exams spread across May and June give you time to revise between papers:

Biology:

• Paper 1: Tuesday, 12th May 2026 [142]

• Paper 2: Monday, 8th June 2026

Chemistry:

• Paper 1: Monday, 18th May 2026

• Paper 2: Friday, 12th June 2026 [144]

Physics:

• Paper 1: Tuesday, 2nd June 2026 [143]

• Paper 2: Monday, 15th June 2026 [144]

Triple Science students spend 1 hour and 45 minutes on each paper. Combined Science papers are shorter, lasting 1 hour 10 minutes or 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on your exam board.

Your school's personal examination timetable might have slight variations, so make sure you check it.

Combined vs Triple Science: what's different?

The difference between Combined and Triple Science shows up in both content coverage and exam structure.

Exam Structure:

• Triple Science students get three separate GCSEs (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). Each subject has two papers, adding up to six examinations.

• Combined Science students earn two GCSEs covering all three sciences. They still take six papers (two per subject), but each paper has less content and takes less time.

Examination Duration:

• Triple Science papers run for 1 hour 45 minutes each

• Combined Science papers are shorter:

  • AQA: 1 hour 15 minutes per paper

  • Edexcel: 1 hour 10 minutes per paper

  • OCR Gateway: 1 hour 10 minutes per paper

Grading System: The two pathways use substantially different grading systems:

• Triple Science gives you three separate GCSE grades (one per subject) that can vary (e.g., Biology 8, Chemistry 7, Physics 6)

• Combined Science results in two linked grades that are either the same or one grade apart (e.g., 7-7, 7-6, 6-6)

Students can pursue A-levels in science subjects through either pathway. Triple Science covers extra content that might give you a head start in A-level courses.

These differences make it vital to check your personal timetable for Science exams to confirm your specific papers and their durations.

How to Use Your GCSE Exam Timetable Effectively

The right GCSE timetable information sets you up for exam success. Your exams will span several weeks, so tracking dates and handling any schedule conflicts will help you perform better in summer 2026.

Where to find your official timetable

Major examination boards post their official GCSE timetables on their websites. You can find the 2026 schedules directly on AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, and Eduqas online portals. These timetables show morning (9:00am) and afternoon (1:30pm) sessions for each subject.

Your school gives you a personal examination timetable after Easter that includes:

• Exact dates and times of your examinations

• Specific room allocations

• Your designated seat number for each exam

Most schools display exam timetables on dedicated noticeboards and upload them to their website's 'Information' section. On top of that, your Statement of Entry appears on digital platforms like BromCom Student Portal and Exams Assist. You need to check this carefully before getting your personal timetable.

Exams Assist offers live timetables as a popular option. You should create an account with your personal email to always have access to your customised schedule.

How to track multiple subjects and boards

Schools use different exam boards for different subjects, which can make exam tracking tricky. Major schools have confirmed their 2026 exam board choices:

• AQA for English Language (8700), Literature (8702), Geography (8035)

• Edexcel for Maths (1MA1), Combined Science (1SC0)

• OCR for Music (J536), Sports Science (J828)

• WJEC Eduqas for Design and Technology (C600QS)

You can colour-code your timetable by subjects or exam boards to make your schedule easier to understand quickly. Digital calendars with notifications work well for many students who want reminders as exam dates get closer.

Your personal timetable looks different from the official board versions. Official timetables list every possible exam, while your personal one shows only the papers you'll take.

Avoiding clashes and managing overlaps

Timetable clashes happen when two subjects are scheduled at the same time. This is normal and has simple solutions. Your school's Examinations Officer will sort everything out.

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) has set clear rules for 2026:

• Two exams in one session that take three hours or less must happen back-to-back, with a supervised 20-minute break between them

• One exam moves to a different session that day if the combined time exceeds three hours

• An exam might move to the next morning if three or more GCSE exams total more than 5.5 hours

Students must stay supervised between exams to maintain security. Sometimes, overnight supervision might be needed, but this rarely happens.

Note that you can't change the published timetable for holidays or personal events. Every student needs to be available through the contingency day (24th June 2026) in case of national disruptions.

Planning Your Revision Around the Exam Calendar

Your GCSE 2026 dates are set. The next big step is creating a well-laid-out revision plan. A good study system builds confidence and helps you perform better in every subject.

Creating a subject-based revision plan

The best time to start revising is during the autumn term of Year 11. Students taking exams in 2026 should begin their preparation by late 2025 or January 2026. Make a list of your subjects and break them into topics or units.

Here's how to build your study schedule:

• Look at each exam date and plan backwards to see your available study time

• Give extra time to tough subjects and those worth more grades

• Study in 20-25 minute blocks with 5-minute breaks - research shows focus drops after this time

• Split your revision into smaller chunks throughout the week. Three 20-minute sessions work better than one long hour

Studies show that spreading out your learning beats cramming. Remember, quality beats quantity. Keep your schedule realistic and flexible.

Using mock exams to guide your prep

Mock exams show you where you stand. They should shape how you revise. Plan your milestones around your school's mock exam schedule.

Make time to complete one practice paper each week by the February half-term. This helps you spot gaps in your knowledge that need more work. Mock results point out exactly where you need to focus.

The results from diagnostic questions help you create a study plan that fits your needs. Once you know your weak spots, give them extra attention in your schedule.

Balancing coursework and revision

Students taking art, design technology, and music need to juggle coursework with exam revision. Smart planning can turn coursework into a revision advantage.

Your coursework can kickstart your revision. After finishing an assignment, test yourself on related topics. This method strengthens your understanding of the subject.

Put coursework deadlines first in your study plan since they come before main exams. Topics you've mastered through coursework need less revision time later.

Technology makes planning easier. Google Calendar lets you colour-code different subjects. Apps like Trello or Notion break down your study goals into smaller tasks.

What Happens After the Exams? Results and Resits

The moment you finish your last GCSE paper, your mind moves to results and potential resits. You'll start counting down the days until you find out your grades, and there are some key dates and steps you should know about.

GCSE Results Day 2026: what to expect

Students can collect their results on Thursday, 20th August 2026. Most schools open their doors at 8am, though some London schools start at 9am. You'll need to make special arrangements with your school if you can't pick up your results in person. The government has tested new ways to share results - their Education Record app lets students check grades from 11am on results day.

Understanding grade boundaries

Schools publish grade boundaries at 8am on results day. These boundaries tell you how many marks you need for each grade and change each year based on the exam's difficulty. A grade 4 means you've achieved a "standard pass" while getting a grade 5 shows a "strong pass". The marks needed for each grade can vary quite a bit - 70 marks might get you a Grade 7 one year but could mean a Grade 6 or 8 in another.

When and how to register for resits

Students must sign up by 4th October 2025 to take November 2025 resits in English and Maths. For other subjects, registration deadlines fall in February/March 2026 for summer exams. You can take as many resits as you need. Students who don't get a grade 4 in English or Maths usually take resits free of charge.

Conclusion

Getting ready for your 2026 GCSE exams needs good planning and preparation. This piece outlines the key timeline from the first exam on May 4th to the contingency day on June 24th, 2026. You'll find detailed schedules for core subjects like Maths, English, and Sciences that will help you plan your study time better.

You now have all you need to build a study plan that fits your exam schedule. Note that while these exams might seem far away, starting early makes a big difference. Students who begin their revision in Year 11's autumn term often score better than those who wait until the last minute.

Mock exams will give you a clear picture of where you stand. Use these practice runs to spot areas that need more work. Short, regular study sessions work better than long cramming sessions that leave you exhausted.

Once you're done with your last exam, don't forget to mark August 20th, 2026, as your results day. Whatever the outcome, you'll have options – from celebrating your success to taking resits in subjects that need improvement.

The path to GCSE success might look tough, but you'll direct yourself through this vital educational milestone with good time management and steady revision. Keep organised, stay focused on what you want to achieve, and believe in your preparation. Understanding these exam dates helps you plan better and turns this challenging time into something you can handle well.

Key Takeaways

Master your GCSE 2026 journey with these essential planning insights that will transform your exam preparation from stressful to strategic.

• GCSE 2026 exams run from 4th May to 26th June, with results on 20th August—start revision in autumn 2025 for optimal preparation.

• Maths follows a three-paper structure: non-calculator on 14th May, then calculator papers on 3rd and 10th June across all exam boards.

• English Literature precedes Language (11th-19th May), whilst Science papers are strategically spaced throughout May and June for focused revision.

• Use your personal exam timetable from school to identify clashes early—exam officers can reschedule overlapping papers with supervised breaks.

• Create spaced revision sessions of 20-25 minutes rather than cramming—quality trumps quantity for long-term retention and exam success.

Remember to stay available until the contingency day on 24th June 2026, as this safety net ensures all students can complete their examinations regardless of unforeseen disruptions. Early planning and consistent revision will set you up for GCSE success.

FAQs

Q1. When do the GCSE exams start and end in 2026?

The GCSE exams in 2026 begin on Monday, 4th May and conclude on Friday, 26th June. This creates an eight-week examination period for students to complete all their subject assessments.

Q2. How are the GCSE Maths exams structured in 2026?

The GCSE Maths exams in 2026 consist of three papers: Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) on 14th May, Paper 2 (Calculator) on 3rd June, and Paper 3 (Calculator) on 10th June. Each paper lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes and is scheduled for the morning session.

Q3. What's the difference between Combined and Triple Science GCSEs?

Triple Science students take six exams (two each for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) lasting 1 hour 45 minutes each, resulting in three separate GCSE grades. Combined Science students also take six exams, but they're shorter (typically 1 hour 10-15 minutes each) and result in two linked GCSE grades.

Q4. How should I plan my revision around the exam calendar?

Start revision in the autumn of Year 11, create a subject-based plan working backwards from exam dates, and use mock exams to guide your preparation. Aim for 20-25 minute study sessions with breaks, and space out revision throughout the week for better retention.

Q5. When is GCSE Results Day 2026, and what should I expect?

GCSE Results Day 2026 is scheduled for Thursday, 20th August. Schools typically open from 8am for result collection. Grade boundaries are published at 8am on the same day, showing the minimum marks needed for each grade. If you're unable to attend in person, arrange alternative collection methods with your school beforehand.