GCSE Exam Dates 2026: Full Timetables And Key Information

These are the latest exam dates established by each GCSE exam board. However, please note that these dates may be subject to change as the exam period approaches. It’s important that you use them as a general reference.

Keep in mind that non-exam assessments, including modern foreign language speaking tests and practical science experiments, might be scheduled before this period, as individual schools decide these dates.

Key dates for GCSE exams 2026

In the 2025–26 academic year, GCSE exams run throughout May and June, across all exam boards.

• First exam: Monday 4 May 2026
• Last exam: Friday 26 June 2026
• Results day: Thursday 20 August 2026

GCSE Maths exam dates 2026

GCSE Biology exam dates 2026

GCSE Chemistry exam dates 2026

GCSE Physics exam dates 2026

GCSE English Language exam dates 2026

GCSE English Literature exam dates 2026

GCSE Business exam dates 2026

GCSE Computer Science exam dates 2026

GCSE Geography exam dates 2026

GCSE History exam dates 2026

GCSE Religious Studies exam dates 2026

Exam Board Timetables

When are the Edexcel GCSE exams 2026?

View the Edexcel GCSE exam timetable 2026 to find out the dates of all of your Edexcel exams.

When are the OCR GCSE exams 2026?

Move across to the OCR GCSE exam timetable 2026  to see the dates of all OCR exams.

When are the AQA GCSE exams 2026?

Go to AQA GCSE timetable 2026 to see all the dates of your AQA exams.

Other key dates

GCSE results day 2026

GCSE results 2026 will be available across all exam boards in the summer on Thursday 20th August 2026.

GCSE appeals

If students are unhappy with their GCSE grade or qualification, there is a chance to appeal. Edexcel appeals, OCR appeals and AQA appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the results.

Appeals must meet specified criteria; often, the head of the test centre or school administration must submit the appeal.

GCSE resits 2026

For those who did not achieve their desired qualifications, GCSE resits are possible during the 2026 GCSE exam season.

Maths and English GCSE resits are sat slightly earlier in November 2026. At the end of the registration period, private candidates must ensure they have selected an appropriate exam centre and fully understand the registration procedures for their qualification to successfully register for resits.

GCSE Exams FAQs

Will there be GCSEs in 2026?

What date do GCSE results come out in 2026?

How many GCSEs does Year 11 take?

Typically, Year 11 students take between 8 and 10 GCSE exams, including core subjects such as Maths, English Language, English Literature, and Sciences, and additional subjects the student has chosen.

What happens if you miss a GCSE exam?

If a student misses a GCSE exam, they usually receive a grade of “U” (ungraded) or “X” (absent) for that specific paper. This could negatively impact their overall grade for the subject. However, if a student has a legitimate reason for missing an exam, such as an illness or a family emergency, they should contact their school or exam centre as soon as possible to discuss the situation. In some cases, special consideration may be granted, or alternative arrangements might be made.

Advice for missing a GCSE exam:

1. Communication: If you know in advance that you’ll miss an exam due to a scheduled event or appointment, inform your school or exam centre as soon as possible. They may be able to make alternative arrangements or offer advice on the best course of action.
2. Provide evidence: If you miss an exam due to illness or another exceptional circumstance, gather supporting evidence as soon as possible, such as a doctor’s note or relevant documentation. This evidence will be crucial in supporting your case for special consideration.
3. Apply for special consideration: If you miss an exam for a legitimate reason, your school or exam centre can apply for special consideration on your behalf. This can result in a small adjustment to your final grade to account for the circumstances that led to the missed exam. It’s important to note that special consideration is granted at the discretion of the exam board, and there is no guarantee that it will be given.
4. Retaking exams: If you miss a significant portion of your exams, or if your overall grade is negatively impacted by a missed exam, you may need to consider retaking the exams in a future exam series. Discuss this option with your school or exam centre, and ensure you understand the implications and requirements of retaking the exams.
5. Seek support: Talk to your teachers, tutors, or school counsellors about your situation. They can provide guidance, support, and additional resources to help you navigate the situation and minimise the impact on your academic progress.

What happens if you miss a GCSE exam due to illness in the UK?

If a student misses a GCSE exam due to illness, they should inform their school or exam centre as soon as possible. They may be required to provide medical evidence, such as a doctor’s note, to support their absence. The school or exam centre will then decide whether the student is eligible for special consideration. Special consideration can result in a small adjustment to the student’s final grade to account for the circumstances that led to the missed exam. However, it is important to note that special consideration is granted at the discretion of the exam board, and there is no guarantee that it will be given. If a student misses a significant portion of their exams due to illness, it might be necessary to retake the exams in a future exam series.