A Level and AS Level Exam Dates & Timetable 2026
Written by: Angela Yates
Reviewed by: Emma Dow
Last updated
Contents
- 1. When do 2026 A Level and AS Level exams start?
- 2. Key Takeaways
- 3. When are the A Level Mathematics exams in 2026?
- 4. When are the AS Maths exams in 2026?
- 5. When are the A Level Biology exams in 2026?
- 6. When are the AS Biology exams in 2026?
- 7. When are the A Level Chemistry exams in 2026?
- 8. When are the AS Chemistry exams in 2026?
- 9. When are the A Level Physics exams in 2026?
- 10. When are the AS Physics exams in 2026?
- 11. When are the A Level Business exams in 2026?
- 12. When are the AS Business exams in 2026?
- 13. When are the A Level Computer Science exams in 2026?
- 14. When are the AS Computer Science exams in 2026?
- 15. When are the A Level Economics exams in 2026?
- 16. When are the AS Economics exams in 2026?
- 17. When are the A Level English Literature exams in 2026?
- 18. When are the AS Environment Management exams in 2026?
- 19. When are the A Level Further Mathematics exams in 2026?
- 20. When are the A Level Geography exams in 2026?
- 21. When are the AS Level Geography exams in 2026?
- 22. When are the A Level Psychology exams in 2026?
- 23. When are the AS Level Psychology exams in 2026?
- 24. A Level and AS Exams FAQs
- 25. More A Level and AS Exam resources:
- 26. References
When do 2026 A Level and AS Level exams start?
A Level and AS exams will be held between the 11th of May 2026 and the 23rd of June 2026.
These represent the most recent examination schedules set by each A Level examination board. However, it is crucial to bear in mind that these dates could potentially be altered by exam boards. Therefore, students are advised to use these dates merely as a rough guide.
Key Takeaways
Exam season 2026: A Level and AS written exams run 11 May – 23 June. Some practicals and orals may start earlier.
Board differences: Dates vary between AQA, OCR, Edexcel, and CIE, so always check the right timetable for your subjects.
When exams happen: AS exams are mostly in May, while A Level exams peak in June. Edexcel International A Levels often begin earlier.
Your timetable matters: Rely on your personal exam timetable from school or college. It shows your exact dates and times.
Be ready: Bring ID, pens, pencils, a calculator (if allowed), and water. Arrive early to stay calm and focused.
When are the A Level Mathematics exams in 2026?
A Level Mathematics Exams 2026
AQA: |
|
A Level AQA Mathematics - Paper 1 | 03 June 2026 |
A Level AQA Mathematics - Paper 2 | 11 June 2026 |
A Level AQA Mathematics - Paper 3 | 18 June 2026 |
CIE: |
|
A Level CIE Mathematics (Probability & Statistics 2) | TBC |
A Level CIE Mathematics (Pure Mathematics 3) | TBC |
OCR: |
|
A Level OCR Mathematics A - Pure Mathematics | 03 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Mathematics A - Pure mathematics and statistics | 11 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Mathematics A - Pure mathematics and mechanics | 18 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Mathematics B (MEI) - Pure mathematics and mechanics | 03 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Mathematics B (MEI) - Pure mathematics and statistics | 11 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Mathematics B (MEI) - Pure mathematics and comprehension | 18 June 2026 |
Edexcel: |
|
A Level Edexcel Mathematics Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 | 03 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Mathematics Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2 | 11 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Mathematics Paper 3: Statistics & Mechanics | 18 June 2026 |
Edexcel (IAL): |
|
A Level Edexcel (IAL) P1: Pure Mathematics 1 | 08 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) P2: Pure Mathematics 2 | 12 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) P3: Pure Mathematics 3 | 02 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) P4: Pure Mathematics 4 | 09 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) M1: Mechanics 1 | 07 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) M2: Mechanics 2 | 03 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) M3: Mechanics 3 | 11 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) S1: Statistics 1 | 19 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) S2: Statistics 2 | 05 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) S3: Statistics 3 | 12 June 2026 |
When are the AS Maths exams in 2026?
AS Maths Exams 2026
AQA: |
|
AQA AS Paper 1 | 14 May 2026 |
AQA AS Paper 2 | 22 May 2026 |
CIE: |
|
CIE AS Mathematics (Pure 1) | TBC |
CIE AS Mathematics (Pure 2) | TBC |
CIE AS Mathematics (Mechanics) | TBC |
CIE AS Mathematics (Probability & Statistics 1) | TBC |
OCR: |
|
OCR AS Pure mathematics and statistics | 14 May 2026 |
OCR AS Pure mathematics and mechanics | 22 May 2026 |
Edexcel: |
|
Edexcel AS Paper 1: Pure Mathematics | 14 May 2026 |
Edexcel AS Paper 2: Statistics and Mechanics | 22 May 2026 |
Edexcel IAS: |
|
Edexcel IAS M1: Mechanics 1 | 07 May 2026 |
Edexcel IAS P1: Pure Mathematics 1 | 08 May 2026 |
Edexcel IAS P2: Pure Mathematics 2 | 12 May 2026 |
Edexcel IAS D1: Decision Mathematics 1 | 14 May 2026 |
Edexcel IAS S1: Statistics 1 | 19 May 2026 |
When are the A Level Biology exams in 2026?
A Level Biology Exams 2026
AQA: |
|
A Level AQA Biology - Paper 1 | 04 June 2026 |
A Level AQA Biology - Paper 2 | 12 June 2026 |
A Level AQA Biology - Paper 3 | 16 June 2026 |
CIE: |
|
A Level CIE Biology - Paper 4 | TBC |
A Level CIE Biology - Paper 5 | TBC |
OCR: |
|
A Level OCR Biology A - Biological processes | 04 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Biology A - Biological diversity | 12 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Biology A - Unified biology | 16 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Biology B - Fundamentals of biology | 04 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Biology B - Scientific literacy in biology | 12 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Biology B - Practical skills in biology | 16 June 2026 |
Edexcel: |
|
A Level Edexcel Biology B Paper 1: Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics | 04 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Biology B Paper 2: Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology | 12 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Biology B Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Biology | 16 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Biology A (Salters Nuffield): Paper 1: The Natural Environment and Species Survival | 04 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Biology A (Salters Nuffield) Paper 2: Energy, Exercise and Co-ordination | 12 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Biology A (Salters Nuffield) Paper 3: General and Practical Applications in Biology | 16 June 2026 |
Edexcel (IAL): |
|
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 1: Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health | 05 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 2: Cells, Development, Biodiversity and Conservation | 15 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 3: Practical Skills in Biology I | 20 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 4: Energy, Environment, Microbiology and Immunity | 28 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 5: Respiration, Internal Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology | 04 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 6: Practical Skills in Biology II | 12 June 2026 |
When are the AS Biology exams in 2026?
AS Biology Exams 2026
AQA: |
|
AQA AS Paper 1 | 11 May 2026 |
AQA AS Paper 2 | 21 May 2026 |
CIE: |
|
CIE AS Biology (Practical Advanced) – Paper 3 | TBC |
CIE AS Biology | TBC |
CIE AS Biology (Practical Advanced) – Paper 4 | TBC |
CIE AS Biology (Multiple choice) | TBC |
OCR: |
|
OCR AS Biology A - Breadth in biology | 11 May 2026 |
OCR AS Biology A - Depth in biology | 21 May 2026 |
OCR AS Biology B - Foundations of biology | 11 May 2026 |
OCR AS Biology B - Biology in depth | 21 May 2026 |
Edexcel: |
|
Edexcel AS Biology A - Paper 1: Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health | 11 May 2026 |
Edexcel AS Biology B - Paper 1: Core Cellular Biology and Microbiology | 11 May 2026 |
Edexcel AS Biology A - Paper 2: Development, Plants and the Environment | 21 May 2026 |
Edexcel AS Biology B - Paper 2: Core Physiology and Ecology | 21 May 2026 |
Edexcel IAS: |
|
Edexcel IAS Unit 1: Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health | 05 May 2026 |
Edexcel IAS Unit 2: Cells, Development, Biodiversity and Conservation | 15 May 2026 |
Edexcel IAS Unit 3: Practical Skills in Biology | 20 May 2026 |
When are the A Level Chemistry exams in 2026?
A Level Chemistry Exams 2026
AQA: |
|
A Level AQA Chemistry - Inorganic and Physical Chemistry | 02 June 2026 |
A Level AQA Chemistry - Organic and Physical Chemistry | 09 June 2026 |
A Level AQA Chemistry - Paper 3 | 15 June 2026 |
CIE: |
|
A Level CIE Chemistry - Paper 4 | TBC |
A Level CIE Chemistry - Paper 5 | TBC |
OCR: |
|
A Level OCR Chemistry A - Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry | 02 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Chemistry A - Synthesis and analytical techniques | 09 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Chemistry A - Unified chemistry | 15 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Chemistry B (Salters) - Fundamentals of Chemistry | 02 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Chemistry B (Salters) - Scientific literacy in chemistry | 09 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Chemistry B (Salters) - Practical skills in chemistry | 15 June 2026 |
Edexcel: |
|
A Level Edexcel Chemistry Paper 1: Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry | 02 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Chemistry Paper 2: Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry | 09 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Chemistry Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Chemistry | 15 June 2026 |
Edexcel (IAL): |
|
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 1: Structure, Bonding and Introduction to Organic Chemistry | 06 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 2: Energetics, Group Chemistry, Halogenoalkanes and Alcohols | 11 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 3: Practical Skills in Chemistry I | 21 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 4: Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry | 29 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 5: Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry | 02 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 6: Practical Skills in Chemistry II | 08 June 2026 |
When are the AS Chemistry exams in 2026?
AS Chemistry Exams 2026
AQA: |
|
AQA AS Inorganic and Physical Chemistry | 12 May 2026 |
AQA AS Organic and Physical Chemistry | 19 May 2026 |
CIE: |
|
CIE AS Chemistry (Practical - Advanced) | TBC |
CIE AS Chemistry | TBC |
CIE AS Chemistry (Practical - Advanced) | TBC |
CIE AS Chemistry (Multiple Choice) | TBC |
OCR: |
|
OCR AS Chemistry A - Breadth in chemistry | 12 May 2026 |
OCR AS Chemistry A - Depth in chemistry | 19 May 2026 |
OCR AS Chemistry B - Foundations of chemistry | 12 May 2026 |
OCR AS Chemistry B- Chemistry in depth | 19 May 2026 |
Edexcel: |
|
Edexcel AS Chemistry - Paper 1: Core Inorganic and Physical Chemistry | 12 May 2026 |
Edexcel AS Chemistry - Paper 2: Core Organic and Physical Chemistry | 19 May 2026 |
Edexcel IAS: |
|
Edexcel IAS Unit 1: Structure, Bonding and Introduction to Organic Chemistry | 06 May 2026 |
Edexcel IAS Unit 2: Energetics, Group Chemistry, Halogenoalkanes and Alcohols | 11 May 2026 |
Edexcel IAS Unit 3: Practical Skills in Chemistry I | 21 May 2026 |
When are the A Level Physics exams in 2026?
A Level Physics Exams 2026
AQA: |
|
A Level AQA Physics - Paper 1 | 20 May 2026 |
A Level AQA Physics - Paper 2 | 01 June 2026 |
A Level AQA Physics - Paper 3 | 08 June 2026 |
CIE: |
|
A Level CIE Physics - Paper 4 | TBC |
A Level CIE Physics - Paper 5 | TBC |
OCR: |
|
A Level OCR Physics A - Modelling physics | 20 May 2026 |
A Level OCR Physics A - Exploring physics | 01 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Physics A - Unified physics | 08 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Physics B (Advancing Physics) - Fundamentals of physics | 20 May 2026 |
A Level OCR Physics B (Advancing Physics) - Scientific literacy in physics | 01 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Physics B (Advancing Physics) - Practical skills in physics | 08 June 2026 |
Edexcel: |
|
A Level Edexcel Physics Paper 1: Advanced Physics I | 20 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Paper 2: Advanced Physics II | 01 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Physics | 08 June 2026 |
Edexcel (IAL): |
|
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 1: Mechanics and Materials | 08 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 2: Waves and Electricity | 13 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 3: Practical Skills in Physics I | 18 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 4: Further Mechanics, Fields and Particles | 01 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 5: Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations and Cosmology | 05 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 6: Practical Skills in Physics II | 10 June 2026 |
When are the AS Physics exams in 2026?
AS Physics Exam Dates 2026
AQA: |
|
AQA AS Paper 1 | 13 May 2026 |
AQA AS Paper 2 | 20 May 2026 |
CIE: |
|
CIE AS Physics (Practical - Advanced) | TBC |
CIE AS Physics | TBC |
CIE AS Physics (Practical - Advanced) | TBC |
CIE AS Physics (Multiple Choice) | TBC |
OCR: |
|
OCR AS Physics A - Breadth in physics | 13 May 2026 |
OCR AS Physics A - Depth in physics | 20 May 2026 |
OCR AS Physics B - Foundations of physics | 13 May 2026 |
OCR AS Physics B - Physics in depth | 20 May 2026 |
Edexcel IAS: |
|
Edexcel AS Unit 1: Mechanics and Materials | 08 May 2026 |
Edexcel AS Unit 2: Waves and Electricity | 13 May 2026 |
Edexcel: |
|
Edexcel AS Paper 1: Core Physics I | 13 May 2026 |
Edexcel AS Paper 2: Core Physics II | 20 May 2026 |
When are the A Level Business exams in 2026?
A Level Business Exams 2026
AQA: |
|
A Level AQA Business 1 | 13 May 2026 |
A Level AQA Business 2 | 19 May 2026 |
A Level AQA Business 3 | 09 June 2026 |
CIE: |
|
A Level CIE Business – Paper 3 | TBC |
A Level CIE Business – Paper 4 | TBC |
Edexcel: |
|
A Level Edexcel Paper 1: Marketing, people and global businesses | 13 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Paper 2: Business activities, decisions and strategy | 19 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Paper 3: Investigating business in a competitive environment | 09 June 2026 |
Edexcel IAL: |
|
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 1: Marketing and People | 06 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 2: Managing Business Activities | 11 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 3: Business Decisions And Strategy | 29 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 4: Global Business | 09 June 2026 |
When are the AS Business exams in 2026?
AS Business Exams 2026
AQA: |
|
AQA AS Business 1 | 15 May 2026 |
AQA AS Business 2 | 21 May 2026 |
CIE: |
|
CIE AS Level Business 12 | TBC |
CIE AS Level Business 22 | TBC |
Edexcel AS: |
|
Edexcel (AS) Paper 1: Marketing and People | 15 May 2026 |
Edexcel (AS) Paper 2: Managing Business Activities | 21 May 2026 |
Edexcel IAS: |
|
Edexcel (IAS) Unit 1: Marketing and People | 06 May 2026 |
Edexcel (IAS) Unit 2: Managing Business Activities | 11 May 2026 |
When are the A Level Computer Science exams in 2026?
A Level Computer Science Exams 2026
CIE: |
|
A Level CIE Computer Science (Advanced) | TBC |
OCR: |
|
A Level OCR Computer systems | 10 June 2026 |
A Level OCR Algorithms and programming | 17 June 2026 |
When are the AS Computer Science exams in 2026?
AS Level Computer Science Exams 2026
CIE: |
|
CIE AS Computer Science 12 | TBC |
CIE AS Computer Science 22 | TBC |
OCR: |
|
AS Level OCR Computer systems | 12 May 2026 |
A Level OCR Algorithms and programming | 18 May 2026 |
When are the A Level Economics exams in 2026?
A Level Economics Exams 2026
AQA: |
|
A Level AQA Economics-Markets and market failure | 11 May 2026 |
A Level AQA Economics-National and international economy | 18 May 2026 |
A Level AQA Economics-Economic principles and issues | 04 June 2026 |
Edexcel: |
|
A Level Edexcel Economics A Paper 1: Markets and Business Behaviour | 11 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Economics A Paper 2: The National and Global Economy | 18 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Economics A Paper 3: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics | 04 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Economics B Paper 1: Markets and how they work | 11 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Economics B Paper 2: Competing in the global economy | 18 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Economics B Paper 3: The economic environment and business | 04 June 2026 |
When are the AS Economics exams in 2026?
AS Economics Exams 2026
AQA: |
|
AQA AS The operation of markets and market failure | 12 May 2026 |
AQA AS The national economy in a global context | 18 May 2026 |
CIE: |
|
CIE AS Economics | TBC |
CIE AS Economics (Multiple Choice) | TBC |
OCR: |
|
OCR AS Microeconomics | 12 May 2026 |
OCR AS Macroeconomics | 18 May 2026 |
Edexcel: |
|
Edexcel AS Paper 1: Introduction to Markets and Market Failure | 12 May 2026 |
Edexcel AS Paper 2: The UK Economy - Performance and Policies | 18 May 2026 |
When are the A Level English Literature exams in 2026?
A Level English Literature Exams 2026
OCR: |
|
A Level OCR Drama and poetry pre-1900 | 13 May 2026 |
A Level OCR Comparative and contextual studies | 01 June 2026 |
When are the AS Environment Management exams in 2026?
AS Environment Management Exams 2026
CIE: |
|
CIE AS Environmental Management – Paper 1 | TBC |
CIE AS Environmental Management – Paper 2 | TBC |
When are the A Level Further Mathematics exams in 2026?
A Level Further Mathematics Exams 2026
Edexcel: |
|
A Level Edexcel Paper 1: Core Pure Mathematics 1 | 14 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Paper 2: Core Pure Mathematics 2 | 21 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Paper 3A: Further Pure Mathematics 1 | 19 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Paper 3B: Further Statistics 1 | 12 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Paper 3C: Further Mechanics 1 | 05 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Paper 3D: Decision Mathematics 1 | 16 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Paper 4A: Further Pure Mathematics 2 | 22 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Paper 4B: Further Statistics 2 | 22 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Paper 4C: Further Mechanics 2 | 22 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Paper 4D: Decision Mathematics 2 | 22 June 2026 |
When are the A Level Geography exams in 2026?
A Level Geography Exams 2026
AQA: |
|
A Level AQA Physical geography | 12 May 2026 |
A Level AQA Human geography | 21 May 2026 |
Edexcel: |
|
A Level Edexcel Paper 1 | 12 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Paper 2 | 21 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel Paper 3 | 08 June 2026 |
Edexcel (IAL): |
|
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 1: Global Challenges | 12 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 2: Geographical Investigations | 18 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 3: Contested Planet | 03 June 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAL) Unit 4: Researching Geography | 08 June 2026 |
When are the AS Level Geography exams in 2026?
AS Level Geography Exams 2026
AQA: |
|
AS Level AQA Physical geography and people and the environment | 12 May 2026 |
AS Level AQA Human geography and the geography fieldwork investigation | 20 May 2026 |
Edexcel: |
|
AS Edexcel Paper 1: Dynamic Landscapes | 12 May 2026 |
AS Edexcel Paper 2: Dynamic Places | 20 May 2026 |
Edexcel (IAS): |
|
A Level Edexcel (IAS) Unit 1: Global Challenges | 12 May 2026 |
A Level Edexcel (IAS) Unit 2: Geographical Investigations | 18 May 2026 |
When are the A Level Psychology exams in 2026?
A Level Psychology Exams 2026
AQA: |
|
A Level AQA Introductory topics in Psychology | 15 May 2026 |
A Level AQA Psychology in context | 20 May 2026 |
A Level AQA Issues and options in Psychology | 05 June 2026 |
When are the AS Level Psychology exams in 2026?
AS Level Psychology Exams 2026
AQA: |
|
AS Level AQA Introductory topics in Psychology | 11 May 2026 |
AS Level AQA Psychology in context | 19 May 2026 |
A Level and AS Exams FAQs
What dates are A levels in 2026?
In 2026, A Level and AS exams start on the 11th of May 2026 and finish on the 23rd of June 2026. However you should check your own personal exam timetable to see when your earliest and latest exams are, or use the tables above.
Are there A levels in January?
In the UK there are no longer A level exams in January. However there are still some exams in January for International A level qualifications.
Will 2026 grade boundaries be lower?
Ofqual has confirmed that the two-year transition to pre-pandemic grading is now complete and expects results in 2026 to be broadly similar to 2025. Nationally grade boundaries do fluctuate year-to-year due to the relative abilities of year groups, but this is not possible to predict in advance. In my experience, the best students know that grade boundaries are not something within their control; but what they can control is how much they revise!
What happens if you miss an A Level or AS exam?
If a student misses an A Level or AS 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. However in my own experience, special consideration is not commonly granted.
What happens if you miss an A Level or AS exam due to illness in the UK?
If a student misses an A Level or AS 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 and apply. 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 in my experience it is relatively uncommon to be granted. 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 instead. I have taught many students who due to circumstances or illness, study one of their A level years a second time, and it almost always leads to a better outcome for them.
How long are A Level and AS exams?
A Level and AS exams' duration varies depending on the subject, the specific exam board, and the type of assessment. Generally, exam durations range from 45 minutes to 2 hours. However, some practical exams or coursework assessments, such as Art or Drama, might have longer durations to allow students enough time to complete their work. It is essential to check the exam timetable and specifications from the relevant exam board for the exact duration of each exam. The best students I have taught know exactly how long their exam is, and can plan their time in the exam hall effectively.
How many A Level and AS exams are there?
The number of A Level and AS exams a student takes depends on the number of subjects they have chosen. Most students in the UK study 3 or 4 A levels. Each subject typically has multiple exams or assessments, making the total number of exams vary for each student. It is crucial to consult the exam timetable and specifications from the relevant exam board for the exact number of exams per subject. The best students I have taught take the number of exams, and when they are, into account when planning their revision.
How long is the A Level and AS exam season?
The A Level and AS exam season typically starts in early May and lasts until late June. Some practical exams or coursework assessments may take place earlier in the academic year. The exam timetables are usually released by the exam boards in the autumn before the exam year, and students should refer to the specific timetable for their exam board to know the exact dates of their exams.
What should you bring to an A Level or AS exam?
The students that I notice are the most calm before an exam, are those who are the most organised, and make sure everything is accounted for in advance. It's important to bring the necessary items and equipment to your A level exam, to ensure a smooth exam experience. Here's a list of items to bring to your exams:
Exam identification: Bring your exam candidate number and any photo identification required by your exam centre or school.
Stationery:
Black or blue ballpoint pens: Most exams require students to use black or blue ink. Bring more than one pen to ensure you have a backup.
Pencils: Bring HB pencils for diagrams, graphs, or any required shading. A sharpener and eraser are also useful.
Highlighters: These can be helpful for emphasising key points in questions or passages.
Ruler: A clear ruler is useful for drawing straight lines or measuring in subjects like Maths or Physics.
Compass, protractor, and calculator: These may be necessary for subjects like Maths and Physics. Ensure your calculator is of an approved model.
Watch or timer: A simple, non-smart watch or timer can help you manage your time during the exam. Smartwatches, mobile phones, or any other devices with communication or storage capabilities are not allowed in the exam room.
Water: Bring a clear plastic bottle of water with the label removed to stay hydrated during the exam.
Snacks: Check with your exam centre's rules, but some may allow a small, non-disruptive snack (e.g. a cereal bar) for longer exams.
Comfort items: Wear comfortable clothing and layers to adjust for room temperature. If you require glasses or contact lenses, ensure you bring them.
Exam timetable and location: Bring a printed copy of your exam timetable, including the date, time, and location of the exam, so you can easily find your assigned room.
Special equipment or materials: Some exams, like Art or Design and Technology, may require additional materials or equipment. Check the exam specifications and guidelines to ensure you bring everything you need.
Before the exam, double-check the rules and regulations of your exam centre or school, as there may be specific requirements or restrictions in place. Arrive early to avoid any last-minute stress and ensure you are well-prepared for your A Level or AS exam.
More A Level and AS Exam resources:
References
OCR June 2026 Provisional examination timetable - AS and A Level, FSMQ and Level 3 Certificate (opens in a new tab)
Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Levels Summer 2026 Examination Timetable - FINAL (opens in a new tab)
Pearson Edexcel GCE Summer 2026 Examination Timetable - FINAL (opens in a new tab)
AQA | Exams Admins | Dates and Timetables (opens in a new tab)
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