GCSE Exam Dates & Timetable 2026

GCSE exams in 2026 start the week commencing Monday 4th May and finish on Friday 26th June.

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 Takeaways

• GCSE exams in 2026 run from early May to late June, with exact dates varying by subject and exam board.

• Students should prepare well in advance by knowing their timetable, bringing the correct equipment, and following exam rules.

• Missing an exam can seriously affect results, though special consideration may be possible in cases such as illness.

When are the GCSE Maths exams in 2026?

GCSE Maths exam dates 2026

When are the GCSE Biology exams in 2026?

GCSE Biology exam dates 2026

When are the GCSE Chemistry exams in 2026?

GCSE Chemistry exam dates 2026

When are the GCSE Physics exams in 2026?

GCSE Physics exam dates 2026

When are the GCSE English Language exams in 2026?

GCSE English Language exam dates 2026

When are the GCSE English Literature exams in 2026?

GCSE English Literature exam dates 2026

When are the GCSE Business exams in 2026?

GCSE Business exam dates 2026

When are the GCSE Computer Science exams in 2026?

GCSE Computer Science exam dates 2026

When are the GCSE Geography exams in 2026?

GCSE Geography exam dates 2026

When are the GCSE History exams in 2026?

GCSE History exam dates 2026

When are the GCSE Religious Studies exams in 2026?

GCSE Religious Studies exam dates 2026

Exam Board Timetables

When are the Edexcel GCSE exams 2026?

View the Edexcel GCSE exam timetable 2026 (opens in a new tab) 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 (opens in a new tab) to see the dates of all OCR exams.

When are the AQA GCSE exams 2026?

Go to AQA GCSE timetable 2026 (opens in a new tab)  to see all the dates of your AQA exams.

Important things to remember

Arrive early: it is a good idea to arrive early for your exams (your school may specify an arrival policy) so that you can ensure you know where your exam is taking place and where you are seated. You will have time to do a final check of your equipment and have some last-minute pep talks with your peers and teachers. During my years as a teacher, I used to like to stand outside the examination hall with my students before the exams to give them a confidence boost and a "you can do it!" just before they head in. In one school I worked at, we even gave out sweets as students were entering the exam! 

Bring the right equipment: each exam may require slightly different equipment, such as a calculator for Maths and Science exams or pencils for an Art exam. Ask your teachers for an equipment list so you can be sure you have everything you need. If you do forget a piece of equipment, speak to the exam invigilators before the exam starts, they may have spare equipment you can borrow.

Do not communicate with anyone during the exam: this includes turning around and looking across at other candidates. If you need something during the exam, such as the use of the bathroom, or extra paper or your pen runs out, avoid looking around at others. Instead, raise your hand and wait for an exam invigilator to come to you. Communicating with others during an exam could be seen as cheating which could result in disqualification from the exam. In my 15 years of teaching, I have known this to happen. Do not let this be you!

Turn the pages of your exam papers carefully: this may sound like odd advice but every year of my teaching career there was always the one student who came out of an exam, excitedly discussing with their friends each question, for them to suddenly realise they have missed a page out or not seen the last page. Check every page, and then check again!

Leave all exam materials in the examination hall: you cannot remove any examination material, such as the exam paper, or reference sources, from the examination hall. This is considered malpractice and would be a breach of security for the exam; you may be disqualified from the examination. 

GCSE Exams FAQs

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.

For more information, check out our article What happens if you miss a GCSE exam.

How long are GCSE exams?

GCSE 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.

How many GCSE exams are there?

The number of GCSE exams a student takes depends on the number of subjects they have chosen. Most students in the UK study between 8 and 12 subjects, with English, Maths, and Science being compulsory. 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. I would advise carefully creating a revision plan to ensure there is enough time to revise each of your exams.

How long is the GCSE exam season?

The GCSE exam season typically starts in mid-May and lasts until late June, spanning around 4 to 6 weeks. 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. In my experience, schools and teachers will provide students and parents with an exam timetable in plenty of time. 

What should you bring to the GCSE exam?

When preparing for your GCSE exams, it's important to bring the necessary items to ensure a smooth exam experience. Here's a list of essential items to bring to your GCSE exam:

1. Exam identification: Bring your exam candidate number and any photo identification required by your exam centre or school.

2. 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 emphasizing 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 are necessary for subjects like Maths and Physics. Ensure your calculator is of an approved model, has fresh batteries or is solar-powered, and is set to the correct mode.

3. 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.

4. Water: Bring a clear plastic bottle of water with the label removed to stay hydrated during the exam.

5. 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.

6. Comfort items: Wear comfortable clothing and layers to adjust for room temperature. If you require glasses or contact lenses, ensure you bring them along.

7. 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.

8. 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 GCSE exam.

What day is GCSE Results day?

GCSE results day for 2026 is Thursday 20th August. GCSE results will be released to schools on Wednesday 19th August 2026. Individual schools will issue a time for results collection so do contact your school for your collection time.

Other GCSE articles you might find useful:

GCSE Grade Boundaries: Everything you need to know

GCSE Grades Explained

GCSE Grade boundaries from previous years

More GCSE Exam resources:

• GCSE Revision Resources

• Best Revision Techniques For GCSE and A Level Exams

• How To Improve Memory And Concentration

• Learning Styles

References

Edexcel GCSE Exam Timetable 2026 (opens in a new tab)

AQA GCSE Exam Timetable 2026 (opens in a new tab)

OCR GCSE Exam Timetable 2026 (opens in a new tab)