New GCSE Results App Explained for UK Students

Are you counting down to GCSE results day? Whether you're feeling nervous, excited, or somewhere in between, this is the moment to feel proud of what you’ve achieved, and start thinking about what’s next.

Whether you’re applying for college, an apprenticeship, or a work experience placement, you may need to prove your grades long after results day. Relying on a paper certificate to do that isn’t ideal, especially when it can be lost or damaged.

That’s where a new GCSE results app for students in England comes in. The Education Record app is a free, government-backed way to keep your GCSE results and certificates safe in one place - on your phone. Instead of searching through folders or contacting your old school, you can access your results instantly, whenever you need them.

If you’ll be getting your GCSE results this summer, read on to find out everything you need to know about the app.

Key Takeaways

• The Education Record app is a free government app that stores your GCSE results and certificates digitally.

• GCSE results will be available in the app from 11am on results day, from summer 2026 onwards.

• You’re still encouraged to collect your results at school in the morning - the app is an additional option, not a replacement.

• The app lets you easily share your qualifications with colleges, sixth forms, and employers, without needing physical certificates.

What is the New GCSE Results App?

The Education Record app is a free mobile application launched by the Department for Education that gives students digital access to their GCSE results. It's designed to work alongside traditional paper certificates, not replace them entirely.

The app stores your grades, certificates, and other important learner information in one secure place on your phone. Try to think of it as a personal exam results vault. 

According to the Department for Education (opens in a new tab), the app was created to make it easier for students to access, store, and share their qualifications with colleges, sixth forms, apprenticeship providers, and employers.

When Will GCSE Students Be Able to Use the Education Record App?

The app first ran as a pilot scheme with selected schools across Manchester and the West Midlands in 2025. Because it was such a success, all GCSE students studying in England will be able to use the Education Record app from results day in summer 2026 – Thursday 20th August.

On results day, your GCSE results will appear in the app automatically, so you won't need to manually enter them or request access. And importantly, the app will continue to be available after results day, giving you permanent digital access to your qualifications.

You can download the Education Record app from the Apple App Store (opens in a new tab)or Google Play Store (opens in a new tab) once your school is also signed up to the new digital scheme.

Do Students Still Get GCSE Results at School?

Yes. You can still collect your GCSE results at school in person on results day. In fact, it’s encouraged! The Education Record app is designed to complement the traditional results experience, not replace it.

Most schools open their doors early on results day (usually around 8am or 9am) so you can pick up your paper results and certificates. There’s nothing more exciting than going to school to share the envelope-opening experience with your friends. At school, you’ll also have the chance to speak to teachers about your options. The app simply gives you an additional way to access your results digitally.

You're free to choose how you want to receive your results: 

• In person at school

• Through the app

• Both

What Time Are GCSE Results Available in the App?

GCSE results will be available in the Education Record app from 11am on results day. This is later than the typical school collection time, which usually starts around 8am or 9am.

Once your results are in the app, they stay there permanently, so there's no rush to check at exactly 11am if you're busy celebrating or planning your next move.

What Information Is Stored in the App?

The Education Record app stores your GCSE grades, digital certificates, and other important learner information.

The Department for Education (opens in a new tab) states that the app includes details, such as:

• Your name, date of birth, and address

• Official exam results for your GCSEs

• Digital copies of your certificates

• The schools you’ve attended

• Any support needs you might have (e.g. your SEND status)

This information is securely stored and can only be accessed by you.

The app allows you to easily share your qualifications with colleges, sixth forms, apprenticeship providers, and employers. Instead of posting physical copies of certificates or taking them to interviews, you can share your results digitally through the app.

This is particularly useful when applying for: 

• College courses

• Apprenticeships

• Jobs 

Your data remains private unless you choose to share it with specific organisations.

Why the App Matters

The Education Record app offers lots of important benefits for GCSE students.

The app modernises how students access and manage their qualifications in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do All Students Have to Use the GCSE Results App?

No, the Education Record app is completely optional. It’s not compulsory to download or use the app to receive your GCSE results. Traditional paper certificates and results slips will still be issued by your school on results day.

However, given the benefits of having a backup digital copy of your results, it's highly recommended that you download and set up the app.

Even though you’ll probably still want to collect your paper results at school, having the app gives you permanent digital access to your certificates.

Can I Use The App After Results Day?

Yes, the Education Record app remains available long after results day. Your GCSE results and certificates will be stored in the app permanently, allowing you to access them whenever you need them.

And, the app will continue to be updated with any additional qualifications you earn in the future, creating a complete digital record of your academic achievements.

How Can The App Help With Future Plans?

When applying for sixth form or college, you can share your verified results directly through the app instead of providing physical copies.

For apprenticeship applications, you can prove your qualifications to employers instantly without waiting for paper documents.

If you're applying for jobs, you can show your GCSE results to potential employers on the spot during interviews.

The app also helps if you're planning to apply for opportunities later as your results are always accessible regardless of whether you're still in touch with your school.

The Future of GCSE Results

The Education Record app is a game-changer for GCSE students across England because it gives secure, permanent digital access to results and certificates. This makes it so much easier to share qualifications with colleges and employers.

While results day is the first time you’ll use the app, it’s designed to be useful no matter what your future plans might be. Whether you’re applying for further education, a part-time job, or opportunities later in life, your GCSE results will always be there when you need them. 

The app is optional, but it’s a smart backup to set up early, giving you peace of mind for the future. Setting it up means one less thing to stress about - not just on results day, but for years to come.

And, if you’re still revising for your GCSEs, Save My Exams has a comprehensive bank of examiner-written GCSE revision resources to help you feel confident and prepared.

References

Gov.uk (opens in a new tab) - Government modernises exam records with new app (opens in a new tab)

Google Play - Education Record App (opens in a new tab)

Apple App Store - Education Record App (opens in a new tab)

Gov.uk (opens in a new tab) - Parents, guardians, and pupils (opens in a new tab)