GCSE 2026 Exam Timetable
📅 Quick Overview: GCSE examinations for 2026 run from Monday, 4th May 2026 to Friday, 26th June 2026. Results will be released on Thursday, 20th August 2026. All students must remain available until the contingency day on Wednesday, 24th June 2026.
What is GCSE?
The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is the main academic qualification taken by students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, typically at age 16 (Year 11). GCSEs are two-year courses that combine coursework, controlled assessments, and final examinations.
Students typically study between 7-10 subjects, including compulsory core subjects (English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, and Sciences) and optional subjects chosen based on interests and career aspirations. GCSE grades are crucial for progression to A-Levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and employment.
Key Dates Overview 2026
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Deadline | Friday, 21st February 2026 | Final date for exam entries (standard deadline) |
| First GCSE Exam | Monday, 4th May 2026 | Exams begin across all subjects |
| Coursework Deadline | Friday, 15th May 2026 | Non-exam assessment (NEA) submission for most subjects |
| Last GCSE Exam | Friday, 26th June 2026 | Final examination day (main series) |
| Contingency Day | Wednesday, 24th June 2026 | Reserved for disruptions - all students must be available |
| Results to Centres | Wednesday, 19th August 2026 | Schools receive results one day early |
| Results Day | Thursday, 20th August 2026 | GCSE results released to students (from 8:00 AM) |
Complete GCSE 2026 Exam Timetable
Week 1: 4th - 8th May 2026
| Date | Subject | Paper | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, 7 May | Psychology | Paper 1 | 9:00 AM | 1h 45m |
| Thu, 7 May | German / Turkish | Paper 1 & 3: Listening & Reading | 9:00 AM / 1:30 PM | Varies |
| Thu, 7 May | Citizenship Studies | Paper 1 | 1:30 PM | 1h 45m |
| Fri, 8 May | Drama | Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice | 1:30 PM | 1h 45m |
Week 2: 11th - 15th May 2026
| Date | Subject | Paper | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 11 May | English Literature | Paper 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature | 9:00 AM | 1h 45m |
| Mon, 11 May | Business | Paper 1: Investigating Small Business | 1:30 PM | 1h 45m |
| Mon, 11 May | Chinese | Papers 1 & 3: Listening & Reading | 1:30 PM | Varies |
| Tue, 12 May | Religious Studies | Paper 1: Study of Religion / Religion and Ethics | 9:00 AM | 1h 45m |
| Tue, 12 May | Biology | Paper 1 (Foundation & Higher Tier) | 1:30 PM | 1h 45m |
| Tue, 12 May | Combined Science | Paper 1: Biology 1 (Foundation & Higher) | 1:30 PM | 1h 10m |
| Wed, 13 May | Geography A | Paper 1: The Physical Environment | 9:00 AM | 1h 45m |
| Wed, 13 May | Geography B | Paper 1: Global Geographical Issues | 9:00 AM | 1h 30m |
| Wed, 13 May | Computer Science | Paper 1: Principles of Computer Science | 1:30 PM | 1h 30m |
| Thu, 14 May | Mathematics | Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) - Foundation & Higher | 9:00 AM | 1h 30m |
| Thu, 14 May | Citizenship Studies | Paper 2 | 1:30 PM | 1h 45m |
| Thu, 14 May | German | Paper 3: Reading and Understanding | 1:30 PM | 45m/1h |
| Thu, 14 May | Psychology | Paper 2 | 1:30 PM | 1h 20m |
| Fri, 15 May | History | Paper 1: Thematic Study and Historic Environment | 9:00 AM | 1h 20m |
Week 3: 18th - 22nd May 2026
| Date | Subject | Paper | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 18 May | Chemistry | Paper 1 (Foundation & Higher Tier) | 9:00 AM | 1h 45m |
| Mon, 18 May | Combined Science | Paper 2: Chemistry 1 (Foundation & Higher) | 9:00 AM | 1h 10m |
| Mon, 18 May | Chinese / Urdu | Paper 4: Writing; Papers 1 & 3: Listening & Reading | 1:30 PM | Varies |
| Tue, 19 May | English Literature | Paper 2: 19th Century Novel & Poetry since 1789 | 9:00 AM | 2h 15m |
| Tue, 19 May | Computer Science | Paper 2: Application of Computational Thinking | 1:30 PM | 2h 00m |
| Wed, 20 May | French | Paper 2: Listening and Understanding (Foundation & Higher) | 9:00 AM | 45m / 1h |
| Wed, 20 May | Religious Studies | Paper 2: Study of Second Religion / Peace and Conflict | 1:30 PM | 50m / 1h 45m |
| Thu, 21 May | English Language | Paper 1: Fiction and Imaginative Writing | 9:00 AM | 1h 45m |
| Thu, 21 May | Business | Paper 2: Building a Business | 1:30 PM | 1h 45m |
| Fri, 22 May | Arabic / Italian | Papers 1 & 3: Listening & Reading | 9:00 AM | Varies |
| Fri, 22 May | Physical Education | Component 1: Fitness and Body Systems | 9:00 AM | 1h 30m |
| Fri, 22 May | Turkish | Paper 4: Writing | 9:00 AM | 1h 20m / 1h 25m |
Week 4: 1st - 5th June 2026
| Date | Subject | Paper | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 1 June | Italian / Japanese | Papers 1, 3, 4: Listening, Reading & Writing | 9:00 AM | Varies |
| Mon, 1 June | Physical Education | Component 2: Health and Performance | 9:00 AM | 1h 15m |
| Mon, 1 June | Astronomy | Paper 1: Naked-eye Astronomy | 1:30 PM | 1h 45m |
| Mon, 1 June | German / Gujarati | Paper 4: Writing; Papers 1 & 3: Listening & Reading | 1:30 PM | Varies |
| Mon, 1 June | Religious Studies A | Papers 3 & 4: Philosophy, Ethics, Textual Studies | 1:30 PM | 50m |
| Mon, 1 June | Religious Studies B | Paper 3: Religion, Philosophy and Social Justice | 1:30 PM | 1h 45m |
| Tue, 2 June | Physics | Paper 1 (Foundation & Higher Tier) | 9:00 AM | 1h 45m |
| Tue, 2 June | Combined Science | Paper 3: Physics 1 (Foundation & Higher) | 9:00 AM | 1h 10m |
| Tue, 2 June | Arabic / Portuguese / Persian / Russian | Paper 4: Writing; Papers 1 & 3: Listening & Reading | 1:30 PM | Varies |
| Tue, 2 June | Statistics / Urdu | Paper 1 (Foundation & Higher); Paper 4: Writing | 1:30 PM | 1h 30m / Varies |
| Wed, 3 June | Mathematics | Paper 2 (Calculator) - Foundation & Higher | 9:00 AM | 1h 30m |
| Wed, 3 June | Geography A | Paper 2: The Human Environment | 1:30 PM | 1h 30m |
| Wed, 3 June | Geography B | Paper 2: UK Geographical Issues | 1:30 PM | 1h 45m |
| Thu, 4 June | History | Paper 2: Period Study & British Depth Study | 9:00 AM | 1h 50m |
| Thu, 4 June | French | Paper 3: Reading and Understanding (Foundation & Higher) | 1:30 PM | 45m / 1h |
| Fri, 5 June | English Language | Paper 2: Non-Fiction and Transactional Writing | 9:00 AM | 2h 05m |
| Fri, 5 June | Music | Component 3: Appraising | 1:30 PM | 1h 45m |
Week 5: 8th - 12th June 2026
| Date | Subject | Paper | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 8 June | Biology | Paper 2 (Foundation & Higher Tier) | 9:00 AM | 1h 45m |
| Mon, 8 June | Combined Science | Paper 4: Biology 2 (Foundation & Higher) | 9:00 AM | 1h 10m |
| Mon, 8 June | French | Paper 4: Writing (Foundation & Higher) | 1:30 PM | 1h 15m / 1h 20m |
| Tue, 9 June | Japanese / Spanish | Paper 4: Writing; Paper 2: Listening | 9:00 AM | Varies |
| Tue, 9 June | Gujarati | Paper 4: Writing | 1:30 PM | 1h 20m / 1h 25m |
| Tue, 9 June | History | Paper 3: Modern Depth Study | 1:30 PM | 1h 30m |
| Wed, 10 June | Mathematics | Paper 3 (Calculator) - Foundation & Higher | 9:00 AM | 1h 30m |
| Wed, 10 June | Design and Technology | Component 1 (All Materials: Metals, Papers, Polymers, Systems, Textiles, Timbers) | 1:30 PM | 1h 45m |
| Wed, 10 June | Greek / Russian | Papers 1 & 3: Listening & Reading; Paper 4: Writing | 1:30 PM | Varies |
| Thu, 11 June | Geography A | Paper 3: Geographical Investigations: Fieldwork & UK Challenges | 9:00 AM | 1h 30m |
| Thu, 11 June | Geography B | Paper 3: People and Environment Issues | 9:00 AM | 1h 30m |
| Thu, 11 June | Astronomy | Paper 2: Telescopic Astronomy | 1:30 PM | 1h 45m |
| Fri, 12 June | Chemistry | Paper 2 (Foundation & Higher Tier) | 9:00 AM | 1h 45m |
| Fri, 12 June | Combined Science | Paper 5: Chemistry 2 (Foundation & Higher) | 9:00 AM | 1h 10m |
| Fri, 12 June | Portuguese / Persian / Statistics | Paper 4: Writing; Paper 2 (Statistics) | 1:30 PM | Varies |
Week 6: 15th - 19th June 2026
| Date | Subject | Paper | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 15 June | Physics | Paper 2 (Foundation & Higher Tier) | 9:00 AM | 1h 45m |
| Mon, 15 June | Combined Science | Paper 6: Physics 2 (Foundation & Higher) | 9:00 AM | 1h 10m |
| Tue, 16 June | Spanish | Paper 3: Reading and Understanding (Foundation & Higher) | 9:00 AM | 45m / 1h |
| Wed, 17 June | Greek / Spanish | Paper 4: Writing (Foundation & Higher) | 9:00 AM | 1h 15m / 1h 20m / 1h 25m |
Week 7: 22nd - 26th June 2026
| Date | Subject | Paper | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, 24 June | CONTINGENCY DAY - Reserved for rescheduled exams due to national or local disruptions. All students must remain available. | |||
| Fri, 26 June | LAST EXAM DAY - Final examinations of the 2026 series | |||
GCSE Grading System
Understanding the 9-1 Grade Scale
Since 2017, all GCSEs in England use the 9-1 grading system (replacing the old A*-G system). The 9-1 scale provides more differentiation at the top end, helping universities and employers distinguish high achievers.
Grade Descriptions
- Grade 9: Highest grade - exceptional performance (top ~3% of students nationally)
- Grade 8: Equivalent to high A* in old system
- Grade 7: Equivalent to low A* or high A in old system
- Grade 6: Equivalent to high B in old system
- Grade 5: Strong Pass - equivalent to high C (government benchmark for "good pass")
- Grade 4: Standard Pass - equivalent to low C (minimum requirement for many sixth forms)
- Grade 3: Equivalent to D in old system
- Grade 2: Equivalent to E in old system
- Grade 1: Equivalent to F/G in old system
- U (Ungraded): Below grade 1 - not recorded on certificate
Key Benchmark: Most sixth forms and colleges require at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English and Maths) for A-Level programmes. Competitive sixth forms often require grades 6-7 in subjects students wish to continue to A-Level.
Registration and Entry Deadlines
| Deadline Type | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Entry Deadline | Friday, 21st February 2026 | Final date for exam entries without late fees (Pearson Edexcel) |
| Modified Papers Request | Saturday, 31st January 2026 | Deadline for ordering modified papers (large print, Braille, etc.) |
| Access Arrangements | Saturday, 21st March 2026 | Final deadline for processing access arrangements applications |
| Coursework Submission (Most Subjects) | Friday, 15th May 2026 | Non-exam assessment (NEA) marks submission (varies by exam board) |
| Special Consideration Deadline | Tuesday, 1st July 2026 | Final date to submit special consideration requests |
⚠️ Important Note: Exam entries are submitted by your school, not by individual students. Contact your school's examinations officer if you have questions about your entries. Late entries after 21st February incur significant additional fees charged to your school.
GCSE Exam Boards
Pearson Edexcel
Coverage: One of the three main GCSE exam boards in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Exam Times: 9:00 AM (morning session) or 1:30 PM (afternoon session)
Key Feature: Offers both traditional GCSEs and vocational qualifications (BTECs)
GCSE Qualifications Exam Timetables Information ManualAQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance)
Coverage: The largest GCSE exam board in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Exam Times: 9:00 AM (morning session) or 1:30 PM (afternoon session)
Key Feature: Most popular board for Mathematics and English qualifications
GCSE Subjects Dates and Timetables Results InformationOCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA)
Coverage: Major GCSE exam board offering traditional academic qualifications
Exam Times: 9:00 AM (morning session) or 1:30 PM (afternoon session)
Key Feature: Strong reputation for Sciences and Cambridge Nationals qualifications
GCSE Qualifications Exam Dates Timetable ToolWJEC / Eduqas
Coverage: Primary exam board for Wales; also operates in England as Eduqas
Exam Times: 9:00 AM (morning session) or 1:30 PM (afternoon session)
Key Feature: Welsh-medium qualifications available; English Literature and Language specialization
WJEC GCSEs (Wales) Eduqas GCSEs (England)CCEA
Coverage: Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (Northern Ireland only)
Exam Times: 9:00 AM (morning session) or 1:30 PM (afternoon session)
Key Feature: Northern Ireland curriculum specifications
CCEA GCSEsOfficial JCQ Resources
The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) represents all UK exam boards and publishes unified guidance for examinations. All exam centres must follow JCQ regulations.
JCQ Official Website Instructions for Conducting Examinations Access Arrangements GuidanceExam Conduct and Requirements
General Examination Rules
- All examinations must be taken on the published date and time
- Published starting times are 9:00 AM (morning session) or 1:30 PM (afternoon session)
- Schools may start exams up to 30 minutes before or after published times (8:30-9:30 AM or 1:00-2:00 PM)
- Arrive at least 15-30 minutes before the exam start time
- Bring valid identification (student ID, examination number, or photo ID)
- Mobile phones and electronic devices are strictly prohibited (possession = disqualification)
- Smartwatches must be removed and handed in before entering the exam hall
Required Equipment
- All Exams: Black pen (additional spares recommended), pencil, eraser, ruler, pencil sharpener
- Mathematics & Sciences: Scientific calculator (approved models - check with school), protractor, compass
- Calculator Rules: No calculator with text storage, internet capability, or symbolic algebra features allowed
- Geography: Coloured pencils for map work
- Clear Pencil Case: Many schools require transparent pencil cases for security
Access Arrangements and Special Considerations
Access Arrangements (Planned in Advance)
- Extra Time: 25% or 50% additional time for students with documented learning difficulties
- Rest Breaks: Supervised breaks for students with medical conditions or disabilities
- Separate Room: Small group or individual exam room for students who need it
- Scribe/Reader: Adult to write or read for students with specific disabilities
- Word Processor: Computer for typing answers (no internet/spellcheck)
- Modified Papers: Large print, Braille, or audio versions
- Application: Must be arranged through your school's SENCO months before exams (deadline: 21 March 2026)
Special Consideration (Unexpected Circumstances)
- Illness on exam day (requires medical evidence)
- Bereavement of close family member
- Serious accident or injury
- Domestic crisis (fire, flood, etc.)
- Application must be made by your school within strict deadlines
- Usually results in small percentage adjustment to marks, not a full grade increase
Non-Exam Assessments (NEA)
Important: Many GCSE subjects include coursework or controlled assessments that contribute to your final grade. These must be completed and submitted by 15th May 2026 (or subject-specific earlier deadlines).
Subjects with NEA Components
- English Language: Spoken language endorsement (recorded separately, does not affect grade 1-9)
- Sciences: Practical skills assessment (worth up to 15% - assessed through written exam questions)
- Geography: Fieldwork investigations (questions in Paper 3)
- Design & Technology: Design and make project (50% of total grade)
- Art & Design: Portfolio (60%) + 10-hour supervised exam (40%)
- Music: Composition and performance (60%), written exam (40%)
- Drama: Devised performance (40%) + scripted performance (20%) + written exam (40%)
- Computer Science: Programming project (20%)
- Physical Education: Practical performance in three activities (40%)
- Modern Foreign Languages: Speaking test conducted by teacher (25%)
Results Day 2026
Thursday, 20th August 2026
What to Expect
- Results released to schools on Wednesday, 19th August (day before students)
- Students collect results at school from 8:00-10:00 AM (check your school's specific time)
- Results arrive in a sealed envelope containing all subject grades
- Some schools may email results or post them if you cannot attend in person
- Teachers and senior staff available for advice and guidance on results day
- Sixth form colleges may require immediate enrollment decisions
If Results Are Not As Expected
- Don't panic: Speak to teachers and your school's careers advisor about options
- Review of Marking: Request via your school if you believe marking is incorrect (fees apply, refunded if grade changes)
- Access to Scripts: View your marked exam papers to see where marks were lost
- Resits: GCSEs can be retaken in November 2026 or summer 2027 (English and Maths only in November)
- Alternative Pathways: Explore vocational courses (BTECs), apprenticeships, or employment with training
- UCAS Clearing: Does not apply to GCSEs (only A-Level/university clearing)
Preparation Strategies
Create a Revision Timetable
Start revision 3-4 months before exams. Allocate time proportionally to each subject based on difficulty and grade targets.
Use Past Papers
Complete past papers under timed conditions. Download from exam board websites with mark schemes to self-assess.
Active Revision Techniques
Use flashcards, mind maps, and self-quizzing rather than passive reading. Teach concepts to friends or family.
Understand Mark Schemes
Study examiner reports and mark schemes to understand exactly what examiners want to see in answers.
Focus on Grade Boundaries
Know the typical grade boundaries for your subjects. Target marks needed for your desired grades.
Manage Wellbeing
Balance study with rest, exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep. Mental health is crucial during exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many GCSEs should I take?
Most students take 8-10 GCSEs. The typical minimum is 5-6 subjects. Core subjects (English Language, English Literature, Maths, Sciences) are compulsory. Check with your school and future pathway requirements.
What is a "good" GCSE grade?
Grade 5 is officially a "strong pass" and grade 4 is a "standard pass." For competitive sixth forms, aim for grades 6-7 in subjects you want to continue to A-Level. Top universities expect mostly grades 8-9.
Can I resit my GCSEs?
Yes, GCSEs can be retaken. English Language and Mathematics can be retaken in November 2026. All subjects can be retaken in summer 2027. Most students retake English and Maths if needed while studying A-Levels or other post-16 courses.
What happens if I miss an exam?
Contact your school immediately. If you have a valid reason (illness with medical evidence, serious emergency), your school can apply for special consideration or arrange for you to sit the exam on the contingency day. Missing an exam without valid reason = zero marks.
Do I choose Foundation or Higher tier?
For tiered subjects (Maths, Sciences), Foundation tier allows grades 5-1, Higher tier allows grades 9-3. Your teachers will advise based on your predicted grades. Most students aiming for sixth form should take Higher tier.
Are GCSEs harder than they used to be?
The reformed 9-1 GCSEs (introduced 2017-2020) are more rigorous than old A*-G GCSEs. They have less coursework, more exam content, and harder questions at the top end. However, grade boundaries adjust annually to maintain consistency.
When should I start revising?
Ideally, start light revision after Christmas (Year 11) and intensive revision from Easter holidays (March/April). Many students benefit from starting earlier with one subject per week from autumn term.
Can I use a calculator in all exams?
No. Maths Paper 1 is non-calculator. Check each subject's requirements. Even in calculator papers, show your working - marks are awarded for method, not just answers.
Important Reminders
- Contingency Day: You must remain available until 24th June 2026 - do not book holidays until after this date
- Verify Your Timetable: Check your personalized timetable from school - verify every exam date and time
- Know Your Exam Board: Different schools use different boards - check which board for each subject
- Equipment Check: Prepare equipment bags the night before each exam
- Mobile Phone Ban: Possession of mobile phone/smartwatch in exam hall = automatic disqualification
- Check Notice Boards: Schools may display last-minute changes - check daily during exam period
- Exam Technique: Read questions carefully, manage time per question, show all working
- Stay Calm: If you feel unwell or have equipment problems during exam, raise your hand - invigilators can help
Support Resources
BBC Bitesize
Free comprehensive revision resources, videos, quizzes for all GCSE subjects.
Visit BBC BitesizeThe Student Room
UK's largest student community - exam discussion, revision tips, peer support.
Visit Student RoomGOV.UK - GCSE Information
Official government guidance on GCSEs, grading, and progression pathways.
Visit GOV.UKNational Careers Service
Explore career options, A-Level choices, and post-GCSE pathways.
Visit Careers Service⚠️ Disclaimer: This timetable information is based on official exam board publications for 2026. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, students must verify all dates, times, and requirements with their school's examinations officer. Exam boards reserve the right to make changes to published timetables if circumstances require. Always use your personalized school timetable as the definitive source.
Last Updated: October 2025 | Sources: Pearson Edexcel, AQA, OCR, WJEC, CCEA, Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ)