GCSE exam dates 2026: Everything you need to know

If your child is in Year 11 and sitting their GCSE examinations this summer, knowing the dates is essential. So, grab your calendar and a trusty highlighter! In this article, you’ll find all the key exam dates for the 2026 GCSE exams, exam board timetables, and tips to ensure your child feels confident and prepared.

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When are GCSE exams in 2026?

GCSE exams in 2026 will run between Monday 4th May and Friday 26th June.

Depending on each exam board, these dates may change as the exam season approaches. To stay informed, make sure to refer to the specific timetables for your child’s exam boards. You’ll find links to these timetables later in the article.

For some GCSE subjects, coursework or non-exam assessments (NEAs) contribute to your child’s final grade. These are typically completed earlier in the academic year and assessed by teachers before being moderated by exam boards.

When are the 2026 GCSE Maths exams?

The 2026 GCSE Maths exams are scheduled for Thursday 7th May, Tuesday 12th May, Thursday 14th May, Wednesday 3rd June, Thursday 4th June, and Wednesday 10th June.
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Thursday 7th May (morning):

• WJEC Mathematics Numeracy Unit 1 – foundation, intermediate and higher

Tuesday 12th May (morning):

• NEW Made for Wales (Year 10 learners) Mathematics and Numeracy Unit 1 foundation and higher

Thursday 14th May (morning):

• AQA Mathematics Paper 1 (non-calculator) – foundation and higher
• Edexcel Mathematics Paper 1 (non-calculator) – foundation and higher
• Eduqas Mathematics Component 1 – foundation and higher
• OCR Mathematics Paper 1 (calculator) – foundation
• OCR Mathematics Paper 4 (calculator) – higher
• WJEC Mathematics Unit 1 – foundation, intermediate and higher

Wednesday 3rd June (morning):

• AQA Mathematics Paper 2 (calculator) – foundation and higher
• Edexcel Mathematics Paper 2 (calculator) – foundation and higher
• Eduqas Mathematics Component 2 – foundation and higher
• OCR Mathematics Paper 2 (non-calculator) – foundation
• OCR Mathematics Paper 5 (non-calculator) – higher
• WJEC Mathematics Numeracy Unit 2 – foundation, intermediate and higher

Thursday 4th June (morning):

• NEW Made for Wales (Year 10 learners) Mathematics and Numeracy Unit 2 foundation and higher

Wednesday 10th June (morning):

• AQA Mathematics Paper 3 (calculator) – foundation and higher
• Edexcel Mathematics Paper 3 (calculator) – foundation and higher
• OCR Mathematics Paper 3 (calculator) – foundation
• OCR Mathematics Paper 6 (calculator) – higher
• WJEC Mathematics Unit 2 – foundation, intermediate and higher

When are the 2026 GCSE English Language exams?

The 2026 GCSE English Language exams are set to take place on Friday 15th May, Thursday 21st May, and Friday 5th June.

Friday 15th May (morning):

• NEW Made for Wales (Year 10 learners) English Language and Literature Unit 1

Thursday 21st May (morning):

• AQA, Edexcel, and OCR English Language Paper 1
• Eduqas English Language Component 1
• WJEC English Language Unit 2

Friday 5th June (morning):

• AQA, Edexcel, and OCR English Language Paper 2
• Eduqas English Language Component 2
• WJEC English Language Unit 3

When are the 2026 GCSE English Literature exams?

Depending on your child’s exam board, the 2026 GCSE English Literature exams are scheduled for Monday 11th May, Friday 15th May, and Tuesday 19th May.

Monday 11th May (morning):

• AQA, Edexcel, and OCR English Literature Paper 1
• Eduqas English Literature Component 1
• WJEC English Literature Unit 1 – foundation and higher

Friday 15th May (morning):

• NEW Made for Wales (Year 10 learners) English Language and Literature Unit 1

Tuesday 19th May (morning):

• AQA, Edexcel, and OCR English Literature Paper 2
• Eduqas English Literature Component 2
• WJEC English Literature Unit 2 Option A and B – foundation and higher

When are the 2026 GCSE Science exams?

Below are the exam dates for each single science. For combined science exam dates, please see the exam board timetables linked below.

Biology

The 2026 GCSE Biology exams are scheduled for Tuesday 12th May and Monday 8th June.

Tuesday 12th May (afternoon):

• AQA and Edexcel Biology Paper 1
• OCR Biology A Paper 1 (foundation) and Paper 3 (higher); Biology B Breadth in biology (foundation and higher)
• WJEC Biology Unit 2

Monday 8th June (morning):

• AQA and Edexcel Biology Paper 2
• OCR Biology A Paper 2 (foundation) and Paper 4 (higher); Biology B Depth in biology (foundation and higher)
• WJEC Biology Unit 1

Chemistry

The 2026 GCSE Chemistry exams will take place on Monday 18th May and Friday 12th June.

Monday 18th May (morning):

• AQA and Edexcel Chemistry Paper 1
• OCR Chemistry A Paper 1 (foundation) and Paper 3 (higher); Chemistry B Breadth in chemistry (foundation and higher)
• WJEC Chemistry Unit 2

Friday 12th June (morning):

• AQA and Edexcel Chemistry Paper 2
• OCR Chemistry A Paper 2 (foundation) and Paper 4 (higher); Chemistry B Depth in chemistry (foundation and higher)
• WJEC Chemistry Unit 1

Physics

The 2026 GCSE Physics exams are scheduled for Friday 22nd May, Tuesday 2nd June, and Monday 15th June.

Friday 22nd May (morning):

• WJEC Physics Unit 2

Tuesday 2nd June (morning):

• AQA and Edexcel Physics Paper 1
• OCR Physics Papers 1 and 3

Monday 15th June (morning):

• AQA and Edexcel Physics Paper 2
• OCR Physics Papers 2 and 4
• WJEC Physics Unit 1

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When are the 2026 GCSE Geography exams?

Depending on your child’s exam board, the 2026 GCSE Geography exams will take place on Monday 11th May, Tuesday 12th May, Wednesday 13th May, Tuesday 19th May, Wednesday 3rd June, and Thursday 11th June.

Monday 11th May (afternoon):

• NEW Made for Wales (Year 10 learners) Geography Unit 1

Tuesday 12th May (morning):

• WJEC Geography Unit 1

Wednesday 13th May (morning):

• AQA, Edexcel A, Edexcel B, OCR A, and OCR B Geography Paper 1
• Eduqas Geography A and B Component 1

Tuesday 19th May:

• NEW Made for Wales (Year 10 learners) Geography Unit 3

Wednesday 3rd June (afternoon):

• AQA, Edexcel A, Edexcel B, OCR A, and OCR B Geography Paper 2
• WJEC Geography Unit 2
• Eduqas Geography A and B Component 2

Thursday 11th June (morning):

• AQA, Edexcel A, Edexcel B, OCR A, and OCR B Geography Paper 3
• Eduqas Geography A and B Component 3

When are IGCSE exams in 2026?

IGCSE exams are scheduled at different times throughout 2026, depending on the exam board and administrative zone.

CAIE:

• Summer series: Exams typically take place from late April to mid-June 2026
• November series: Exams are conducted from late September to mid-November 2026

Edexcel:

• Summer series: Exams are scheduled between 7th May and 15th June 2026
• November series: Exams take place from 27th October to 19th November 2026

Please note that exact dates vary based on the specific subject and administrative zone.

GCSE exam board timetables

We have only outlined the exam dates for the most popular GCSE Maths, English Literature, English Language, Science, and Geography exam boards. For other subjects and exam boards, check the official timetables provided by each exam board. These timetables contain all the specific dates and times for each exam, helping you stay fully prepared.

Here are the links to the 2026 GCSE exam timetables for each exam board:

• AQA GCSE exam timetable 2026
• Edexcel GCSE exam timetable 2026
• Eduqas GCSE exam timetable 2026
• OCR GCSE exam timetable 2026
• WJEC GCSE exam timetable 2026
• CCEA GCSE exam timetable 2026

If you’re unsure which exam board your child is doing, it’s always a good idea to double-check with their school or review their textbook.

IGCSE exam board timetables

It’s essential to consult the official IGCSE timetables provided by the respective exam boards and confirm with your child’s school for the most up-to-date information.

Here are the links to the 2026 IGCSE exam timetables for each exam board:

• Cambridge IGCSE exam timetables 2026
• Edexcel IGCSE Summer 2026 exam timetable
• Edexcel IGCSE November 2026 exam timetable

When are GCSE mock exams in 2026?

GCSE mock exams are usually held in December or January of Year 11, although the exact dates vary between schools. These exams are an important opportunity for students to practice sitting an exam under exam conditions and for teachers to identify areas that may need extra focus before the summer exams. To confirm when your child’s mock exams will be held, check their school’s website or contact their school directly.

Has your child already sat their mock exams? Encourage them to read our article on how to reflect on your mock exam results for practical tips and guidance.

How can my child prepare for their GCSE exams?

Helping your child prepare for their GCSE exams starts with having the right tools and strategies in place. Our blog features a range of articles designed to help students excel in their exams.

Encourage your child to start with a well-organised and realistic revision timetable to structure their study time effectively. Our article on how to create the perfect revision timetable provides step-by-step guidance to get started. We also have an article on effective revision techniques, which explore strategies to ensure your child’s revision is productive, as well as a parents’ guide to different revision resources, which highlights the tools and materials students can use to get the most out of their study sessions.

How can PMT Education support my child with GCSE revision?

In addition to our informative articles and free revision resources, PMT Education offers intensive online revision courses for a range of GCSE subjects and exam boards. These courses are designed to help students review key content and sharpen their exam technique. We also have a bursary scheme which offers two free places on each course for students from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds.

If your child needs one-to-one support, our tuition platform connects you with expert tutors who can provide tailored guidance. Whether your child requires consistent help throughout the term or focused preparation ahead of exams, we’ll help you find the perfect tutor to meet their needs.

When is GCSE Results Day 2026?

GCSE Results Day 2026 is on Thursday 20th August. Students can usually collect their results from their school starting from 8:00 am, although it’s best to check with your child’s school for specific opening times.

If your child can’t attend in person on Results Day, many schools offer options to have results sent by post or email. Contact your child’s school in advance to make the necessary arrangements.

Our parents’ guide to GCSE Results Day is full of practical advice to help you support your child both on the day and in navigating their next steps.

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We’ve outlined everything you need to know about the 2025 GCSE exams, from key dates and exam board timetables to preparation tips and support options. With this information, you can help your child stay organised, feel confident, and perform their best.

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FAQs

When do GCSE exams start in 2026?

GCSE exams in 2026 are scheduled to begin on Monday 4th May. However, specific start dates for individual subjects depend on the exam board. To ensure you have the most accurate information, refer to the official exam board timetables linked in this article.

When do GCSE exams finish in 2026?

The last GCSE exams in 2026 will take place on Friday 26th June. However, the exact date of your child’s final exam will depend on their subjects and exam board. For detailed information, check the official timetables provided by your child’s exam board or school.

Who sets GCSE exam dates?

GCSE exam dates are set by the individual exam boards. Each board determines the schedule for their exams, ensuring they align with the overall exam season set by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). While the dates are standardised across exam boards for fairness, specific times and arrangements may vary slightly depending on your child’s school.

How many GCSE exam boards are there?

In the UK, there are five main exam boards that offer GCSEs and other qualifications:

• AQA
• Edexcel
• OCR
• WJEC*
• CCEA

*Eduqas is a component of WJEC.

Each exam board designs its own specifications and exam papers, although the content is regulated to ensure consistency across boards. The availability of exam boards may vary depending on the region, with CCEA operating in Northern Ireland and WJEC in Wales.

How many IGCSE exam boards are there?

There are two main exam boards that offer IGCSE qualifications:

• Cambridge International (CAIE)
• Pearson Edexcel

When is the deadline for submitting GCSE coursework in 2026?

The 2026 deadline for submitting GCSE coursework varies depending on the exam board, subject, and your child’s school. Exam boards typically set deadlines around May, but schools often require work to be submitted earlier to allow time for marking and moderation.

When is GCSE study leave in 2026?

The timing of GCSE study leave varies between schools, as each school sets its own policy. Study leave usually begins a few weeks before the main exam period, typically in late April or early May. However, some schools may choose not to give study leave at all, instead opting to keep students in lessons for additional support and revision sessions. To confirm your child’s study leave arrangements, check with their school directly.

What should my child do the night before their GCSE exams?

The night before an exam can feel stressful for both students and parents, but there are practical steps you can take to help your child feel calm and prepared. Here are a few key tips:

• Create a calm environment: A relaxed atmosphere at home can help ease pre-exam nerves.
• Pack essentials: Ensure your child has everything they need for the exam, from stationery to their school uniform.
• Support revision (if needed): If your child wants to review key points, offer to test them or provide quiet study time.
• Encourage relaxation: Suggest activities like light exercise, reading, or watching something enjoyable to unwind.
• Prioritise sleep: Remind your child that a good night’s rest is crucial for focus and memory during the exam.

For detailed advice, read our article on helping your child the night before an exam.

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