GCSE & A-Level Exam Dates 2026 & Results Days
In 2026, main written GCSE and A-Level examinations begin on Monday 11 May 2026 and conclude by Wednesday 24 June 2026 (designated JCQ contingency day). A-Level Results Day is Thursday 13 August 2026 and GCSE Results Day is Thursday 20 August 2026.
A-Level & AS-Level Results Day 2026
A-Level results published to students from 08:00 BST. UCAS Track and Clearing open simultaneously.
GCSE Results Day 2026
National GCSE and Level 1/2 Vocational results released across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Examination Windows & Timetable
Key assessment periods coordinated by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
| Examination Window | Level & Board | Dates | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
GCSE Main Exam Period Starts Statutory national GCSE examination window across all major English and Welsh exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas). | GCSEAQA | Monday 11 May 2026 to Friday 19 June 2026 | Official JCQ |
A-Level Exam Period Starts National AS and A-Level written exam window coordinated by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). | A-LevelAQA | Monday 11 May 2026 to Tuesday 23 June 2026 | Official JCQ |
National Exam Contingency Day Designated national contingency day in the event of widespread, national or local disruption to exams. All candidates must remain available. | GCSEAQA | Wednesday 24 June 2026 | Official JCQ |
Key Stage 2 (KS2) SATs Week Statutory Key Stage 2 national curriculum tests for Year 6 pupils in England (Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, Reading, Mathematics). | SATsDfE Statutory | Monday 11 May 2026 to Thursday 14 May 2026 | Official JCQ |
Important: JCQ National Contingency Day Rule
The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) designates a national contingency day (in 2026: Wednesday 24 June). This day is reserved in case of significant national or local disruption to exams.