Are you preparing for your A Level exams in 2025? Knowing exactly when your exams will take place is the first step towards better preparation. This guide provides all the important dates, timetables and essential information you’ll need for the upcoming exam season.
Planning your revision around precise exam dates helps you organise your time more efficiently. When you know which exams come first, you can prioritise your studies and avoid last-minute cramming. Most exam boards have now published their final timetables, which we’ve analysed to bring you subject specific dates for popular subjects. Beyond just dates, we’ll cover what to bring to your exams, how to prepare, and what happens on results day.
When Do A Level Exams Start in 2025?
The 2025 A Level exam season officially begins on Monday 12 May and continues until Tuesday 24 June. This six week period is when all your formal exams will take place, regardless of which exam board you’re with.
Why such a long examination period? The extended timeframe allows for adequate spacing between subjects, giving you breathing room to revise between exams. Different subjects need different type of preparation, so this scheduling helps you focus on one exam before moving to the next.
What about contingency days? The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) has designated Wednesday 11 June (afternoon) and Wednesday 25 June (all day) as contingency days for 2025. These dates are reserved for emergencies when exams might need to be rescheduled.
What exactly are contingency days for? They’re safety nets for situations beyond anyone’s control. If a national or significant local disruption occurs, like extreme weather events or other emergencies – exams scheduled for those affected dates would move to these contingency slots.
Can you book holidays during this period? Unfortunately, no. You must remain available until 25 June, even if your last scheduled exam is earlier. Exam boards can use contingency days without much notice, and missing an exam could result in no grade being awarded for that subject.
The first week of exams typically features fewer subjects, with the schedule becoming busier in weeks two through five. The final week often includes only a handful of less common subjects, but remember, the contingency day extends beyond this!
A Level Exam Timetables by Exam Board
Different exam boards manage different A Level subjects, so knowing which board oversees your qualifications is important. Each board has now published their final 2025 timetables with key dates you need to know.
AQA A Level Exam Dates
AQA’s 2025 timetable places Mathematics Paper 1 on Thursday 29 May, with Paper 2 following on Thursday 5 June. English Literature exams begin on Wednesday 21 May with Paper 1. Biology papers are scheduled for 13 May, 22 May and 11 June, offering good spacing for revision.
Edexcel A Level Exam Dates
Edexcel has arranged their Psychology exams early in the season, with Paper 1 on Monday 19 May. Their Mathematics papers follow a similar pattern to AQA, but with slightly different timing. Economics students should note that Paper 3 falls on 18 June, relatively late in the schedule.
OCR A Level Exam Dates
OCR’s History papers begin on Thursday 22 May with Paper 1, while their Chemistry exams are scheduled for 23 May, 9 June and 17 June. Computer Science candidates have two papers scheduled on 4 June and 12 June respectively.
Links to Official Timetables
For complete and authoritative information, always refer to the official exam board websites:
- AQA A Level Timetable 2025
- Edexcel A Level Timetable 2025
- OCR A Level Timetable 2025
- WJEC A Level Timetable 2025
Remember to check these sources regularly for any updates or changes to the published schedules.
Subject Specific A Level Exam Dates
When will your specific A Level exams take place in 2025? Below, we’ve highlighted the key dates for seven popular subjects across the main exam boards. Mark these dates in your calendar and plan your revision accordingly.
| Subject | Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 |
| Maths | 29 May | 5 June | 19 June |
| English Lit | 21 May | 13 June | 18 June |
| Biology | 13 May | 22 May | 11 June |
| Chemistry | 23 May | 9 June | 17 June |
| History | 22 May | 3 June | 10 June |
| Psychology | 19 May | 6 June | 13 June |
| Economics | 14 May | 4 June | 18 June |
These dates are based on the major exam boards and may vary slightly depending on your specific board. Always check your personal exam timetable provided by your school or college for the most accurate information.
After Your Exams: A Level Results Day 2025
A Level results day is set for Thursday 14 August 2025. This date might seem distant now, but planning ahead will help you navigate the day with confidence.
Collecting Your Results
Schools typically open from 8:00am. Check your school’s specific arrangements beforehand. Bring your ID, phone and UCAS details with you. Consider having someone supportive accompany you.
UCAS Timeline for University Applicants
UCAS Track updates around 8:15am, often before you receive your physical results slip. The system shows your university confirmation status, not your actual grades. If you meet your offer, your place will be confirmed automatically.
Options If Results Aren’t As Expected
Exceeded expectations? Consider Adjustment to explore other universities while holding your confirmed place. Missed your offers? Check UCAS Track first – universities sometimes accept near misses. Believe a grade is incorrect? Speak to teachers immediately about remarks. Consider gap years or retakes if needed, there are always multiple pathways forward to your educational goals.
Conclusion
As you prepare for your A Level exams, remember the key dates and focus on revision. Create a balanced schedule and also you may consider online A Level tutoring , if you’re struggling with specific subjects – many students find that regular sessions with experienced tutor very helpful.
Remember that A Levels are important but they don’t define your entire future. Stay positive, believe in your abilities, and keep perspective. With thorough preparation and a healthy mindset, you’re already on the path to success. Good Luck!
FAQs
Are A Level exam dates the same every year?
No, A Level exam dates change annually. While they typically fall within a similar period (May-June), the specific dates vary each year. Exam boards coordinate through the Joint Council for Qualifications to establish the calendar, avoiding major clashes between popular subjects.
What is the longest A level exam?
The longest A Level exam is typically Further Mathematics Paper 1, lasting 3 hours. Other lengthy papers include History (2 hours 30 minutes) and English Literature (3 hours for some boards). These longer exams test both knowledge and stamina, requiring careful time management.
What are the 4 hardest A Levels?
Based on pass rates and student feedback, the four most hardest A Levels are:
- Further Mathematics (requires exceptional analytical skills)
- Physics (combines difficult concepts with mathematical application)
- Chemistry (demands strong memory and good problem solving abilities)
- Biology ( lots of content, requiring detailed recall and understanding)
These subjects typically have lower percentage of top grades and higher dropout rates.
What are the 3 easiest A Levels?
While no A Level is truly “easy,” those with higher pass rates include:
- Media Studies (more coursework-based with accessible content)
- Business Studies (relates to real situations students can grasp)
- Psychology (interesting content with straightforward assessment structure)
However, “easy” is subjective – choose subjects that match your strengths and interests rather than perceived difficulty. You can also check “Top 15 Easiest A Level Subjects“
