GCSE 2023 Dates: GCSE Exam Timetable

GCSE exams are just around the corner and it’s important to start preparing for them. One way some students structure their revision is by focusing on the next upcoming exam. This can help you prioritise what to study and ensure you’re not cramming everything in at the last minute. So, let’s see the dates for core subjects:

GCSE Maths Exam Dates

• Paper 1 Friday 19 May – morning 
• Paper 2 Wednesday 7 June – morning 
• Paper 3 Wednesday 14 June – morning 

GCSE English Dates

• Paper 1 Monday 5 June – morning 
• Paper 2 Monday 12 June – morning 

GCSE Physics Dates

• Paper 1 Tuesday 25 May 
• Paper 2 Friday 16 June 

GCSE Chemistry Dates

• Paper 1 Monday 22 May 
• Paper 2 Tuesday 13 June 

GCSE Biology Dates

• Paper 1 Tuesday 16 May 
• Paper 2 Friday 9 June 

See dates for other subjects here:

• AQA exam timetable
• OCR exam timetable
• Edexcel exam timetable
• Wjec exam timetable
• Eduqas exam timetable

FAQ About GCSE 2023

Will the 2023 GCSE Exams Cover the Full Syllabus?

The syllabus coverage for the 2022 and 2021 GCSE exams was reduced to acknowledge the impact of the pandemic on learning. However, it is expected that the full syllabus will be covered in the 2023 exams.

Will There Be Larger Gaps Between Exams to Give Students More Time to Study?

Although larger gaps between GCSE exams were appreciated by schools and students in the past year, it is expected that the exam schedule for 2023 will return to normal spacing between exams.

Why Were GCSE Grades During the Pandemic Higher than Before the Pandemic?

The reason for the higher GCSE grades in 2020 and 2021 was due to the implementation of teacher assessment instead of in-person exams. In response, Ofqual made some adjustments to the exam process and grade boundaries for the 2022 exams to ensure that students were not at a disadvantage. These changes were made to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on students’ learning and assessment.

Will the Grades Be Lower Than in 2022?

While it is anticipated that grades may be lower compared to those awarded during the pandemic, Ofqual has acknowledged the impact of learning loss and will adjust the grade boundaries accordingly.

Unexpected Circumstances On the Exam Day

What Happens if You are Sick on the GCSE Exam day?

In most cases, if a student misses a GCSE exam due to illness, they will be able to reschedule the exam, provided they provide a medical certificate to their school or college as soon as possible. However, if a student misses more than one exam for a subject, the exam board may award an overall result based on how well the student performs in the exams they do take.

If a student misses all the exams for a subject, they will be expected to resit the exams in November, or if the subject is not important to them, they can choose to not take that particular GCSE.

In some cases, if a student misses an exam due to illness or an accident, a grade can still be calculated using the marks from the other papers taken or their non-exam components (if applicable). Ultimately, it is important for students to contact their school or college as soon as possible in the event of illness or an accident in order to ensure they receive the appropriate support and can reschedule their exams if necessary.

What Happens if You Have Covid During Exams

If a student tests positive for Covid-19 during the GCSE exams, the same procedure should be followed as for any other illness. It is important to inform the school or exam center as soon as possible and provide a medical certificate to be eligible to reschedule the exam.

If a student has long covid during their GCSEs, they may be allowed special consideration depending on whether or not their condition has worsened during the exam period. Special consideration takes into account any extenuating circumstances that may have affected a student’s performance on an assessment, and it may be given to students who have experienced illness, injury, or other unforeseen events that may have had an impact on their ability to perform.

It is important for students who have long covid to inform their school or exam centre as soon as possible and provide medical evidence to support their case.

What Happens If You are Late on the Exam Day

If you are late on the exam day, it is important to inform the school or exam centre as soon as possible. While you may be permitted to take the exam, you will not be given additional time to complete it. The specific cut-off time for late arrival can differ between schools, but typically students who arrive late to an exam may not be permitted to enter the exam room, or may be granted entry but with less time to complete the exam.

To avoid being late for an exam, it is crucial to plan your transportation and factor in any potential delays. It is also good practice to confirm the exam location and start time the day before the exam to ensure you arrive on time. If unforeseen circumstances arise and you are running late, it is important to inform the school or exam centre as soon as possible to minimise any potential disruptions and ensure that you are able to take the exam.

What’s Special Consideration? How to Make Up for a Missed GCSE Exam?

If you miss a GCSE exam, the first step is to notify your centre, which will typically be your school, unless you are a private candidate. You should contact the exams officer or admin via phone or email to let them know you have missed an exam. The process of making up a missed exam can vary depending on the policies of the exam board and your school or college.

In some cases, the exam board may use a combination of your mock grade, your performance in the other papers, and the national average for the paper you missed to estimate what you would have got in that paper. It’s important to reach out to your school or the exam board for guidance if you are unsure about what to do.

Another option available to students who have experienced illness, injury, or other unforeseen events that may have had an impact on their ability to perform is to apply for special consideration. Special consideration takes into account any extenuating circumstances that may have affected a student’s performance on an assessment. The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) provides a guide to the special consideration process on its website, which is updated annually. Students are encouraged to visit the JCQ’s official website for the most up-to-date information on how to apply for special consideration.

If you don’t qualify for special consideration, you can always resit an exam in November or the next year. Make sure to contact the sixth form of your choice and make arrangements. 

To Sum Up

In conclusion, the GCSE exams are rapidly approaching, and it’s crucial for students to start preparing for them. Focusing on upcoming exams can help students prioritise their studies and prevent last-minute cramming.

Although the syllabus coverage is expected to be full for the 2023 GCSE exams, there will be no larger gaps between exams. The grades for 2023 may be lower than those awarded during the pandemic, but Ofqual will adjust the grade boundaries accordingly. In the case of unexpected circumstances such as illness, Covid-19, or late arrival, students must inform their school or exam center as soon as possible to receive appropriate support and reschedule exams if necessary.