GCSE 2024 Exam Dates – Everything You Need to Know

The GCSE 2024 exam season is approaching!

it’s important to stay informed about the provisional exam dates and other key details currently available. Although final confirmations from exam boards are pending, this article compiles all the essential information to date about upcoming GCSEs.

Remember, the specifics might change as the exam year draws closer, so keep an eye out for official updates.

Let’s explore what we know so far about GCSE 2024.

Save this page and return regularly for the latest GCSE updates.

When do GCSEs start in 2024?

All GCSE dates for the 2024 academic year, covering every exam board, are scheduled to occur in May and June.

The GCSE exams across all major boards – AQA, Edexcel, OCR – start on May 9th and conclude by June 19th. Below, you’ll find detailed tables with key dates for all the mandatory subjects.

These exam timetables are your quick reference to stay on track with your exam preparation. While we’ve gathered the most up-to-date information, remember these dates are provisional and might change. Keep an eye on official updates, especially if you’re juggling multiple subjects.

GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2024

GCSE Physics Exam Dates 2024

GCSE Chemistry Exam Dates 2024

GCSE Biology Exam Dates 2024

GCSE Combined Science Exam Dates 2024

GCSE English Language Exam Dates 2024

Will There Be Changes to GCSE 2024?

In the upcoming GCSE exams in 2024, students can expect a notable continuation from the previous year’s approach.

The Department for Education (DfE) has requested Ofqual to extend the provision of additional support materials, specifically formulae and equation sheets, for another year. This decision, announced on 16 November 2023 by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, aims to assist students in subjects such as mathematics, physics, and combined science.

“GCSEs are young people’s passport to their next stage of education and we must ensure students have the opportunity to show what they know and can do, and ultimately meet their potential.”

This move is a response to the unique educational disruptions faced by this cohort during their early secondary years due to the pandemic. Recognising that these students encountered national school closures in years 7 and 8, the DfE proposes enhanced formulae and equation sheets to reduce the burden of memorisation.

Ofqual is currently conducting a two-week consultation, starting on 16 November 2023, to gather feedback on this approach. This consultation is open to a wide range of stakeholders, including students, teachers, school leaders, unions, and exam boards.

Will There Be Support for GCSE Students in 2025?

2024 marks the final year for this adjusted approach, with a plan to return to standard exam arrangements in 2025.

“Young people taking GCSEs next year will be the last who experienced two years of national closures during secondary school and it’s right that we recognise that with some additional support.”

This decision reflects the expectation that students in 2025 will have benefited from more consistent in-school learning experiences and support programs like the national tutoring initiative.

Significant Fee Hikes for GCSE Exams in 2024

The upcoming academic year brings a notable increase in examination fees for some of the most popular GCSE and A-level subjects. AQA, along with its competitors Edexcel and OCR, is set to raise fees significantly, exceeding the current inflation rate. A notable example is the AQA’s Maths GCSE, which will see a 16.5% increase in fees per pupil. Similarly, increases of around 10% for GCSE English and Statistics, and around 9% for English A-levels are expected. In contrast, most other subjects will see a more modest 4% rise in fees.

The fee increases will significantly impact school budgets, especially for large-scale entries. For instance, the cost for a school entering 200 pupils for AQA’s Maths GCSE will rise from £8,240 to £9,600. While exam boards cite rising operational costs as a reason for these hikes, they also emphasise their commitment to keeping increases as low as possible and continuing to invest in support and resources for schools.

“We recognise that school and college budgets are stretched, and we will always aim to keep fee increases to a minimum, while providing as much value for money as we can for our qualification fees.”

Ofqual, the exams regulator, requires exam boards to notify them of any fee increases exceeding inflation and is monitoring these developments closely to ensure transparency and fair pricing in the education sector.

When Do GCSE Results Come out in 2024?

The awaited results for GCSE 2024 will be released on Thursday, 22nd August 2024, for all participating exam boards.

GCSE Appealing Dates 2024

In cases where students feel their results don’t reflect their performance, there is an option to appeal. Appeals for Edexcel, OCR, and AQA can be filed within a 30-day window post-result declaration. It’s important to note that appeals need to satisfy certain criteria, and it’s typically the responsibility of the school’s head or exam coordinator to initiate this process on behalf of the student.

Read more about GCSE remarking.

GCSE Resits in 2024

Students who want to better their grades can take GCSE resits. The resits are part of the 2024 exam schedule.

For important subjects like Maths and English, the resits will happen earlier, in November 2024. This early schedule gives students a chance to concentrate on these subjects and aim for improved grades.

Preparing for GCSEs

As we look ahead to GCSE 2024, the evolving exam landscape, with its changes in fees, support materials, and resit opportunities, underscores the need for comprehensive preparation.

Effective preparation goes beyond mastering subjects; it involves strategic planning and adapting to the current academic climate. For example, the provision of additional support materials in 2024 allows a focus on application over memorisation.

With the rise in exam fees, making the most of each exam opportunity is more important than ever. Students should engage in regular revision, keep abreast of updates from exam boards, and prioritise their well-being.

In this context, external support like Edumentors can be crucial. Their experienced GCSE tutors offer not just academic guidance but also valuable study and exam strategies.

In summary, success in GCSE 2024 requires focus, up-to-date knowledge, and well-rounded preparation. With the right approach and support, students can confidently meet these challenges.