As the academic year progresses, it’s essential for students, parents, and teachers to stay informed about the upcoming GCSE exam schedule for 2026. Here’s a detailed breakdown of when each subject’s exams will start and end, focusing on critical subjects like Maths, English, and Science.
General GCSE Exam Period
The GCSE exams for 2026 will commence on 7th May and conclude on 17th June. This period marks a crucial time for students across the UK as they prepare to showcase their knowledge and skills across various subjects.
GCSE Maths Exam Dates
Maths is often considered a core component of the GCSEs, and the exams are split across different exam boards. Here’s how the schedule looks for each:
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AQA GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026
- Paper 1 (Non-calculator): Thursday 14 May 2026
- Paper 2 (Calculator): Wednesday 3 June 2026
- Paper 3 (Calculator): Wednesday 10 June 2026
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026
- Paper 1 (Non-calculator): Thursday 14 May 2026
- Paper 2 (Calculator): Wednesday 3 June 2026
- Paper 3 (Calculator): Wednesday 10 June 2026
OCR GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026
- Paper 1 / Paper 4 (Non-calculator & calculator): Thursday 14 May 2026
- Paper 2 / Paper 5 (Calculator & non-calculator): Wednesday 3 June 2026
- Paper 3 / Paper 6 (Calculator): Wednesday 10 June 2026
CCEA GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026 (Northern Ireland)
CCEA uses a unit-based structure, and exact dates vary by tier and unit. Exams take place within the May–June 2026 window. Students should always check the official CCEA timetable for precise unit dates.
Eduqas & WJEC GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026 (Wales)
Eduqas and WJEC Maths and Maths–Numeracy papers are scheduled across May and June 2026, with exact dates depending on qualification and unit. Because Wales follows a different structure, students must refer to the official Eduqas or WJEC timetable.
GCSE English Language Exam Dates 2026
English Language is another cornerstone of the GCSE exams, with students assessed on their comprehension and writing skills:
AQA GCSE English Language Exam Dates 2026
- Paper 1: Thursday 21 May 2026
- Paper 2: Friday 5 June 2026
Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Language Exam Dates 2026
Edexcel English Language papers are scheduled within the same May–June 2026 exam window, with Paper 1 typically in late May and Paper 2 in early June.
Students should always check the official Edexcel timetable for exact dates and paper codes.
OCR GCSE English Language Exam Dates 2026
OCR English Language exams also take place during the main summer 2026 exam period, with papers split across late May and early June.
Exact dates and paper numbers should be confirmed using the official OCR timetable.
CCEA GCSE English Language Exam Dates 2026 (Northern Ireland)
CCEA uses a unit-based structure, and exam dates vary by unit and tier. English Language exams take place during the May–June 2026 series. Students must refer to the official CCEA timetable for precise dates.
Eduqas & WJEC GCSE English Language Exam Dates 2026 (Wales)
Eduqas and WJEC English Language exams in Wales are scheduled across May and June 2026, with specific components set on different dates depending on the qualification. Always check the official Eduqas or WJEC timetable for confirmed paper dates.
GCSE Science Exam Dates 2026
Science exams cover Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, each with their own set of papers across different exam boards:
| Biology | Paper 1: Tuesday 12 May 2026 Paper 2: Monday 8 June 2026 | Papers for AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas, and CEA at various levels |
| Chemistry | Paper 1: Monday 18 May 2026 Paper 2: Thursday 11 June 2026 | Papers for AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas, and CEA at various levels |
| Physics | Paper 1: Tuesday 2 June 2026 Paper 2: Monday 15 June 2026 | Papers for AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas, and CEA at various levels |
Why Keep Track of These Dates?
- Preparation: Knowing the exam dates well in advance helps students create a structured revision timetable.
- Stress Reduction: Early awareness of exam schedules can reduce anxiety and help manage exam preparation more effectively.
- Strategic Planning: Teachers and parents can plan support around these dates to maximise students’ performance.
The Right Time to Hire a Private Tutor for GCSEs
Securing a private tutor early in the school year is highly advantageous for GCSE students. A tutor from Edumentors GCSE tutors, for instance, can provide invaluable guidance through your subject curriculum, helping you stay on top of course content and understand the exam structure in depth. This early preparation not only boosts knowledge retention but also enhances your skills and techniques, setting a solid foundation for when you enter the critical exam period.
However, it’s important to remember that it’s never too late to seek additional support. If you find yourself struggling with particular subjects or if your grades aren’t meeting your expectations, enlisting the help of a private tutor can make a significant difference. Although finding a tutor at the last minute is not ideal, given the potential challenges in securing someone who fits your specific needs, organising a few targeted sessions close to exam time can still be highly beneficial.
Starting your exam preparation now with the help of a tutor from Edumentors will certainly pay off. By gradually building your knowledge and skills, you’ll be able to approach the exam season with confidence and a positive mindset. Regular breaks and continued engagement in extracurricular activities are crucial too, as they help maintain mental well-being amidst the study pressure.
By investing in a private tutor early, you ensure that you’re well-prepared, calm, and ready to tackle your GCSE exams head-on. Here’s to a successful and rewarding exam preparation journey!
