GCSE Timetable 2026 – What Do You Need to Know?

Knowing your GCSE timetable early can make a huge difference to how well you prepare. It gives you time to plan revision, manage your stress, and feel confident going into exam season. The 2026 GCSE exam window may seem far away, but understanding key dates now helps you stay one step ahead.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the AQA GCSE timetable 2026, Edexcel GCSE timetable and OCR. You’ll also find direct links to each exam board’s official timetable, along with a simple breakdown of subject dates and useful revision planning tips.

We’ve also included details on the GCSE results day 2026 timetable, so you’ll know exactly when to expect your grades. Whether you’re a student planning your revision or a parent supporting your child, this blog will help you stay organised and fully prepared for exam season.

GCSE Timetable 2026 – Important Dates

Lock these dates in early. It will help you plan revision, book time off and avoid clashes. Exams run through May and June, with one contingency day held in reserve. Results arrive in August, so you’ll know your next steps before September.

Note: Schools can set start times within the morning/afternoon session rules. Always check your personalised timetable.

AQA GCSE Timetable 2026

AQA is the largest GCSE exam board in England. Its summer 2026 timetable follows the usual May-June window, with papers set across morning and afternoon sessions. Always check the final PDF for your exact paper codes and timings. Here are the subjects and typical windows:

• English Language & English Literature – papers spread across May and early June.
• Mathematics – three papers (one non-calculator, two calculator) across late May to mid-June.
• Sciences (Combined & Separate) – Biology, Chemistry and Physics papers staggered through May and June.
• Modern Foreign Languages – written papers in May/June; speaking assessments are scheduled earlier by schools. (Confirm your dates against the official timetable.)

Official AQA GCSE timetable 2026 (PDF): See AQA’s “Dates and timetables” page and download “May/June 2026 exam timetable – GCSE”.

Useful notes for AQA candidates: Keep the contingency day free in late June in case of national disruption (see JCQ key dates). Morning and afternoon session rules apply; centres may adjust start times within JCQ guidance. Check your personalised schedule. JCQ Joint Council for Qualifications

Edexcel GCSE Timetable 2026

Pearson Edexcel is a major UK exam board with a clear, well-structured GCSE timetable. The Summer 2026 series runs across May and June, with papers in morning and afternoon sessions. Always check the final PDF for your exact paper codes and start time. Here is main subjects and typical windows:

• English Language & English Literature: papers across May and early June.
• Mathematics: three papers (one non-calculator, two calculator) from late May into June.
• Sciences (Combined & Separate): Biology, Chemistry and Physics staggered through May–June.
  Your school will confirm speaking/NEA windows (for example, MFL speaking). Use the final timetable to match your specification and tier.

Official Edexcel GCSE timetable 2026 (PDF): Download the GCSE – Summer 2026 Final Timetable.

Good to know that Pearson Edexcel supports centres worldwide, so the timetable format is consistent and easy to follow across regions. Still, always use the UK GCSE timetable for UK entries and check any local centre instructions.

OCR GCSE Timetable 2026

OCR offers a wide range of GCSEs across sciences, maths, English, humanities, languages and creative subjects. The Summer 2026 series runs through May and June with morning and afternoon sessions, and OCR has published its final GCSE and Cambridge Nationals timetable for June 2026. Key subjects and typical windows:

• English Language / English Literature – papers spread across May and early June.
• Mathematics – three papers across late May into June (non-calculator and calculator).
• Sciences (Combined & Separate) – Biology, Chemistry, Physics staggered across May–June, similar to other boards.
  Exact dates vary by specification; always match your course code to the PDF.

Official OCR GCSE timetable 2026 (PDF): Download the GCSE and Cambridge Nationals – Final Examination Timetable, June 2026.

Useful notes for OCR candidates:

• OCR re-published the June 2026 timetable on 1 September 2025 (e.g., amended duration for GCSE Geography B J384). If you saved an earlier copy, get the latest version.
• Session times follow standard AM/PM rules; centres may vary start times within regulations. Keep the contingency day free as per JCQ key dates.

GCSE Timetable 2026 – Other Exam Boards

If you’re not with AQA, Edexcel or OCR, your centre may use WJEC/Eduqas (mainly Wales and some centres in England) or CCEA (Northern Ireland). Each board publishes its own GCSE timetable on its website and through school exam offices. Always download the latest PDF, as boards occasionally update durations or session notes.

Also, small regional differences do exist. England schools typically use AQA, Edexcel, or OCR; Wales uses WJEC/Eduqas; Northern Ireland uses CCEA. All boards observe the national contingency arrangements, so keep the reserve day free and check your personalised timetable from school.

Revision Planning Using the GCSE Timetable 2026

Once you’ve downloaded your exam board’s timetable, use it to map out a clear and balanced revision plan. Start by listing each subject in date order so you can see when your papers fall. This helps you spot busy weeks and spread your revision evenly across subjects.

Try to focus on subjects with the earliest exams first, while keeping time each week to revisit later ones. For example, if your first paper is English Literature in early May, give it extra attention in April, then gradually shift your focus to June exams like Maths or Science.

Keep sessions short but regular, around 30 to 45 minutes of focused study, followed by a short break. Use active recall to test yourself instead of just rereading notes. You can also apply spaced repetition to revisit difficult topics over time.

Past papers are one of the best tools for GCSE revision. They show how questions are phrased and help you practise time management. Aim to complete a few under timed conditions each week as the exams approach.

Private Candidates: What to Know

If you’re taking GCSEs as a private candidate, the process is slightly different but completely manageable with early planning. You’ll need to register through an approved exam centre that accepts private entries for your chosen exam board, whether that’s AQA, Edexcel, or OCR. Many independent schools and private exam centres offer this option.

Make sure you register well before the entry deadlines, which usually fall between October and February, depending on the board. You’ll need to provide identification (such as a passport or driving licence) and confirm the subjects and specification codes you’re entering for. Some centres also charge an additional admin fee, so check costs in advance.

If your subject includes coursework or a Non-Exam Assessment (NEA), for example, English Language speaking, Art, or certain science practicals, you’ll need to confirm how your centre handles this. Some centres offer supervised NEA sessions, while others may require you to select subjects that are 100% exam-based.

Plan ahead, contact your chosen centre early, and keep copies of all registration documents. Doing so will help ensure a smooth exam experience without last-minute stress.

Conclusion

The GCSE timetable 2026 is your roadmap to exam success. Exams will run from 7 May to 17 June, with results day on 20 August 2026. Whether you’re with AQA, Edexcel or OCR, checking your official timetable early helps you plan revision, avoid clashes, and stay calm during the busy exam period.

Download your exam board’s PDF timetable, highlight your subjects and build a revision plan that works for you. Starting early makes a huge difference and it gives you time to practise past papers, manage your workload.

If you’d like extra help preparing, online GCSE tutoring can make a real difference. Expert tutors can guide you through topics and build revision timetables around your schedule. Finally, use your timetable as a guide, stay organised and make the most of the months ahead.