Whether you are aiming for university, an apprenticeship or employment, A‑level exams are a pivotal milestone. Knowing exactly when your exams happen in 2026 will help you organise revision, manage stress and avoid last‑minute surprises. This guide of ours summarises the confirmed information from exam boards and provides practical advice on preparing for exam season.
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What is A-Level Exam Date and When it Take Place in 2026?
A‑level exams run once a year, over a six‑week period in the late spring. According to the final Pearson Edexcel timetable, the first exams begin on Monday 11 May 2026 and the final papers conclude on Tuesday 23 June 2026 qualifications.pearson.com. This pattern is consistent across exam boards (AQA, OCR, WJEC/Eduqas) and previous years.
- Week 2 (starting 11 May): Initial papers for subjects such as Biology B, English Language & Literature and Economics begin qualifications.pearson.com.
- Mid‑May to mid‑June: Most A‑level subjects are examined. There are usually morning (09:00) and afternoon (13:30) sessions.
- Week 6/7 (ending 23 June): Final papers include Further Mathematics and the Advanced Extension Award qualifications.pearson.com.
Note: AQA had not yet published its 2026 final timetable at the time of writing. Their dates-and-timetables page only lists 2025 PDFs Students taking AQA exams should check for updates early in 2026.
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- Clear guidance on what to study (and when)
- Mock practice tied to real exam dates
- Flexible online scheduling
Summary of 2026 A‑Level Exam Date Windows by Board
| Exam board | Earliest exam | Last exam | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pearson Edexcel | Monday 11 May 2026 (e.g., Biology B, English Language & Literature, Economics)= qualifications.pearson.com | Tuesday 23 June 2026 (Further Mathematics & Advanced Extension papers) qualifications.pearson.com | Edexcel GCE Summer 2026 final timetable |
| AQA | Likely mid‑May 2026 (based on 2025 pattern – check for 2026 timetable release) | Late June 2026 (exact dates TBC) | AQA dates & timetables page |
| OCR | Mid‑May to late June (final timetable not yet public) | ~23 June 2026 | OCR usually mirrors Edexcel’s calendar |
| WJEC/Eduqas | Final timetables for June 2026 A‑level exams are available on WJEC’s site | Exams also run into late June | WJEC Key Dates & Timetables |
What to Expect on Exam Day
Sitting an A-level is not just about what is on the paper, the rules and setup matter too. Students should arrive at least 30 minutes early to avoid last-minute stress. Bring the essentials like pens, pencils, erasers, a calculator if your subject allows, and your student ID. Phones, smartwatches, and revision notes must be left outside the exam hall.
Note: If you have exam clashes (two papers scheduled at the same time), schools manage this by moving one exam to later in the day. Students are supervised during breaks to prevent any unfair advantage. For those with special access arrangements such as extra time, scribes, or laptops, the school’s exam officer will ensure these are in place on the day.
A‑Level Resits Date
Unlike GCSEs, there is no November resit window for A‑levels. Save My Exams points out that if you need to retake an A‑level, you must register for the summer 2026 series. This means:
- Registration deadlines are usually in February or March (check with your exam centre).
- If you don’t meet the grade you need in August 2025, you’ll retake in May/June 2026.
How to Access Your A-Levels Exam Timetable
- AQA: Visit their dates and timetables page and download the final PDF when it’s released (typically in autumn the year before).
- Edexcel (Pearson): Use the drop‑down on the Exam timetables page to find “GCE Summer 2026 Final Timetable.” The pdf lets you jump to weeks or subjects qualifications.pearson.com.
- OCR and Cambridge: Check the OCR website for their A‑level timetable.
- WJEC/Eduqas: Download the “GCE June 2026 Examination Timetable” from WJEC’s key dates page.
If you’re studying through a college or sixth form, they will also distribute customised timetables with your personal paper codes, dates and exam rooms.
Using the Timetable to Plan Your Revision
- Map out your exam window. Note when your first and last exams fall. Students taking sciences, maths and languages often have exams spread across the full six weeks.
- Prioritise by gap length. Schedule intense revision for subjects that have long breaks between papers.
- Plan rest days. Avoid burnout by pencilling in days off after clusters of exams.
- Check access arrangements. If you need extra time or special conditions, speak to your school/exam centre well before the entry deadline.
Worried About A-Levels? Get Free 1-on-1 with a UK Tutor
- Clear guidance on what to study (and when)
- Mock practice tied to real exam dates
- Flexible online scheduling
A-Levels Revision Countdown: Key Milestones
- January to February 2026: Aim to complete your syllabus content.
- March to April 2026: Focus on past papers, mocks, and identifying weak areas.
- May to June 2026: Switch to timed practice, exam strategies, and topic refreshers.
Breaking revision into stages avoids last-minute cramming and builds confidence leading into May.
Important Dates Beyond Exam Week
- Exam entry deadline: Typically February/March 2026 (check with your centre).
- Results day: A‑level results are usually released on the third Thursday of August (provisional: 20 August 2026). Exact dates will be confirmed by exam boards early in 2026.
- University admissions deadlines: UCAS Track updates on results day. Make sure your contact details are up to date so you don’t miss offers or Clearing information.
A-Level Results Day 2026
Results day is expected in Thursday, 20 August 2026, when students will be able to collect their grades from their school or college. Many centres also send results by email or make them available through secure portals. At the same time, UCAS Track updates with university confirmations. If results don’t go as planned, students can consider appeals, autumn resits, or Clearing for university places.
FAQs
When do A‑level exams start in 2026?
The first A‑level exams begin on Monday 11 May 2026 qualifications.pearson.com for Pearson Edexcel and are expected to start in a similar window for AQA, OCR and WJEC.
When do A‑level exams finish in 2026?
The final papers finish on Tuesday 23 June 2026 qualifications.pearson.com. Edexcel’s last scheduled exam is the Advanced Extension Award in Mathematics.
Are there any A‑level exams in January or November?
No. A‑level exams (including resits) are only held in the summer series.
Where can I find my personalised timetable?
Check your exam board’s website for the final timetable and speak to your school or exam centre, which will issue an individual schedule with your candidate number, room and seat.
What about vocational Level 3 qualifications?
BTEC Nationals and other vocational qualifications have different timetables. Edexcel publishes separate schedules on the same timetables page; dates may extend beyond June.
Final Takeaways
- Mid‑May to late June is the critical period for A‑level exams in 2026.
- Pearson Edexcel has already published its final timetable, showing exams from 11 May to 23 June 2026 qualifications.pearson.com.
- AQA, OCR and WJEC timetables follow similar patterns and will release final schedules closer to spring 2026.
- There are no November resits, so plan carefully and register on time.
- Use the timetable to create a realistic revision plan, book any access arrangements early, and prepare for results day in August 2026.
For up‑to‑date information, always check the latest timetables on your exam board’s official website and consult your school or college.
Disclaimer: This guide is for information purposes only. Exam dates and procedures may change, so always confirm with your school or official exam board updates.
Raja specializes in Physics and Maths, with over 5 years of experience. He offers KS2, KS3, and GCSE Science and Maths lessons. He graduated from one of the top universities in the UK.
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