Note: This guide uses the official exam timetables from AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and WJEC/Eduqas. Exact times and paper codes come from those sources. CCEA timetables were not accessible at the time of writing; Northern Irish students should consult their centres or the CCEA website. Always confirm final arrangements with your school or exam centre.
The GCSE exam season can feel like an endless list of dates, papers and codes. As a calm and experienced GCSE tutor, I know that students and parents often just want a straight answer: “What GCSE exams are on today?” and “When are the main exams happening this year?”
This guide answers those questions by pulling together the 2026 GCSE timetables for each major exam board. It explains how to read the schedule, highlights the main GCSE exams by date, lists upcoming papers, and offers practical tips for exam day. Use this as a planning aid, but always check your personal timetable issued by your school or exam centre.
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How to Check GCSE Exams Today
To find today’s GCSE exams, simply match today’s date with the timetable sections below. Each date includes the session, exam board, subject, paper title, paper code, tier and duration where available.
GCSE exams normally take place in two main sessions:
- Morning session: usually around 9:00 am
- Afternoon session: usually around 1:30 pm
Schools may adjust the exact start time within the permitted exam window, so your school timetable is always the final version to follow.
If you are asking “What GCSE exam is today?”, check today’s date first, then scroll to the matching timetable entry below. For example, if today is Monday 18 May 2026, the main exams include Chemistry, Combined Science, Media Studies, Chinese and Urdu papers, depending on your board and subject entry. If today is a different date, use the full GCSE exam timetable further down the page to find the correct papers.
Today’s GCSE Exams: How This Timetable Works
The table below summarises one of the key GCSE exam dates in the 2026 timetable. It is useful for students searching for GCSE exams today, especially during the May and June exam period. However, this page is not limited to one day only.
Use this section like a daily GCSE exam checker:
- Check today’s date.
- Find the same date in this guide.
- Match your exam board.
- Check your subject, paper code and tier.
- Confirm everything with your school timetable.
GCSE Exams Scheduled for Monday 18 May 2026
The table below summarises all written GCSE exams scheduled for Monday 18 May 2026 across the major UK exam boards. If today’s date is 18 May 2026, these are the main GCSE exams taking place today. If you are checking this page on a different date, use the full timetable below to find the correct date for today’s GCSE exams.
Morning exams usually start at 9 am and afternoon exams at 1:30 pm; schools may vary start times within the permitted window. Students must check their own centre’s timetable.
| Date | Session | Exam Board | Subject | Paper title & code | Tier | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Morning | AQA | Chemistry | Chemistry Paper 1 (codes 8462/1F and 8462/1H) | Foundation / Higher | 1 h 45 m | Students sit one tier only. |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Morning | AQA | Combined Science Trilogy | Chemistry Paper 1 (codes 8464/C/1F and 8464/C/1H) | Foundation / Higher | 1 h 15 m | Trilogy course only. |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Morning | Edexcel | Chemistry | Paper 1 (codes 1CH0 1F and 1CH0 1H) | Foundation / Higher | 1 h 45 m | |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Morning | Edexcel | Combined Science | Paper 2: Chemistry 1 (1SC0 1CF/1CH) | Foundation / Higher | 1 h 10 m | |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Morning | OCR | Chemistry A | Paper 2 (J248/02) and Paper 4 (J248/04) | Foundation / Higher | 1 h 45 m | |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Morning | OCR | Chemistry B | Depth in Chemistry (J258/02 foundation, J258/04 higher) | Foundation / Higher | 1 h 45 m | |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Morning | OCR | Combined Science A | Chemistry Paper 3 (J250/03, foundation) | Foundation | 1 h 10 m | |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Morning | OCR | Combined Science A | Chemistry Paper 9 (J250/09, higher) | Higher | 1 h 10 m | |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Morning | OCR | Combined Science B | Chemistry (J260/02, foundation; J260/06, higher) | Foundation / Higher | 1 h 45 m | |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Morning | WJEC / Eduqas | Chemistry (Wales) | Unit 2 (codes 3410U20-1 foundation, 3410UB0-1 higher) | Foundation / Higher | 1 h 45 m | Wales specification. |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Morning | WJEC / Eduqas | Media Studies (Wales) | Unit 1 (3680U10-1) | Single | 1 h 30 m | Wales specification. |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Morning | WJEC / Eduqas | Media Studies (Eduqas) | Component 1 (C680U10-1) | Single | 1 h 30 m | Eduqas specification. |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Morning | WJEC / Eduqas | Science (Double Award) (Wales) | Unit 5 (codes 3430U50-1 foundation, 3430UE0-1 higher) | Foundation / Higher | 1 h 15 m | Wales specification. |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Afternoon | AQA | Chinese (Mandarin) | Writing papers (8673/WF – foundation, 8673/WH – higher) | Foundation / Higher | 1 h / 1 h 15 m | |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Afternoon | Edexcel | Chinese | Paper 4: Writing (1CN0 4F/4H) | Foundation / Higher | 1 h 20 m / 1 h 25 m | |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Afternoon | Edexcel | Urdu | Listening and understanding (1UR0 1F/1H) | Foundation / Higher | 0 h 35 m / 0 h 45 m | |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Afternoon | Edexcel | Urdu | Reading and understanding (1UR0 3F/3H) | Foundation / Higher | 0 h 50 m / 1 h 05 m | |
| 18 May 2026 (Mon) | Afternoon | OCR | Media Studies | Paper 2: Music and news (J200/02) | Single | 1 h 15 m |
No major GCSE written exams for other subjects are scheduled on 18 May beyond those listed above. If you do not take Chemistry, Combined Science, Media Studies or the languages mentioned, you may not have an exam on this date. Always check your personal timetable.
Next GCSE Exams Coming Up
Below is a snapshot of the next key written exams after Monday 18 May 2026 across the boards. Only major subjects are shown; numerous language papers and smaller subjects are omitted for brevity. Students must consult the full timetable for their subjects.
| Date | Session | Board(s) | Major subjects & papers | Notes |
| Tue 19 May 2026 | Morning | AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC/Eduqas | English Literature Paper 2: AQA (8702/2), Edexcel (1ET0 02), OCR (J352/02) and WJEC/Eduqas (Unit 2) | Often called the poetry and Shakespeare or 19th-century novel paper. Duration approx. 2 h 15 m. |
| Tue 19 May 2026 | Afternoon | AQA | Computer Science Paper 2 (8525/2) | Edexcel and OCR have computing papers on other dates. |
| Wed 20 May 2026 | Morning | Edexcel | French Listening & Reading (1FR1 2F/H and 1FR1 3F/H) | OCR and WJEC have French or Religious Studies papers on this day. |
| Wed 20 May 2026 | Afternoon | OCR | Religious Studies Paper 2 for courses A and B | Students should check which specification they follow. |
| Thu 21 May 2026 | Morning | AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC/Eduqas | English Language Paper 1 – narrative/descriptive paper. Eduqas calls it Component 1. | All boards schedule Paper 1 on the same day. |
| Thu 21 May 2026 | Afternoon | AQA & Edexcel | Business Paper 2 (AQA 8132/2; Edexcel 1BS0 02); Economics Paper 2 (AQA 8136/2). | |
| Fri 22 May 2026 | Morning | Edexcel | Arabic, Italian & Physical Education papers. OCR schedules Economics Paper 2 and other language papers. | Minor subjects; check personal timetable. |
| Fri 22 May 2026 | Afternoon | — | No major English/maths/science papers. | Smaller subjects and languages run in the afternoon. |
| Mon 25 May 2026 | Bank holiday (UK) | — | Public holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – no scheduled GCSE exams. | Students may use this day for revision. |
| Tue 26 May 2026 | Morning | Boards vary | Exams resume with subjects such as Sociology, Latin and Geography, depending on the board. | Check your board’s timetable. |
Full GCSE Exam Timetable 2026 by Date
The full May/June 2026 GCSE series spans seven weeks. Listing every paper for every board would fill several pages, so the table below summarises the key exam dates by week. It focuses on core subjects and reminds students to verify their paper code and tier.
Week 1: Monday 4 May to Friday 8 May 2026
| Date | Morning session | Afternoon session | Notes |
| Mon 4 May | Start of GCSE exam season; some WJEC numeracy units and niche language papers commence. | Use this quiet week to get used to exam conditions. | |
| Thu 7 May | Maths Paper 1 (non-calculator) for Edexcel, AQA, OCR and Eduqas; WJEC Mathematics Unit 1 (foundation/intermediate/higher). Some language listening papers. | Citizenship Studies (Edexcel). | Students must bring calculators only if permitted. |
| Fri 8 May | Drama (Edexcel), Economics (OCR), Italian and Arabic listening papers. | Drama (AQA), Sociology (Eduqas) and other minor subjects. |
Week 2: Monday 11 May to Friday 15 May 2026
| Date | Morning session | Afternoon session | Notes |
| Mon 11 May | English Literature Paper 1 (AQA 8702/1, Edexcel 1ET0 01, OCR J352/01, WJEC/Eduqas Unit 1). | Business Paper 1 (AQA 8132/1, Edexcel 1BS0 01) and Chinese listening (Edexcel). | Start of full literature papers. |
| Tue 12 May | Biology Paper 1 for AQA, Edexcel and OCR; WJEC Biology Unit 2; CCEA Biology Unit 1 (students should verify). | Religious Studies (full course) and Geography (WJEC). | Bring calculators only if permitted. |
| Wed 13 May | French listening/reading (OCR, WJEC); Geography A/Geography B (OCR). | Media Studies (AQA). | |
| Thu 14 May | Maths Paper 1 (AQA 8300 1F/1H, Edexcel 1MA1 1F/1H, OCR J560 1F/1H); CCEA Maths Units 1–4; Eduqas Maths Component 1. | Science practical or smaller subjects. | Bring a black pen, pencil, ruler and geometry set. |
| Fri 15 May | History papers (OCR J410/01–07); Physical Education theory (OCR J587/01); IT (OCR R050). | Music (AQA) and other minor papers. |
Week 3: Monday 18 May to Friday 22 May 2026
Key details for week 3 have been summarised in the “Today’s Exams” and “Next Exams” sections above. Broadly:
- Monday 18 May: Chemistry papers for all boards and combined science; media studies; Chinese and Urdu writing.
- Tuesday 19 May: English Literature Paper 2 across boards.
- Wednesday 20 May: French and Religious Studies papers.
- Thursday 21 May: English Language Paper 1 and Business Paper 2.
- Friday 22 May: Languages and practical subjects.
Week 4: Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May 2026
| Date | Morning session | Afternoon session | Notes |
| Mon 25 May | UK bank holiday – no scheduled exams. | Bank holiday. | Students can revise or rest. |
| Tue 26 May | Geography and Latin papers, depending on the board. | Computer Science (OCR J277/02); Religious Studies (Eduqas). | |
| Wed 27 May | Further modern language papers; Science (Double Award) Unit 6 (WJEC). | ||
| Thu 28 May | English Literature Unit 2 for CCEA, check board. | Only Northern Ireland centres have exams; others may have a revision day. | |
| Fri 29 May | Languages and vocational subjects. |
Week 5: Monday 1 June to Friday 5 June 2026
| Date | Morning session | Afternoon session | Notes |
| Mon 1 Jun | Physics Paper 1 for AQA (8463/1F/1H), Combined Science Trilogy Physics Paper 1 (8464/P/1F/1H) and Combined Science Synergy Paper 2 (8465/2F/2H). Edexcel and OCR schedule their physics papers later in the week. | Languages and design technology papers. | Bring calculators and formula sheets where provided. |
| Tue 2 Jun | Statistics Paper 1 (AQA 8382/1F/1H) and various language papers including Panjabi, Polish and Media Studies Paper 2. Edexcel physics Paper 1 (1PH0 1F/1H) and OCR Physics Paper 1 (J249/01–04) are also on this day. | ||
| Wed 3 Jun | Maths Paper 2 (calculator) for AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas. | Geography Paper 2 (AQA 8035/2), History Paper 2 (AQA 8145/2) and additional language papers. | |
| Thu 4 Jun | Media Studies (AQA 8652/WF/WH) and drama (OCR). | ||
| Fri 5 Jun | English Language Paper 2 for AQA (8700/2), Edexcel (1EN0 02), OCR (J351/02), WJEC/Eduqas and CCEA. | Physical Education Paper 2 (AQA 8582/2). |
Week 6: Monday 8 June to Friday 12 June 2026
| Date | Morning session | Afternoon session | Notes |
| Mon 8 Jun | Biology Paper 2 for AQA, Edexcel and OCR; Combined Science Papers; History (OCR J410/08–10). | Religious Studies (WJEC/Eduqas) and Design & Technology (OCR). | |
| Tue 9 Jun | Languages and Computer Science (WJEC/Eduqas). | History (OCR) depth studies. | |
| Wed 10 Jun | Maths Paper 3 (calculator) for AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas. | Physics (OCR Paper 4), Modern Languages writing papers. | |
| Thu 11 Jun | Geography skills (OCR J383/03 and J384/03); Food Preparation & Nutrition. | WJEC/Eduqas Film Studies and Religious Studies. | |
| Fri 12 Jun | Chemistry Paper 2 for AQA (8462/2F/2H) and Combined Science Chemistry Paper 2 (8464/C/2F/2H); Edexcel and OCR also schedule their Chemistry Paper 2 on this day. | Many centres finish science exams by this date. |
Week 7: Monday 15 June to Friday 26 June 2026
The final fortnight includes Physics Paper 2, additional maths papers, further maths, statistics, sociology and remaining language papers. Only a handful of mainstream exams remain after 19 June. Students must remain available until Wednesday 24 June 2026, which is the national contingency day.
GCSE Timetable 2026 by Subjects and Exam Boards
The tables below group the main 2026 exam dates by subject and highlight differences between exam boards. Students should note the paper code and tier on their personal timetable.
English Language
| Board | Paper 1 date (Paper code) | Paper 2 date (Paper code) | Notes |
| AQA | 21 May 2026 (8700/1) | 5 Jun 2026 (8700/2) | Paper 1 focuses on reading fiction and descriptive writing; Paper 2 covers non-fiction and transactional writing. |
| Edexcel | 21 May 2026 (1EN0 01) | 5 Jun 2026 (1EN0 02) | Called Fiction and Imaginative Writing (Paper 1) and Non-Fiction (Paper 2). |
| OCR | 21 May 2026 (J351/01) | 5 Jun 2026 (J351/02) | Paper 1: Communicating information and ideas; Paper 2: Exploring effects and impact. |
| WJEC/Eduqas | 21 May 2026 (Eduqas Component 1) | 21 May 2026 (WJEC Unit 2) | WJEC also offers Unit 2 on 21 May. |
| CCEA | 7 May 2026 (Unit 1) and 21 May 2026 (Unit 4) – students must confirm via CCEA. | 5 Jun 2026 (Unit 2) – confirm via CCEA. | Northern Ireland specifications differ; check with school. |
English Literature
| Board | Paper 1 date & title | Paper 2 date & title | Notes |
| AQA | 11 May 2026 – Paper 1 (Shakespeare and 19th-century novel) | 19 May 2026 – Paper 2 (Modern texts and poetry) | Both papers run in the morning sessions. |
| Edexcel | 11 May 2026 – Paper 1 (Shakespeare & Post-1914 Literature) | 19 May 2026 – Paper 2 (19th-century Novel & Poetry since 1789) | Each paper lasts 1 h 45 m or more. |
| OCR | 11 May 2026 – Paper 1 (Modern and literary heritage texts) | 19 May 2026 – Paper 2 (Poetry and Shakespeare) | OCR papers are both 2 hours. |
| WJEC/Eduqas | 11 May 2026 – Unit 1/Component 1 | 19 May 2026 – Unit 2/Component 2 | Different options exist; check your entry. |
| CCEA | 11 May 2026 – Unit 1; 19 May 2026 – Unit 2; 28 May 2026 – Unit 3 where applicable. | Confirm via CCEA timetable. |
Mathematics
| Board | Paper 1 (non-calculator) | Paper 2 (calculator) | Paper 3 (calculator) | Notes |
| AQA | 14 May 2026 (8300/1F/1H) | 3 Jun 2026 (8300/2F/2H) | 10 Jun 2026 (8300/3F/3H) | Bring a calculator for papers 2 and 3; formula sheets provided for 2026–27. |
| Edexcel | 14 May 2026 (1MA1 1F/1H) | 3 Jun 2026 (1MA1 2F/2H) | 10 Jun 2026 (1MA1 3F/3H) | Foundation and higher tiers. |
| OCR | 14 May 2026 (J560 1F & J560 4H) | 3 Jun 2026 (J560 2F & J560 5H) | 10 Jun 2026 (J560 3F & J560 6H) | Paper numbers differ between tiers. |
| WJEC/Eduqas | 14 May 2026 – Maths Unit 1 or Component 1 (foundation/intermediate/higher) | 3 Jun 2026 – Maths Unit 2 or Component 2 | 10 Jun 2026 – Maths Unit 2 again or Component 2 (Eduqas) | Eduqas uses Components 1 & 2. |
| CCEA | 14 May 2026 – Units 1 & 2 (foundation) and Units 3 & 4 (higher); 3 Jun 2026 – Units 5–8 (calculator); 10 Jun 2026 – Additional units. | Students should confirm via CCEA. |
Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Combined Science
| Subject | Board | Paper 1 date | Paper 2 date | Notes |
| Biology | AQA (8461/1F/1H), Edexcel (1BI0 1F/1H), OCR (J247 & J257), WJEC/Eduqas | 12 May 2026 | 8 Jun 2026 | Foundation and higher tiers; each paper lasts 1 h 45 m. |
| Chemistry | AQA (8462/1F/1H; 8464/C/1F/1H for Combined Science), Edexcel (1CH0 1F/1H; 1SC0 1CF/1CH), OCR (J248/02/04, J258/02/04, J250/03/09, J260/02/06), WJEC/Eduqas (3410U20-1/3410UB0-1, etc.) | 18 May 2026 | 12 Jun 2026 | Paper 1 emphasises atomic structure, bonding and reactions; Paper 2 covers rates, organic chemistry and analysis. |
| Physics | AQA (8463/1F/1H; Combined Science 8464/P/1F/1H; Synergy 8465/2F/2H), Edexcel (1PH0 1F/1H), OCR (J249/01/03, J260/03/07), WJEC/Eduqas | 1 Jun 2026 (AQA) / 2 Jun 2026 (Edexcel & OCR) | 15 Jun 2026 | Paper 1 includes energy, electricity and particle models; Paper 2 covers forces, waves and space. |
| Combined Science | See individual board timetables | Papers occur alongside single science papers | Combined science students take shorter papers. |
How to Read a GCSE Exam Timetable Correctly
Official timetables are crowded with abbreviations. Understanding them helps you avoid mistakes.
- Date and session: Each entry lists a date and either “am” for morning or “pm” for afternoon. Morning exams usually start at 9 am and afternoon exams at 1:30 pm, but schools may start within a 30-minute window. Always arrive at least 30 minutes early.
- Paper code: This alphanumeric code identifies your exam. For example, 8462/1H is AQA GCSE Chemistry Paper 1 Higher. The first part is the qualification code and the second part identifies the paper and tier.
- Paper title: This describes the content, such as “Paper 1: Fiction and Imaginative Writing”. Some boards use “Component” or “Unit” instead of “Paper”.
- Tier: Foundation papers are for grades 1–5; Higher papers cover grades 4–9. Make sure you know which tier you are entered for.
- Duration: This shows how long the exam lasts. Combined Science papers are usually shorter than single-science papers.
- Board differences: Each board has its own codes and sometimes different paper structures. Compare your personal timetable with the board’s timetable.
If your timetable looks different from the official schedule, don’t panic. Schools can adjust start times and may group exams differently. Always follow the version provided by your school or exam centre.
What Time Do GCSE Exams Start?
According to JCQ and exam board guidance, UK centres should schedule GCSE exams at 9 am for morning sessions and 1:30 pm for afternoon sessions. Centres may start an exam up to 30 minutes earlier or later without prior approval, between 8:30 am and 9:30 am for morning exams and between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm for afternoon exams.
If your school moves the time, they must supervise students before or after the published time. Always follow the instructions on your personal timetable and arrive early; late arrival may mean you are not allowed to sit the exam.
What If You Have Two GCSE Exams on the Same Day?
Many students sit more than one paper in a single day, especially when taking combined science or languages. If your exams are in the same session, for example two morning papers, your centre will decide the order and may give you a short supervised break between them.
If you have one morning and one afternoon exam, you usually go straight from one to the other with a lunch break. Schools arrange “clash” supervision if an exam must be moved, for instance to avoid overlapping papers, but you must remain under exam conditions and not communicate with other students. Always speak to your exams officer if you notice a clash on your timetable.
GCSE Exam Day Checklist
A calm start on the day can make a big difference. Here is a practical checklist:
- Candidate number and timetable: Carry your personal exam timetable and know your candidate number.
- Clear pencil case: Use a transparent pencil case or plastic bag.
- Black pens: Take at least two working black pens, as required by all boards.
- Pencils and eraser: These are useful for diagrams and multiple-choice questions.
- Ruler and geometry set: Needed for science, maths and geography papers.
- Scientific calculator: Required for maths Paper 2, Paper 3 and science papers where calculators are allowed. Check that it is approved and reset.
- Protractor and compass: Useful for maths and physics diagrams.
- Water bottle: Use a clear bottle with the label removed if permitted. Staying hydrated helps concentration.
- School ID or photo ID: Some centres require identification.
- No mobiles or smartwatches: Leave them at home or hand them in. Possession can lead to disqualification.
- Arrive early: Aim to be at the exam room at least 30 minutes before the published start time. Listen carefully to invigilator instructions.
Last-Minute Revision Advice for Today’s GCSE Exam
If you have an exam today:
- Do not try to relearn everything. Focus on key formulas, definitions and summaries. For Chemistry, review periodic table trends, balancing equations and required practicals. For English Literature, skim your essay plans and key quotations.
- Practise exam-style questions. Attempt a couple of short questions or outline an essay plan to get your brain in the right mode.
- Sleep and eat. A good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast improve recall and concentration far more than late-night cramming.
- Arrive early and calm. Give yourself time to settle, read the instructions and plan your answers.
- Read every question carefully. Highlight command words such as “describe”, “explain” and “compare”, then allocate your time accordingly.
Advice for Parents During GCSE Exam Season
Parents play an important supporting role. Here are some tips:
- Check the timetable together. Help your child verify paper codes, dates and tiers. Make a wall calendar or digital reminder.
- Plan transport and meals. Ensure your child has a reliable way to get to school and that breakfast and packed lunches are ready, especially on consecutive exam days.
- Create a calm environment. Avoid last-minute nagging or new chores on exam mornings. Encourage quiet revision and relaxation the evening before.
- Stay informed. Schools often send updates via email or text. Read them promptly and ask the exams officer if anything is unclear.
- Encourage rest between exams. Short walks, light exercise and sleep are vital. Constant revising without breaks can harm performance.
GCSE Results Day 2026
Results day for GCSEs in 2026 is Thursday 20 August 2026. Schools receive results on Wednesday 19 August. Students will collect their statement of results from school or receive it electronically.
If grades are lower than expected, speak to teachers about reviews of marking and resit options. Most GCSE resits take place in November for English and Maths; other subjects may require waiting until the next summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GCSE exams are today?
Today’s GCSE exams depend on the date, exam board and your personal entry. To check what GCSE exams are on today, find today’s date in the timetable above, then match it with your exam board, subject and paper code. Always confirm with your school timetable because your centre’s version is the final authority.
Where can I find the GCSE exam timetable 2026?
Official timetables are published by each exam board: AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR, WJEC/Eduqas and CCEA. The Joint Council for Qualifications also links to them. You can download the PDFs from the boards’ websites. Schools provide personalised timetables showing your exact papers and start times.
What time do GCSE exams start?
Most morning exams start at 9 am and afternoon exams at 1:30 pm, but centres may start within a 30-minute window. Your school will confirm your exact start time. Arrive early and be prepared for supervised waiting if you have a timetable clash.
Are GCSE exam dates the same for every exam board?
No. While core subjects often share dates, such as English Language Paper 1 on 21 May, exam boards sometimes schedule papers on different days. Paper codes, durations and content can also vary. Always use the timetable for your board.
How do I know which GCSE paper I am sitting?
Your personal timetable will list the subject, paper title, code and tier. For example, “Chemistry, 8462/1H” means AQA Chemistry Paper 1 Higher Tier. If in doubt, ask your teacher or exams officer.
What does a GCSE paper code mean?
The first part of the code identifies the qualification and subject; the second part identifies the paper and tier. For instance, 1MA1 2F is Edexcel Maths Paper 2 Foundation. Understanding codes prevents you from revising the wrong material.
What happens if I have two GCSE exams on the same day?
Schools arrange the order of papers and may give supervised breaks. You must remain under exam conditions between papers. Speak to your exams officer if you think there is a clash.
Can GCSE exam dates change?
Exam boards publish final timetables and rarely change them. However, national events may trigger the contingency day on 24 June 2026. Always remain available until that date.
Do GCSE students get formula or equation sheets in 2026?
Yes. For 2026 and 2027, formula and equation sheets are provided for GCSE Mathematics, Physics and Combined Science. The AQA and OCR timetables confirm that these support materials continue. Students must still understand how to use the formulas.
Should I follow the online timetable or my school timetable?
Use online timetables for planning, but your school timetable is the final authority. Schools can adjust start times and will tell you the room, seat and any special arrangements. If there is a discrepancy, consult your exams officer immediately.
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.
