GCSE Resit 2026: How to Apply and Exam Timetable

GCSE resits give students a second chance to improve grades or achieve a required grade 4 pass in English and maths. For 2026, candidates can sit November resits for English language and maths and summer resits for other subjects. Entry deadlines fall in early October 2025 for the November series, and the exams take place during the first two weeks of November.

Results are released in January 2026. If you miss the November series or want to resit a different subject, you’ll need to wait for the main exam season in May/June 2026. Students required to resit English or maths because they did not achieve grade 4 do not usually pay a fee; those retaking to improve a grade or resitting other subjects often do.

GCSE results aren’t always what we hope for. Whether you just missed a grade 4 in maths, need a higher grade to access your chosen sixth‑form course, or want to improve your overall results, resitting can provide a fresh opportunity. This complete guide breaks down everything you need to know about GCSE resits in 2026, including application methods, deadlines, exam timetables, costs, and advice for private candidates. We pay special attention to learners in London and across the UK, offering context, seasonal advice and practical tips.

Understand GCSE resits in 2026

Who needs to resit?

According to Ofqual guidelines, no GCSE grade from 1 to 9 is technically a “fail”, but in England a grade 4 is considered the minimum standard pass, while grade 5 is a strong pass. Students who do not reach grade 4 in English language or mathematics must resit these subjects in the next academic year. Schools and colleges expect this because literacy and numeracy skills underpin most further study and employment.

Resits are also open to any candidate who wishes to improve their grade for university or apprenticeship entry. Unlike the compulsory English/maths resit, resitting other subjects is voluntary. Private candidates can enter resits through an approved exam centre, though fees apply.

Types of resit examinations

1. November resits (Autumn 2025): Only for English language and mathematics. These exams use the same specifications as summer exams but are scheduled in November.
2. Summer resits (May/June 2026): Available for all GCSE subjects. Candidates who miss the November series or need to resit other subjects must wait for this main exam window, which runs alongside regular GCSEs.

Costs and funding

• Mandatory resits: Students required to resit English or maths because they did not achieve grade 4 usually do not pay exam fees. The school or training provider covers the cost, as long as the candidate is in full‑time education.
• Voluntary resits: Candidates resitting to improve an existing pass grade (grade 4 or above) or retaking any other subject may need to pay. Fees vary by exam board and centre; expect to pay between £40 and £150 per paper. Private candidates should check with local exam centres or independent colleges about costs.
• Additional costs: Private candidates may need to pay registration fees or practical endorsement fees for science subjects. Factor in travel and materials, especially if you live outside central London.

How to apply for GCSE resits 2026

1. Decide which series to sit

If you need to retake English language or mathematics, you have two choices:

• November 2025: This is the soonest opportunity to improve your grade. Entry deadlines are typically in early October. The results are released in January 2026, giving you time to plan for further study. If you pass in November, you won’t need to resit in summer.
• May/June 2026: If you miss the November series or require more preparation, you can wait until the summer resits. Note that the summer series is integrated with the main 2026 GCSE exams (exam season runs from early May to late June). This means you’ll sit alongside Year 11 students.

For all other subjects, resits occur only in the May/June 2026 series.

2. Speak with your school or college

Most candidates resit through their current school or college. Speak with your exams officer or head of year early in the autumn term. They will:

• Confirm whether you need to resit and which papers you should take (Foundation or Higher tier).
• Register you with the appropriate exam board.
• Advise on deadlines, fees (if applicable) and revision resources.

If you’ve moved schools or are an adult learner, contact the nearest exam centre that accepts private candidates. For London students, there are numerous centres in each borough, including some independent colleges and training providers.

3. Register as a private candidate

If you’re not enrolled at a school or college, you’ll need to register as a private candidate. The process typically involves:

1. Finding an exam centre: Search for “private GCSE exam centre [your city]”. In London, exam centres like examcentrelondon.co.uk or private colleges accept external entrants. Ensure the centre offers your chosen exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR or WJEC).
2. Completing a registration form: Provide personal details, subject codes and evidence of previous marks. For science subjects, you may need evidence of practical endorsements.
3. Paying fees: Private candidates pay exam fees plus centre administration charges. Confirm fees up front.
4. Verification: Some centres require a photo ID and may ask for parental consent if you’re under 16.

Once registered, you’ll receive a statement of entry showing exam dates, times and venues. Keep this safe and note any deadlines for amendments.

GCSE resit timetables for 2026

November 2025 GCSE resit timetable (English & Maths)

The TES guide lists the key dates for the November resit series. Deadlines and exam dates are usually similar each year:

Event	Date (approx.)	Notes
Entry deadline	Saturday 04th October 2025	Schools/exam centres must submit entries by this date. Private candidates should register earlier to allow processing.
Deadline for spoken language endorsement (English)	Wednesday 05th November 2025	Schools must submit evidence for the English language speaking element.
English language Paper 1	Tuesday 04th November 2025	Morning exam.
Mathematics Paper 1 (non‑calculator)	Wednesday 05th November 2025
English language Paper 2	Thursday 06th November 2025
Mathematics Paper 2 (calculator)	Friday 07th November 2025
Mathematics Paper 3 (calculator)	Monday 10th November 2025
Results released to schools	Wednesday 07th January 2026
Results released to students	Thursday 08th January 2026	Collect results from your school or exam centre.

These dates may change slightly each year, so check your exam board’s published timetable.

May/June 2026 resit timetable (All subjects)

Resits in the summer series follow the same schedule as main GCSE exams. The exam season begins in early May 2026 and ends on Friday 26 June 2026, with contingency days reserved for emergencies. Here’s a general outline:

• Early May (week commencing 04th May 2026): Niche subjects, languages and vocational courses (e.g., BTEC Travel & Tourism).
• 07th-08th May 2026: Early GCSE papers such as Biblical Hebrew, Psychology, Turkish and Drama.
• 11th May 2026: First major papers (English Literature, Business).
• 14th May 2026: Mathematics Paper 1 for all exam boards (non‑calculator) and WJEC Numeracy Unit 1.
• 21st-23rd May 2026: Biology and other science papers begin.
• 3rd June 2026: Mathematics Paper 2 (calculator).
• 10th June 2026: Mathematics Paper 3 (calculator).
• Mid-to-late June: Remaining sciences, humanities, languages and optional subjects, with exams finishing by 26th June 2026.

Resit result are released on the same day as the main GCSE results in August 2026. The exact date will be announced by Ofqual (typically the third Thursday in August).

Entry deadlines for summer resits

• Entries for the May/June 2026 resit series must usually be submitted by February 2026. Check with your exam centre for the exact cut‑off, as it may vary by board.
• Late entry fees: If you miss the deadline, boards may accept late entries with an additional fee. Avoid this by registering early.

Applying as a private candidate (London & nationwide)

Private candidates include home‑educated students, adult learners or anyone resitting outside a school. The application process can seem daunting, but with careful planning you can secure your exam slot.

1. Determine your board: Identify which exam board you studied originally (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC/Eduqas or CCEA). For consistency, resit with the same board if possible.
2. Find an exam centre: Use search engines or exam board websites to locate centres that accept private candidates. In London, many independent colleges and adult education centres offer this service. Look for convenient transport links and accessibility.
3. Contact the centre: Phone or email the exams officer. Ask about subject availability, fees, entry deadlines, any additional requirements (like science practicals) and payment methods.
4. Complete the registration form: Provide personal details, candidate number (if available), and subject codes. If you lost your candidate number, the centre may contact the board to retrieve it.
5. Submit identification: Centres require a photo ID (passport, driving licence) to verify your identity. Younger learners may need parental consent.
6. Pay fees: Expect to pay exam fees plus centre administration charges. Payment may be online or via bank transfer.
7. Receive your statement of entry: This document confirms your exam dates and location. Check it carefully and contact the centre if anything is wrong.

Advice for Local London Students for GCSE Resit

• Transport: London’s extensive public transport makes commuting to exam centres relatively easy, but plan for delays. Use contactless payment or Oyster card; check bus and tube schedules at tfl.gov.uk.
• Accommodation: If you live far from your chosen centre, consider booking a budget hotel or staying with relatives the night before each exam to avoid travel stress.
• Alternative exam boards: Some London centres specialise in international qualifications like Cambridge IGCSE. This can be an option for private candidates wanting international recognition. However, ensure your chosen college or employer accepts IGCSE.

Revision and exam preparation

Resitting a GCSE can feel daunting, but preparation is your ally. Here are some strategies to help you succeed:

1. Reflect on previous performance

Analyse your original exam papers and feedback. Identify the topics or question types where you lost marks. Use exam board mark schemes and examiner reports to understand what markers look for.

2. Create a tailored study plan

Your revision schedule should align with the exam timetable. Focus on core topics early (e.g., number, algebra and ratio for maths; reading comprehension and writing skills for English). Use early May deadlines for May/June resits and late September/October deadlines for November resits as milestones.

3. Practise with past papers

Work through as many past papers as possible under timed conditions. Past papers help you familiarise yourself with the structure, time pressure and command words. After each paper, mark your answers using official mark schemes and highlight where you lost marks. Repeat the questions until you can answer confidently.

4. Seek targeted support

If you struggled before, consider enlisting a tutor. Personalised tutoring helps address specific weaknesses and provides accountability. Online platforms, local colleges and tutoring centres (especially abundant in London) offer one‑to‑one sessions. Many centres also run intensive resit courses during half‑term or over Easter.

5. Use high‑quality resources

• Exam board specification: Review the specification to understand what’s assessed.
• Revision guides: Choose guides tailored to your board (e.g., CGP for Edexcel/AQA).
• Online platforms: Use websites and videos that break down complex concepts. Ensure resources align with the 2026 curriculum.

6. Look after your wellbeing

Resitting can feel like reliving exam stress. Balance study with exercise, sleep and social time. London offers numerous parks and leisure facilities; use them to decompress. Talk to friends or mentors about your worries. Mindfulness apps can help you stay calm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Resitting GCSEs in 2026 can open doors to further education, apprenticeships and employment. By understanding the application process, key deadlines and exam timetables, you can prepare effectively and improve your outcomes. Remember that a resit is not a setback, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate perseverance and growth. Start your planning early, seek support when needed, and give yourself the best chance of success.

Whether you’re a student looking to boost your grade or a parent supporting a child through resits, we’re here to help. Our UK‑based tutors specialise in tailored GCSE resit preparation across maths, English and the sciences. Contact us today to book a free consultation and build a revision plan around your 2026 exam timetable. Don’t wait until the last minute, secure your spot and turn your resit into a triumph!