GCSE and A-Level Exam Dates 2027: Full Timetable, Contingency Day and Results Days
The GCSE and A-level exam dates 2027 have been published by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), giving students, parents and teachers a clear timetable for the summer exam season. Exams start on Monday 10 May 2027, A-level results day is Thursday 12 August 2027 and GCSE results day is Thursday 19 August 2027.
Below you will find every key date, what the contingency day means, how results day works and practical tips to plan your revision. We will update this page if exam boards change any dates.
GCSE and A-Level Exam Dates 2027 at a Glance
| Key date | GCSE | A-level (GCE) |
|---|---|---|
| First exam | Monday 10 May 2027 | Monday 10 May 2027 |
| Last exam (common timetable) | Friday 18 June 2027 | Tuesday 22 June 2027 |
| Contingency day | Wednesday 23 June 2027 | |
| Results released to schools | Wednesday 18 August 2027 | Wednesday 11 August 2027 |
| Results day for students | Thursday 19 August 2027 | Thursday 12 August 2027 |
Source: JCQ key dates for the June 2027 examination series. These dates apply to AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and WJEC/Eduqas exams on the common timetable. Students in Northern Ireland taking CCEA exams should check CCEA’s own timetable.
When Do GCSE Exams Start in 2027?
Here is how the GCSE and A-level exam dates 2027 break down for GCSE students.
GCSE exams begin on Monday 10 May 2027 and the final GCSE paper on the common timetable is on Friday 18 June 2027. That gives roughly six weeks of exams, with most students sitting between 20 and 30 papers depending on how many subjects they take.
Your school will give you a personal timetable showing the exact date, time and room for each paper. Subject-by-subject dates are published by each exam board, so check the AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR or WJEC/Eduqas websites for your own papers.
When Do A-Level Exams Start in 2027?
A-level exams also start on Monday 10 May 2027. The last A-level exam on the common timetable is on Tuesday 22 June 2027, although most subjects finish earlier in June. A-level students usually sit two or three papers per subject.
What Is the Contingency Day?
The contingency day — Wednesday 23 June 2027 — is reserved in case national disruption (for example severe weather) forces an exam to be rescheduled. Students should keep this day free until the exam season is officially over, as any rescheduled paper would take place then.
GCSE and A-Level Results Day 2027
A-level results day: Thursday 12 August 2027
Schools and colleges receive A-level results on Wednesday 11 August, and students can collect them from Thursday 12 August. UCAS Track also updates on results day, showing whether university places have been confirmed. If you miss your offer conditions, Clearing will be your next step.
GCSE results day: Thursday 19 August 2027
GCSE results are released to schools on Wednesday 18 August and to students on Thursday 19 August. GCSEs are graded 9 to 1 in England, with grade 4 a “standard pass” and grade 5 a “strong pass”.
November GCSE Resits
Students resitting GCSE English Language or Maths in the November 2026 series will receive their results on Wednesday 13 January 2027. Anyone who still needs to resit can enter the summer 2027 series; entry deadlines are usually in February, so speak to your school or college early.
Key Deadlines for Schools and Private Candidates
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Access arrangements applications | 21 March 2027 |
| Exam entries deadline | 21 February 2027 |
| Special consideration requests (final date) | 30 June 2027 |
Private candidates should contact an exam centre well before the entry deadline, as places can be limited and late entry fees often apply.
How to Plan Your Revision for May 2027
Use the GCSE and A-level exam dates 2027 above to build a realistic revision plan.
- Count backwards from 10 May. Most students benefit from 12–16 weeks of structured revision, starting in January or February.
- Get your personal timetable early. Mark the date and time of every paper on a calendar.
- Prioritise weaker topics. Use mock exam results to decide where to focus.
- Practise past papers. Exam boards publish past papers and mark schemes — timed practice is one of the most effective revision methods.
- Use active recall and spaced repetition. Flashcards and self-testing beat re-reading notes.
- Plan rest. Sleep, exercise and short breaks improve memory and concentration.
For last-minute help, read our guide to last-minute exam revision strategies. Applying to university? See our UCAS deadlines 2027 guide and UCAS personal statement 2027 guide.
What Happens After Results Day?
- Happy with your results? Confirm your sixth form, college, apprenticeship or university place.
- Missed your grades? Speak to your school, consider a review of marking, or explore Clearing for university places.
- Thinking of a resit? English and Maths can be resat in November; other subjects are normally resat the following summer.
- Starting university? Check student finance payment dates and our guide to the best student bank accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do GCSEs start in 2027?
GCSE exams start on Monday 10 May 2027 and finish on Friday 18 June 2027.
When is A-level results day 2027?
A-level results day is Thursday 12 August 2027.
When is GCSE results day 2027?
GCSE results day is Thursday 19 August 2027.
When do A-levels finish in 2027?
The last A-level exam on the common timetable is on Tuesday 22 June 2027, with a contingency day on Wednesday 23 June.
Are the 2027 exam dates confirmed?
The key dates come from the JCQ’s published schedule for the June 2027 series. Individual subject timetables are published by each exam board, so always check your board and your school’s timetable.
When are Scottish exam results in 2027?
SQA results are usually released in early August. Check the SQA website for the confirmed 2027 date.
Bottom Line
The GCSE and A-level exam dates 2027 run from 10 May to 22 June, with a contingency day on 23 June. A-level results arrive on 12 August and GCSE results on 19 August. Get your personal timetable, start revising early and bookmark this page for updates.
Source: JCQ key dates and timetables.
