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GCSE exam dates 2027
GCSE exams in 2027 start on Monday, 10 May 2027 and finish on Friday, 18 June 2027, with results on Thursday, 19 August 2027. Add your own papers below to count down to each one and see your whole exam period.
GCSE exams start in
First exam on the JCQ common timetable
- First GCSE exams
- Last GCSE exam
- Contingency day (keep free)
- GCSE results day
GCSE key dates 2027
These dates come from the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and apply to AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and WJEC Eduqas GCSEs on the common timetable.
| First GCSE exams | |
|---|---|
| Last GCSE exam | |
| Contingency day (keep free) | |
| GCSE results day |
Source: JCQ key dates, June 2027 series. Individual paper dates differ by exam board, subject and tier.
How to use the exam countdown
- 01
Find each paper on your exam board timetable or the personal timetable your school gives you.
- 02
Add the subject, paper, date and session. The countdown and your exam period update straight away.
- 03
Add the papers to your phone calendar, print the list, or turn it into a revision timetable.
What to check on your exam timetable
Exam boards set the date and session of each paper. Before you rely on any date, check these on the official timetable.
- The exact paper, including the tier (Foundation or Higher) or option you are entered for.
- Whether it is a morning or afternoon session, and the start time your school gives you.
- The length of each paper, so you can plan breaks between exams on the same day.
- Clashes: if two of your papers are timetabled at the same time, your school will arrange a new time.
- The contingency day, which JCQ asks every candidate to keep free.
Exam board timetables
Use these official pages for the date and session of each paper. Your school's exams officer can confirm your personal timetable.
Tips for the exam period
- 01Plan backwards from your first paper: most students start a structured revision timetable a few months before.
- 02Use the longest break between papers for final revision of the subjects that come next.
- 03Keep the contingency day free, even if you have no exam that week.
Frequently asked questions
When do GCSE exams start in 2027?
According to JCQ, the first GCSE exams on the common timetable are on Monday, 10 May 2027. Some subjects have practical or speaking assessments earlier in the year, so check your own timetable.
When do GCSEs finish in 2027?
The last GCSE exam on the common timetable is on Friday, 18 June 2027. JCQ also keeps Wednesday, 23 June 2027 as a contingency day, so stay available until then.
When is GCSE results day 2027?
GCSE results are released to students on Thursday, 19 August 2027. Schools and colleges receive them the day before, on Wednesday, 18 August 2027.
What is the contingency day?
It is a day JCQ sets aside in case national or significant local disruption stops exams going ahead. In 2027 it is Wednesday, 23 June 2027. Keep it free even if you have no exams that week.
Where can I find the date of each of my GCSE papers?
Each exam board publishes a timetable with every paper's date and session: AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR, WJEC Eduqas and CCEA. Your school will also give you a personal timetable, which is the one to trust.
Do these dates apply in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland?
The JCQ dates cover the common timetable used by most schools in England. WJEC and CCEA publish their own key dates for Wales and Northern Ireland, and Scotland's SQA exams follow a separate timetable.
Can I add my exams to my phone calendar?
Yes. Add your papers above and choose “Add to calendar” to download a calendar file that works with Google Calendar, Apple Calendar and Outlook.