GCSE 2026 Exam Dates in England: Subject-by-Subject Timetable
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By Zayna Dar, Founder, Shuhari Tuition
If you or your teen will be sitting GCSEs in 2026, one of the most important steps you can take right now is to get familiar with the exam timetable in England. Knowing the dates of each paper helps you plan revision, stay organised, and reduce the risk of last-minute stress.
The GCSE 2026 exams run from Monday 4 May to Friday 26 June. The exact dates vary by subject and exam board, so it’s essential to check the right information for AQA, Edexcel, and OCR.
To make this simple, we’ve broken down the exam dates by subject. This way, you can quickly find the exams that matter most to you and start building a revision timetable around them.
Some subjects also include non-exam assessments (NEAs), practical assessments, or speaking exams, which take place at different points throughout the academic year. These haven’t been included below.
Please note that this is a provisional timetable and dates might change. Keep checking with your school and on exam board websites for updates throughout the school year. We wish you every success in your exams!
If you’d like support in the lead up to your exams from experienced GCSE tutors, get in touch.
What are the dates for GCSE maths exams in 2026?
Please note that the foundation and higher papers will both take place at the same date and time.
AQA GCSE maths exam dates
GCSE Maths Paper 1 (Non-calculator): Thu 14 May, AM
GCSE Maths Paper 2 (Calculator): Wed 3 Jun, AM
GCSE Maths Paper 3 (Calculator): Wed 10 Jun, AM
Edexcel GCSE maths exam dates
GCSE Maths Paper 1 (Non-calculator): Thu 14 May, AM
GCSE Maths Paper 2 (Calculator): Wed 3 Jun, AM
GCSE Maths Paper 3 (Calculator): Wed 10 Jun, AM
OCR GCSE maths exam dates
GCSE Maths Paper 1 (Calculator): Thu 14 May, AM
GCSE Maths Paper 2 (Non-calculator): Wed 3 Jun, AM
GCSE Maths Paper 3 (Calculator): Wed 10 Jun, AM
What are the dates for GCSE English language exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE English language exam dates
GCSE English Language Paper 1: Thu 21 May, AM
GCSE English Language Paper 2: Fri 5 Jun, AM
Edexcel GCSE English language exam dates
GCSE English Language Paper 1: Thu 21 May, AM
GCSE English Language Paper 2: Fri 5 Jun, AM
OCR GCSE English language exam dates
GCSE English Language Paper 1: Thu 21 May, AM
GCSE English Language Paper 2: Fri 5 Jun, AM
What are the dates for GCSE English literature exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE literature exam dates
GCSE English Literature Paper 1: Mon 11 May, AM
GCSE English Literature Paper 2: Tue 19 May, AM
Edexcel GCSE literature exam dates
GCSE English Literature Paper 1: Mon 11 May, AM
GCSE English Literature Paper 2: Tue 19 May, AM
OCR GCSE literature exam dates
GCSE English Literature Paper 1: Mon 11 May, AM
GCSE English Literature Paper 2: Tue 19 May, AM
What are the dates for GCSE biology exams in 2026?
Please note that the foundation and higher papers will both take place at the same date and time.
AQA GCSE biology exam dates
Combined Science (Trilogy) and Biology:
GCSE Biology Paper 1: Tue 12 May, PM
GCSE Biology Paper 2: Mon 8 Jun, AM
Edexcel GCSE biology exam dates
Combined Science and Biology:
GCSE Biology Paper 1: Tue 12 May, PM
GCSE Biology Paper 2: Mon 8 Jun, AM
OCR GCSE biology exam dates
Biology A:
GCSE Biology Paper 1 (Foundation) and Paper 3 (Higher): Tue 12 May, PM
GCSE Biology Paper 2 (Foundation) and Paper 4 (Higher): Mon 8 Jun, AM
Combined Science A:
GCSE Biology Paper 1 (Foundation) and Paper 7 (Higher): Tue 12 May, PM
GCSE Biology Paper 2 (Foundation) and Paper 8 (Higher): Mon 8 Jun, AM
What are the dates for GCSE chemistry exams in 2026?
Please note that the foundation and higher papers will both take place at the same date and time.
AQA chemistry exam dates
Combined Science (Trilogy) and Chemistry:
GCSE Chemistry Paper 1: Mon 18 May, AM
GCSE Chemistry Paper 2: Fri 12 Jun, AM
Edexcel chemistry exam dates
Combined Science and Chemistry:
GCSE Chemistry Paper 1: Mon 18 May, AM
GCSE Chemistry Paper 2: Fri 12 Jun, AM
OCR chemistry exam dates
Chemistry A:
GCSE Chemistry Paper 1 (Foundation) and Paper 3 (Higher): Mon 18 May, AM
GCSE Chemistry Paper 2 (Foundation) and Paper 4 (Higher): Fri 12 Jun, AM
Combined Science A:
GCSE Chemistry Paper 3 (Foundation) and Paper 9 (Higher): Mon 18 May, AM
GCSE Chemistry Paper 4 (Foundation) and Paper 10 (Higher): Fri 12 Jun, AM
What are the dates for GCSE physics exams in 2026?
Please note that the foundation and higher papers will both take place at the same date and time.
AQA physics exam dates
Combined Science (Trilogy) and Physics:
GCSE Physics Paper 1: Tue 2 Jun, AM
GCSE Physics Paper 2: Mon 15 Jun, AM
Edexcel physics exam dates
Combined Science and Physics:
GCSE Physics Paper 1: Tue 2 Jun, AM
GCSE Physics Paper 2: Mon 15 Jun, AM
OCR physics exam dates
Physics A:
GCSE Physics Paper 1 (Foundation) and Paper 3 (Higher): Tue 2 Jun, AM
GCSE Physics Paper 2 (Foundation) and Paper 4 (Higher): Mon 15 Jun, AM
Combined Science A:
GCSE Physics Paper 5 (Foundation) and Paper 11 (Higher): Tue 2 Jun, AM
GCSE Physics Paper 6 (Foundation) and Paper 12 (Higher): Mon 15 Jun, AM
What are the dates for GCSE history exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE history exam dates
GCSE History Paper 1: Fri 15 May, AM
GCSE History Paper 2: Thu 4 Jun, AM
Edexcel GCSE history exam dates
GCSE History Paper 1: Fri 15 May, AM
GCSE History Paper 2: Thu 4 Jun, AM
GCSE History Paper 3: Tue 9 Jun, PM
OCR GCSE history exam dates
History A and History B:
GCSE History Paper 1: Fri 15 May, AM
GCSE History Paper 2: Thu 4 Jun, AM
GCSE History Paper 3: Tue 9 Jun, PM
What are the dates for GCSE geography exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE geography exam dates
GCSE Geography Paper 1: Wed 13 May, AM
GCSE Geography Paper 2: Wed 3 Jun, PM
GCSE Geography Paper 3: Thu 11 Jun, AM
Edexcel GCSE geography exam dates
Geography A and Geography B:
GCSE Geography Paper 1: Wed 13 May, AM
GCSE Geography Paper 2: Wed 3 Jun, PM
GCSE Geography Paper 3: Thu 11 Jun, AM
OCR GCSE geography exam dates
Geography A and Geography B:
GCSE Geography Paper 1: Wed 13 May, AM
GCSE Geography Paper 2: Wed 3 Jun, PM
GCSE Geography Paper 3: Thu 11 Jun, AM
What are the dates for GCSE French exams in 2026?
Please note that the foundation and higher papers will both take place at the same date and time.
AQA GCSE French exam dates
GCSE French Listening: Wed 20 May, AM
GCSE French Reading: Wed 20 May, AM
GCSE French Writing: Thu 4 Jun, PM
Edexcel GCSE French exam dates
GCSE French Listening: Wed 20 May, AM
GCSE French Reading: Thu 4 Jun, PM
GCSE French Writing: Mon 8 Jun, PM
What are the dates for GCSE Spanish exams in 2026?
Please note that the foundation and higher papers will both take place at the same date and time.
AQA GCSE Spanish exam dates
GCSE Spanish Listening: Tue 9 Jun, AM
GCSE Spanish Reading: Tue 9 Jun, AM
GCSE Spanish Writing: Tue 16 Jun, AM
Edexcel GCSE Spanish exam dates
GCSE Spanish Listening: Tue 9 Jun, AM
GCSE Spanish Reading: Tue 16 Jun, AM
GCSE Spanish Writing: Wed 17 Jun, AM
What are the dates for GCSE German exams in 2026?
Please note that the foundation and higher papers will both take place at the same date and time.
AQA GCSE German exam dates
GCSE German Listening: Thu 7 May, PM
GCSE German Reading: Thu 7 May, PM
GCSE German Writing: Thu 14 May, PM
Edexcel GCSE German exam dates
GCSE German Listening: Thu 7 May, PM
GCSE German Reading: Thu 14 May, PM
GCSE German Writing: Mon 1 Jun, PM
What are the dates for GCSE computer science exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE computer science exam dates
GCSE Computer Science Paper 1: Wed 13 May, PM
GCSE Computer Science Paper 2: Tue 19 May, PM
Edexcel GCSE computer science exam dates
GCSE Computer Science Paper 1: Wed 13 May, PM
GCSE Computer Science Paper 2: Tue 19 May, PM
OCR GCSE computer science exam dates
GCSE Computer Science Paper 1: Wed 13 May, PM
GCSE Computer Science Paper 2: Tue 19 May, PM
What are the dates for GCSE business studies exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE business studies exam dates
GCSE Business Studies Paper 1: Mon 11 May, PM
GCSE Business Studies Paper 2: Thu 21 May, PM
Edexcel GCSE business studies exam dates
GCSE Business Studies Paper 1: Mon 11 May, PM
GCSE Business Studies Paper 2: Thu 21 May, PM
OCR GCSE business studies exam dates
GCSE Business Studies Paper 1: Mon 11 May, PM
GCSE Business Studies Paper 2: Thu 21 May, PM
What are the dates for GCSE religious studies exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE religious studies exam dates
Religious Studies A and Religious Studies B:
GCSE Religious Studies Paper 1: Tue 12 May, AM
GCSE Religious Studies Paper 2: Wed 20 May, PM
Edexcel GCSE religious studies exam dates
Religious Studies A and Religious Studies B:
GCSE Religious Studies Paper 1: Tue 12 May, AM
GCSE Religious Studies Paper 2: Wed 20 May, PM
GCSE Religious Studies Paper 3: Mon 1 Jun, PM
GCSE Religious Studies Paper 4: Mon 1 Jun, PM
OCR GCSE religious studies exam dates
GCSE Religious Studies Paper 1: Tue 12 May, AM
GCSE Religious Studies Paper 2: Wed 20 May, PM
What are the dates for GCSE sociology exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE sociology exam dates
GCSE Sociology Paper 1: Fri 8 May, AM
GCSE Sociology Paper 2: Fri 15 May, PM
What are the dates for GCSE psychology exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE psychology exam dates
GCSE Psychology Paper 1: Thu 7 May, AM
GCSE Psychology Paper 2: Thu 14 May, PM
Edexcel GCSE psychology exam dates
GCSE Psychology Paper 1: Thu 7 May, AM
GCSE Psychology Paper 2: Thu 14 May, PM
OCR GCSE psychology exam dates
GCSE Psychology Paper 1: Thu 7 May, AM
GCSE Psychology Paper 2: Thu 14 May, PM
What are the dates for GCSE citizenship studies exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE citizenship studies exam dates
GCSE Citizenship Studies Paper 1: Thu 7 May, PM
GCSE Citizenship Studies Paper 2: Thu 14 May, PM
Edexcel GCSE citizenship studies exam dates
GCSE Citizenship Studies Paper 1: Thu 7 May, PM
GCSE Citizenship Studies Paper 2: Thu 14 May, PM
OCR GCSE citizenship studies exam dates
GCSE Citizenship Studies Paper 1: Thu 7 May, PM
GCSE Citizenship Studies Paper 2: Thu 14 May, PM
GCSE Citizenship Studies Paper 3: Mon 1 Jun, AM
What are the dates for GCSE economics exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE economics exam dates
GCSE Economics Paper 1: Fri 8 May, PM
GCSE Economics Paper 2: Fri 22 May, AM
OCR GCSE economics exam dates
GCSE Economics Paper 1: Fri 8 May, PM
GCSE Economics Paper 2: Fri 22 May, AM
What are the dates for GCSE engineering exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE engineering exam dates
GCSE Engineering Paper: Mon 1 Jun, AM
What are the dates for GCSE design and technology exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE design and technology exam dates
GCSE Design and Technology Paper: Wed 10 Jun, PM
Edexcel GCSE design and technology exam dates
GCSE Design and Technology Paper: Wed 10 Jun, PM
OCR GCSE design and technology exam dates
GCSE Design and Technology Paper: Wed 10 Jun, PM
What are the dates for GCSE drama exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE drama exam dates
GCSE Economics Paper 1: Fri 8 May, PM
GCSE Economics Paper 2: Fri 22 May, AM
Edexcel GCSE drama exam dates
GCSE Drama Paper: Fri 8 May, PM
OCR GCSE drama exam dates
GCSE Drama Paper: Fri 8 May, PM
What are the dates for GCSE music exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE music exam dates
GCSE Music Paper: Fri 5 Jun, PM
Edexcel GCSE music exam dates
GCSE Music Paper: Fri 5 Jun, PM
OCR GCSE music exam dates
GCSE Music Paper: Fri 5 Jun, PM
What are the dates for GCSE PE exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE PE exam dates
GCSE PE Paper 1: Fri 22 May, AM
GCSE PE Paper 2: Mon 1 Jun, AM
Edexcel GCSE PE exam dates
GCSE PE Paper 1: Fri 22 May, AM
GCSE PE Paper 2: Mon 1 Jun, AM
OCR GCSE PE exam dates
GCSE PE Paper 1: Fri 22 May, AM
GCSE PE Paper 2: Mon 1 Jun, AM
What are the dates for GCSE dance exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE dance exam dates
GCSE Dance Paper: Fri 12 Jun, PM
What are the dates for GCSE media studies exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE media studies exam dates
GCSE Media Studies Paper 1: Mon 18 May, PM
GCSE Media Studies Paper 2: Tue 2 Jun, PM
OCR GCSE media studies exam dates
GCSE Media Studies Paper 1: Mon 18 May, PM
GCSE Media Studies Paper 2: Tue 2 Jun, PM
What are the dates for GCSE food preparation and nutrition exams in 2026?
AQA GCSE food preparation and nutrition exam dates
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition Paper: Thu 11 Jun, PM
OCR GCSE food preparation and nutrition exam dates
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition Paper: Thu 11 Jun, PM
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