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What dates are GCSE exams and when is results day 2025?

May 21, 2025

Original Article:

Exam season has begun for hundreds of thousands of GCSE students in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Here is everything you need to know.

When are the 2025 GCSE exam dates?
The GCSE exam period began on Monday 5 May, and finishes on Wednesday 25 June.

The exact dates of your exams will depend on which exam board your school uses - for example AQA, Pearson, OCR, WJEC or CCEA.

There is a helpful BBC Bitesize guide which has the details.

As in 2024, the Department for Education in England has said students in maths, physics, and combined science exams will be allowed to use formulae and equation sheets during their exams.

BBC Bitesize revision resources
BBC Bitesize parents' toolkit
'Our dad's a teacher - this is how we deal with revision stress at home'
What happens if I miss an exam due to illness?
If you are unwell on the day of your exam, you should contact your school or college as soon as possible.

You will be asked to fill out a form for your school or college to request "special consideration" from your exam board.

The simple exam tweaks that can completely change lives
What time do GCSE results come out?
GCSE results will come out on Thursday, 21 August from 08:00 BST. If you are collecting them in person, check with your school for exact timings.

Some students will get their results via a new app which will deliver grades directly to their phone from 11:00 BST on results day.

Around 95,000 pupils in Manchester and the West Midlands will be able to use the app this summer, before it is rolled out more widely.

Students in Scotland have been able to get their results via an online app since 2019. In Wales and Northern Ireland, results are usually distributed by schools and colleges.

In England, GCSEs are now graded using a numerical system from 9-1, rather than A-E as was previously the case.

Students need a 4 for a "standard pass" and 5 for a "strong pass".

In Wales and Northern Ireland, GCSEs are still graded using letters, unless an exam taken in those nations is managed by an English exam board.

What are the GCSE grade boundaries?
Grade boundaries show the minimum number of marks you need for each grade.

They are decided by examiners and published on results day.

How have GCSEs in Wales changed?

How can I appeal against my GCSE results?
If you do not think your grade is right, you should first talk to your school or college.

It will contact the exam board on your behalf and ask for your marks to be reviewed.

If you still think you have been unfairly graded after a review, you can ask your school or college to appeal.

The exam board will consider whether a correction is needed.

If you are still not satisfied, you can request a review from regulator Ofqual.

The charity YoungMinds says results are not the only measure of success - and if things do not turn out as you had hoped, there are lots of other ways to help you achieve your goals.

What if I fail a GCSE exam?
You can resit any GCSE exam the following academic year.

The resits for GCSE maths and English, which are both mandatory subjects, take place from 5 November.

If you want to explore this option, you should speak to your school about the best course of action.

What happens after GCSEs?
Under-18s must remain in official education or training. You may choose to stay in full-time education, start an apprenticeship or work while studying part-time.

Many pupils go on to study A-levels. International Baccalaureate (IB) is also an option.

There is also a range of vocational courses you could take, such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), BTec Level 3s, TechBacs, Cambridge Technicals and (in England only) T-levels.

Apprentices get paid a salary, as they spend 80% of their time in the workplace while being trained.



National 5 exams have already started and will finish at the beginning of June.

Results day in Scotland is on Tuesday 5 August.

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