UK Exam Dates 2026: SATs, GCSEs and A Levels
Exam season can feel overwhelming – whether you’re a parent trying to keep track of your child’s SATs timetable, a Year 11 student juggling multiple GCSEs, or a sixth former preparing for A Levels. With different exam boards, multiple papers per subject, and dates scattered across several weeks, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in information.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve compiled all the key exam dates for 2026 in one place, so you can plan ahead, mark your calendar, and focus on what really matters: feeling prepared and confident for exam day.
SATs Dates 2026
Year 6 SATs are often the first ‘proper’ exams your child will sit. They cover English (reading, grammar, punctuation and spelling) and maths, and while they can feel like a big deal, remember that your child has been preparing for these all year.
When are SATs 2026?
The Key Stage 2 SATs take place in May 2026.
They’re scheduled from Monday 11th May to Thursday 14th May 2026.
SATs Timetable 2026
| Date | Exam |
|---|---|
| Monday 11th May 2026 | English grammar, punctuation and spelling (Papers 1 and 2) |
| Tuesday 12th May 2026 | English reading |
| Wednesday 13th May 2026 | Mathematics (Papers 1 and 2) |
| Thursday 14th May 2026 | Mathematics (Paper 3) |
When do SATs results come out in 2026?
SATs results for 2026 will be released to schools on Tuesday 7th July 2026.
Your child’s school will let you know how and when they’ll share these results with you – some schools include them in end-of-year reports, while others may arrange separate meetings or send letters home.
GCSE Exam Dates 2026
GCSEs are typically sat at the end of Year 11, though some schools enter students early for certain subjects. With exams spanning several weeks and varying by exam board, it’s worth getting organised early.
When are GCSE exams 2026?
GCSE exams for 2026 begin on Monday 11th May and finish on Friday 26th June.
Your exact timetable will depend on which subjects you’re taking and which exam boards your school uses, so it’s important to check your personalised exam schedule.
Core GCSE Subjects: Exam Dates 2026
Other GCSE Subjects: Exam Dates 2026
Beyond the core subjects, here are dates for some other popular GCSEs.
Finding Your Complete GCSE Timetable
Every student’s exam schedule will be unique based on their subject choices and exam boards. To build your personalised timetable, visit your exam board’s website:
When is GCSE results day 2026?
GCSE results day for 2026 is Thursday 20th August.
All exam boards will release results on this day, so you’ll know exactly how you’ve done and can start planning your next steps – whether that’s sixth form, college, an apprenticeship, or something else entirely.
A Level and AS Level Exam Dates 2026
A Levels are typically sat in Year 13 and represent the culmination of two years of study. AS Levels, which some students take in Year 12, are standalone qualifications that can also contribute to your final A Level grade (depending on your exam board and school).
When are A Level exams 2026?
A Level exams for 2026 run from Monday 11th May to Tuesday 23rd June.
AS Level exams take place during the same period, starting on Monday 11th May and finishing on Tuesday 23rd June.
Core A Level Subjects: Exam Dates 2026
Here are the exam dates for some of the most popular A Level subjects.
Other A Level and AS Level Subjects
There are dozens of A Level subjects available across different exam boards. For subjects not listed here (including Business, Economics, Psychology, Computer Science, Further Mathematics, and more), visit your exam board’s website to find specific exam dates:
When is A Level results day 2026?
A Level results day for 2026 is Thursday 13th August.
This is when you’ll find out whether you’ve secured your university place, and if needed, you can navigate Clearing or Adjustment to find the right course for you.
Getting Ready for Exam Season
Now that you know when the exams are, you can start planning your revision strategy and making sure you feel as prepared as possible.
Here at Tutorful, we’ve got plenty of resources to help you along the way:
- Revision tips and techniques: Check out our blog for advice on effective revision methods, time management, and staying motivated
- Past papers: Practice with past papers for your specific exam boards to get familiar with the format and question styles
- One-to-one tutoring: Our experienced tutors can help you tackle tricky topics, work through past papers, and build your confidence ahead of exam day
Whether you’re aiming for top grades or just want to feel more confident going into the exam hall, the right support can make all the difference. And remember – you’ve got this. Take it one exam at a time, look after yourself, and trust in the work you’ve put in.
Good luck! 🎓
Need Support with Your Exam Preparation?
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