GCSE exams in 2027 start on Monday 10 May and run until Friday 18 June, with Wednesday 23 June held as the contingency day. The series is about six weeks long, broken by the half-term week from 31 May to 4 June, and results are released on Thursday 19 August 2027. Below is the full shape of the window and the dates around it that private candidates most often miss.
When do GCSEs start in 2027?
The first written papers of the summer 2027 series are timetabled for Monday 10 May 2027. Which subject you sit first depends on your exam board and your choices — the boards coordinate so that the same subject is sat on the same day nationally, but the order of subjects across the window varies. Our GCSE 2027 timetable lists every paper by date, and what exams are on today shows the current and next day's papers once the series is running.
When do GCSEs end?
The last scheduled GCSE paper is on Friday 18 June 2027. After that, Wednesday 23 June is the contingency day — a date every candidate must keep free in case a national disruption forces an exam to be moved. Do not book travel before it. We cover this in more detail in our guide to when GCSEs end.
How long do GCSE exams last?
Two different questions hide in this one:
- The series: roughly six weeks from 10 May to 18 June, with the half-term gap in between. Most candidates have their papers spread across the whole window rather than clustered.
- An individual paper: anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes. Maths and Science papers are commonly 1 hour 30 to 1 hour 45; English Language and Literature papers run to 1 hour 45 or longer. Your statement of entry and the board's timetable give the exact length of each.
Morning or afternoon?
Papers are sat in two sessions: a morning session starting at 9:00am and an afternoon session starting at 1:30pm. Every candidate in the country sits the same paper in the same session, which is why you cannot ask to move a paper to a different time. Arrive at the centre well before the start — JCQ rules on lateness are strict.
Key GCSE dates for 2027
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 21 February 2027 | Standard entry deadline for the summer series |
| 22 February 2027 | Late-entry fees begin |
| 21 March 2027 | Access arrangement applications due |
| 22 April 2027 | Very-late entry stage (highest fees, board approval required) |
| Monday 10 May 2027 | First GCSE exams |
| 31 May – 4 June 2027 | Half-term break — no exams |
| Friday 18 June 2027 | Last scheduled GCSE exam |
| Wednesday 23 June 2027 | Contingency day — keep free |
| Thursday 19 August 2027 | GCSE results day |
All entry dates are on our exam entry deadlines page; late entries cost significantly more, so the February date is the one to work back from.
What about November GCSEs?
There is a second, much smaller series each November, but it is for GCSE English Language and Maths resits only. Every other subject is sat in the summer window above. If you are planning a resit in one of those two subjects, see our GCSE resits page for the autumn dates.
If you are a private candidate
The dates are identical whether you are entered by a school or as a private candidate — you sit the same paper at the same time as everyone else. The difference is that nobody chases you for the entry: you need a centre that accepts external candidates and an entry submitted before 21 February. We arrange seats at approved centres across London and manage the entry for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first GCSE exam in 2027?
The series opens on Monday 10 May 2027. The specific subject on day one depends on your board — check the 2027 timetable.
Are GCSE dates the same for AQA, Edexcel and OCR?
The overall window is shared, and the boards coordinate so each subject is sat on one national date. Individual paper dates and times are set per board, so always check the timetable for the board you are entered with.
Do I have to be available on the contingency day?
Yes. JCQ requires every candidate to remain available until the contingency day, 23 June 2027, in case a paper has to be rescheduled.
When do GCSE results come out in 2027?
Thursday 19 August 2027. A-Level results are a week earlier, on 12 August.
Planning a 2027 entry? Book your seat before the 21 February deadline and we'll handle the rest.
