If your child is in Year 11 and sitting their GCSE examinations this summer, knowing the dates is essential. So, grab your calendar and a trusty highlighter! In this article, you’ll find all the key exam dates for the 2025 GCSE exams, exam board timetables, and tips to ensure your child feels confident and prepared.

When are GCSE exams in 2025?

GCSE exams in 2025 will run between Monday 5th May and Friday 20th June.

Depending on each exam board, these dates may change as the exam season approaches. To stay informed, make sure to refer to the specific timetables for your child’s exam boards. You’ll find links to these timetables later in the article.

For some GCSE subjects, coursework or non-exam assessments (NEAs) contribute to your child’s final grade. These are typically completed earlier in the academic year and assessed by teachers before being moderated by exam boards.

When are the 2025 GCSE Maths exams?

The 2025 GCSE Maths exams are scheduled for Thursday 8th May, Thursday 15th May, Wednesday 4th June, and Wednesday 11th June.

Thursday 8th May (morning):

  • WJEC Mathematics Numeracy Unit 1 – intermediate and higher

Thursday 15th May (morning):

  • AQA Mathematics Paper 1 (non-calculator) – foundation and higher
  • Edexcel Mathematics Paper 1 (non-calculator) – foundation and higher
  • Eduqas Mathematics Component 1 – foundation and higher
  • OCR Mathematics Paper 1 (calculator) – foundation
  • OCR Mathematics Paper 4 (calculator) – higher
  • WJEC Mathematics Unit 1 – foundation, intermediate and higher

Wednesday 4th June (morning):

  • AQA Mathematics Paper 2 (calculator) – foundation and higher
  • Edexcel Mathematics Paper 2 (calculator) – foundation and higher
  • Eduqas Mathematics Component 2 – foundation and higher
  • OCR Mathematics Paper 2 (non-calculator) – foundation
  • OCR Mathematics Paper 5 (calculator) – higher
  • WJEC Mathematics Numeracy Unit 2 – foundation, intermediate and higher

Wednesday 11th June (morning):

  • AQA Mathematics Paper 3 (calculator) – foundation and higher
  • Edexcel Mathematics Paper 3 (calculator) – foundation and higher
  • OCR Mathematics Paper 3 (calculator) – foundation
  • OCR Mathematics Paper 6 (calculator) – higher
  • WJEC Mathematics Unit 2 – foundation, intermediate and higher
Calculator, ruler, pen, and notebook.

When are the 2025 GCSE English Language exams?

The 2025 GCSE English Language exams are set to take place on Friday 23rd May and Friday 6th June.

Friday 23rd May (morning):

  • AQA, Edexcel, and OCR English Language Paper 1
  • Eduqas English Language Component 1
  • WJEC English Language Unit 2

Friday 6th June (morning):

  • AQA, Edexcel, and OCR English Language Paper 2
  • Eduqas English Language Component 2
  • WJEC English Language Unit 3

When are the 2025 GCSE English Literature exams?

Depending on your child’s exam board, the 2025 GCSE English Literature exams are scheduled for Monday 12th May, Tuesday 13th May, and Tuesday 20th May.

Monday 12th May (morning):

  • AQA, Edexcel, and OCR English Literature Paper 1

Tuesday 13th May (morning):

  • Eduqas English Literature Component 1
  • WJEC English Literature Unit 1 – foundation and higher

Tuesday 20th May (morning):

  • AQA, Edexcel, and OCR English Literature Paper 2
  • Eduqas English Literature Component 2
  • WJEC English Literature Unit 2 Option A and B – foundation and higher
Girl writing essay in GCSE English exam.

When are the 2025 GCSE Science exams?

Biology

The 2025 GCSE Biology exams for single science and combined science are scheduled for Tuesday 13th May and Monday 9th June.

Tuesday 13th May (afternoon):

  • AQA, Edexcel, and OCR Biology Paper 1
  • WJEC Biology Unit 2

Monday 9th June (morning):

  • AQA, Edexcel, and OCR Biology Paper 2
  • WJEC Biology Unit 1

Chemistry

The 2025 GCSE Chemistry exams for single science and combined science will take place on Monday 19th May and Friday 13th June.

Monday 19th May (morning):

  • AQA, Edexcel, and OCR Chemistry Paper 1
  • WJEC Chemistry Unit 2

Friday 13th June (morning):

  • AQA, Edexcel, and OCR Chemistry Paper 2
  • WJEC Chemistry Unit 1

Physics

The 2025 GCSE Physics exams for single science and combined science are scheduled for Thursday 22nd May and Monday 16th June.

Thursday 22nd May (morning):

  • AQA and Edexcel Physics Paper 1
  • OCR Physics Papers 1 and 3
  • WJEC Physics Unit 2

Monday 16th June (morning):

  • AQA and Edexcel Physics Paper 2
  • OCR Physics Papers 2 and 4
  • WJEC Physics Unit 1

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Student answering GCSE biology exam questions in preparation for 2025 GCSE exam.

When are IGCSE exams in 2025?

IGCSE exams are scheduled at different times throughout 2025, depending on the exam board and administrative zone.

CAIE:

  • Summer series: Exams will take place from late April to mid-June 2025
  • November series: Exams will be conducted from late September to mid-November 2025

Edexcel:

  • Summer series: Exams are scheduled between 8th May and 16th June 2025
  • November series: Exams will take place from 27th October to 20th November 2025

Please note that exact dates vary based on the specific subject and administrative zone.

GCSE exam board timetables

We have only outlined the exam dates for the most popular GCSE Maths, English Literature, English Language, and Science exam boards. For other subjects and exam boards, check the official timetables provided by each exam board. These timetables contain all the specific dates and times for each exam, helping you stay fully prepared.

Here are the links to the 2025 GCSE exam timetables for each exam board:

If you’re unsure which exam board your child is doing, it’s always a good idea to double-check with their school or review their textbook.

IGCSE exam board timetables

It’s essential to consult the official IGCSE timetables provided by the respective exam boards and confirm with your child’s school for the most up-to-date information.

Here are the links to the 2025 IGCSE exam timetables for each exam board:

Student with her hand up during a GCSE exam.

When are GCSE mock exams in 2025?

GCSE mock exams are usually held in December or January of Year 11, although the exact dates vary between schools. These exams are an important opportunity for students to practice sitting an exam under exam conditions and for teachers to identify areas that may need extra focus before the summer exams. To confirm when your child’s mock exams will be held, check their school’s website or contact their school directly.

Has your child already sat their mock exams? Encourage them to read our article on how to reflect on your mock exam results for practical tips and guidance.

How can my child prepare for their GCSE exams?

Helping your child prepare for their GCSE exams starts with having the right tools and strategies in place. Our blog features a range of articles designed to help students excel in their exams.

Encourage your child to start with a well-organised and realistic revision timetable to structure their study time effectively. Our article on how to create the perfect revision timetable provides step-by-step guidance to get started. We also have an article on effective revision techniques, which explore strategies to ensure your child’s revision is productive, as well as a parents’ guide to different revision resources, which highlights the tools and materials students can use to get the most out of their study sessions.

How can PMT Education support my child with GCSE revision?

In addition to our informative articles and free revision resources, PMT Education offers intensive online revision courses for a range of GCSE subjects and exam boards. These courses are designed to help students review key content and sharpen their exam technique. We also have a bursary scheme which offers two free places on each course for students from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds.

If your child needs one-to-one support, our tuition platform connects you with expert tutors who can provide tailored guidance. Whether your child requires consistent help throughout the term or focused preparation ahead of exams, we’ll help you find the perfect tutor to meet their needs.

Female student revising for GCSE exams in 2025.

When is GCSE Results Day 2025?

GCSE Results Day 2025 is on Thursday 21st August. Students can usually collect their results from their school starting from 8:00 am, although it’s best to check with your child’s school for specific opening times.

If your child can’t attend in person on Results Day, many schools offer options to have results sent by post or email. Contact your child’s school in advance to make the necessary arrangements.

We’ve outlined everything you need to know about the 2025 GCSE exams, from key dates and exam board timetables to preparation tips and support options. With this information, you can help your child stay organised, feel confident, and perform their best.

FAQs

When do GCSE exams start in 2025?

GCSE exams in 2025 are scheduled to begin on Monday 5th May. However, specific start dates for individual subjects depend on the exam board. To ensure you have the most accurate information, refer to the official exam board timetables linked in this article.

When do GCSE exams finish in 2025?

The last GCSE exams in 2025 will take place on Friday 20th June. However, the exact date of your child’s final exam will depend on their subjects and exam board. For detailed information, check the official timetables provided by your child’s exam board or school.

Who sets GCSE exam dates?

GCSE exam dates are set by the individual exam boards. Each board determines the schedule for their exams, ensuring they align with the overall exam season set by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). While the dates are standardised across exam boards for fairness, specific times and arrangements may vary slightly depending on your child’s school.

How many GCSE exam boards are there?

In the UK, there are five main exam boards that offer GCSEs and other qualifications:

  • AQA
  • Edexcel
  • OCR
  • WJEC*
  • CCEA

*Eduqas is a component of WJEC.

Each exam board designs its own specifications and exam papers, although the content is regulated to ensure consistency across boards. The availability of exam boards may vary depending on the region, with CCEA operating in Northern Ireland and WJEC in Wales.

How many IGCSE exam boards are there?

There are two main exam boards that offer IGCSE qualifications:

  • Cambridge International (CAIE)
  • Pearson Edexcel

When is the deadline for submitting GCSE coursework in 2025?

The 2025 deadline for submitting GCSE coursework varies depending on the exam board, subject, and your child’s school. Exam boards typically set deadlines around May, but schools often require work to be submitted earlier to allow time for marking and moderation.

When is GCSE study leave in 2025?

The timing of GCSE study leave varies between schools, as each school sets its own policy. Study leave usually begins a few weeks before the main exam period, typically in late April or early May. However, some schools may choose not to give study leave at all, instead opting to keep students in lessons for additional support and revision sessions. To confirm your child’s study leave arrangements, check with their school directly.

What should my child do the night before their GCSE exams?

The night before an exam can feel stressful for both students and parents, but there are practical steps you can take to help your child feel calm and prepared. Here are a few key tips:

  • Create a calm environment: A relaxed atmosphere at home can help ease pre-exam nerves.
  • Pack essentials: Ensure your child has everything they need for the exam, from stationery to their school uniform.
  • Support revision (if needed): If your child wants to review key points, offer to test them or provide quiet study time.
  • Encourage relaxation: Suggest activities like light exercise, reading, or watching something enjoyable to unwind.
  • Prioritise sleep: Remind your child that a good night’s rest is crucial for focus and memory during the exam.

For detailed advice, read our article on helping your child the night before an exam.

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Molly Wood

Molly is a recent first-class graduate from the University of St Andrews, where she studied biology. As Project Manager at PMT Education, she oversees SEO, digital content, and media management.

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