Key Exam Periods 2026
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GCSE Exams: 4th May – 26th June 2026
A-level Exams: 11th May – 23rd June 2026
iGCSE Exams: 24th April – 25th June 2026
International A-level Exams: 11th May – 23rd June 2026
GCSE (UK)
GCSE English Language
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Paper 1: Thursday 21st May 2026 – Morning
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Paper 2: Friday 5th June 2026 – Morning
GCSE English Literature
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Paper 1: Monday 11th May 2026 – Morning
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Paper 2: Tuesday 19th May 2026 – Morning
A-level
English Language
AQA:
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Paper 1: Monday 11th May 2026 (language, the individual and society)
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Paper 2: Friday 22nd May 2026 (language diversity and change)
Edexcel​:
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Paper 1: Monday 11th May 2026 (language variation)
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Paper 2: Monday 18th May 2026 (child language)
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Paper 3: Wednesday 3rd June 2026 (investigating language)
Eduqas:
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Component 1: Monday 11th May 2026
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Component 2: Friday 22nd May 2026
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Component 3: Wednesday 3rd June 2026
English Literature
AQA:
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Paper 1: Wednesday 13th May 2026 (Love through the Ages)
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Paper 2: Monday 1st June 2026 (texts in shared contexts)
Edexcel​:
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Paper 1: Wednesday 13th May 2026 (drama)
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Paper 2: Monday 1st June 2026 (prose)
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Paper 3: Wednesday 10th June 2026 (poetry)
Eduqas:
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Component 1: Wednesday 13th May 2026
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Component 2: Monday 1st June 2026
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Component 3: Wednesday 10th June 2026
International GCSE
iGCSE English Language
Edexcel Spec A
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Paper 1: Thursday 1st May 2026
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Paper 2: Friday 5th June 2026​
iGCSE English Literature
Edexcel
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Paper 1: Monday 11th May 2026
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Paper 2: Tuesday 19th May 2026
International
A-level
English Language
Edexcel
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Unit 1: Monday 11th May 2026 – Afternoon
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Unit 2: Tuesday 19th May 2026 – Morning
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Unit 3: Monday 1st June 2026 – Morning
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Unit 4: Wednesday 10th June 2026 – Afternoon
English Literature
Edexcel
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Unit 1: Friday 8th May 2026 – Morning
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Unit 2: Thursday 14th May 2026 – Morning
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Unit 3: Friday 29th May 2026 – Morning
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Unit 4: Friday 5th June 2026 – Morning
Tips for Parents
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Stay Informed: Regularly check the exam board websites for any updates or changes to the timetable.
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Create a Revision Plan: Help your child develop a structured revision schedule that covers all subjects and allows for breaks.
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Encourage Practice: Utilise past papers and mark schemes to familiarise your child with the exam format and question types.
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Promote Well-being: Ensure your child maintains a healthy balance between study and rest, including proper sleep, nutrition, and physical activity.