A Level Exams 2026 begin on Monday 11 May and run through to Tuesday 23 June 2026, with results released on Thursday 13 August 2026. Whether you're a Year 13 student preparing for your first sitting or a private candidate retaking a subject, this guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 exam season — from scheduling and grade boundaries to special considerations and UCAS Clearing.
Key Takeaways
- A-Level exams take place between 11 May and 23 June 2026, with a national contingency day on 24 June
- Results day is Thursday, 13 August 2026- UCAS Hub updates from around 8:00 AM
- Ofqual has confirmed a full return to pre-pandemic grading — expect results broadly similar to 2025
- Grade boundaries are set after marking, not before, and they adjust to paper difficulty
- Special consideration is available for students affected by illness, bereavement, or other unforeseen circumstances
- Private candidates and retake students can sit exams at approved centres
📅 When Are A Level Exams? 2026 A Level Exam Dates Schedule
The exam window for 2026 is set by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), which coordinates timetables across all UK exam boards1. Here are the milestone dates every A-Level student should know:
Monday, 11 May 2026
A Level Exams Begin
Tuesday 23 June 2026
A Level Exams End
Wednesday 24 June 2026
National Contingency Day
Thursday 13 August 2026
A-Level results day
Thursday 20 August 2026
GCSE results day
To start with, AQA, Pearson Edexcel, and OCR are the three most common A-level exam awarding boards in the UK. Do check with your school or Sixth Form college before registering. Some subjects include non-exam unit assessments with deadlines scheduled before the actual exams.
The national contingency day exists in case of national or significant local disruption — a severe weather event, for instance. Even if you believe your last exam is before 24 June, you must remain available for this date. The exam boards are clear on this point, and schools are required to remind all candidates.
Morning exams typically start at 9:00 AM and afternoon sessions at 1:30 PM, though individual schools may adjust slightly within JCQ rules.
Exam Dates for Popular A-Level Subjects (AQA, 2026)
Below are the confirmed 2026 exam dates for some of the most widely taken A-Level subjects on the AQA board.
| Subject | Code | Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 7402 | 4 June (PM) | 12 June (AM) | 16 June (AM) |
| Chemistry | 7405 | 2 June (AM) | 9 June (AM) | 15 June (AM) |
| Physics | 7408 | 20 May (PM) | 1 June (AM) | 8 June (AM) |
| Mathematics | 7357 | 3 June (PM) | 11 June (PM) | 18 June (PM) |
| English Literature | 7717 | 13 May (AM) | 1 June (PM) | — (coursework) |
| Psychology | 7182 | 11 May (PM) | 4 June (AM) | 5 June (AM) |
| Geography | 7037 | 12 May (AM) | 21 May (AM) | 8 June (PM) |
| Business | 7132 | 13 May (PM) | 19 May (AM) | 9 June (PM) |
Exam Dates for Popular A-Level Subjects (Edexcel, 2026)
| Subject | Code | Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology B | 9BI0 | 4 June (PM) | 12 June (AM) | 16 June (AM) |
| Chemistry | 9CH0 | 2 June (AM) | 9 June (AM) | 15 June (AM) |
| Physics | 9PH0 | 20 May (PM) | 1 June (AM) | 8 June (AM) |
| Mathematics | 9MA0 | 3 June (PM) | 11 June (PM) | 18 June (PM) |
| English Literature | 9ET0 | 13 May (AM) | 1 June (AM) | 10 June (AM) |
| Psychology | 9PS0 | 15 May (AM) | 20 May (AM) | 5 June (AM) |
| Geography | 9GE0 | 12 May (AM) | 21 May (PM) | 8 June (PM) |
| Business | 9BS0 | 13 May (PM) | 19 May (AM) | 9 June (PM) |
Exam Dates for Popular A-Level Subjects (WJEC, 2026)
| Subject | Code | Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | A400 | 4 June (PM) | 12 June (AM) | 16 June (AM) |
| Chemistry | A410 | 2 June (AM) | 9 June (AM) | 15 June (AM) |
| Physics | A420 | 20 May (PM) | 1 June (PM) | 8 June (PM) |
| English Literature | A720 | 13 May (AM) | 1 June (PM) | 10 June (PM) |
| Psychology | A290 | 15 May (PM) | 20 May (PM) | 5 June (AM) |
| Geography | A110 | 12 May (PM) | 21 May (PM) | 8 June (PM) |
| Business | A510 | 13 May (PM) | 19 May (PM) | 9 June (PM) |
Exam Dates for Popular A-Level Subjects (OCR, 2026)
| Subject | Code | Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology A | H420 | 4 June (PM) | 12 June (AM) | 16 June (AM) |
| Chemistry A | H432 | 2 June (AM) | 9 June (AM) | 15 June (AM) |
| Physics A | H556 | 20 May (PM) | 1 June (AM) | 8 June (AM) |
| Mathematics A | H240 | 3 June (PM) | 11 June (PM) | 18 June (PM) |
| English Literature | H472 | 13 May (PM) | 1 June (AM) | — (coursework) |
| Psychology | H567 | 15 May (AM) | 20 May (AM) | 5 June (AM) |
| Geography | H481 | 12 May (AM) | 21 May (PM) | 8 June (PM) |
| Business | H431 | 13 May (AM) | 19 May (AM) | 9 June (PM) |
Note: WJEC/Eduqas does not offer A-Level Mathematics under the Eduqas brand in England — students in Wales sit WJEC Mathematics. Session times (AM/PM) and paper durations vary between boards even when the exam date is the same, so always check your own board's official timetable for the definitive schedule.
For the full timetable including every subject, visit the official exam board pages:
- AQA: aqa.org.uk/exams-administration/dates-and-timetables
- Pearson Edexcel: qualifications.pearson.com
- OCR: ocr.org.uk
- WJEC/Eduqas: eduqas.co.uk
🎓 AS Level vs A Level: Which Pathway Are You On?
Your exam schedule depends partly on whether you're sitting AS or A-Level papers. Since the 2015 reforms, these are two distinct qualifications:
AS Level is taken at the end of Year 12. It covers roughly the first half of the A-Level syllabus and is now a standalone qualification — it does not contribute to your final A-Level grade. Most students skip it entirely, though some schools still enter Year 12 students as a way of gauging progress.
A Level is taken at the end of Year 13. It covers the full two-year syllabus and is the qualification that counts for university applications. This is the route the vast majority of students now follow.
Here's how this looks in practice for AQA Biology in 2026:
| Level | Paper | Date | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS | Paper 1 | 11 May 2026 | AM | 1h 30m |
| AS | Paper 2 | 21 May 2026 | AM | 1h 30m |
| A Level | Paper 1 | 4 June 2026 | PM | 2h |
| A Level | Paper 2 | 12 June 2026 | AM | 2h |
| A Level | Paper 3 | 16 June 2026 | AM | 2h |
Notice that AS papers generally fall earlier in the window (May), while A-Level papers are concentrated in June.
🗂️ How to Build Your Personal Exam Timetable
One of the simplest things you can do to reduce exam season stress is to create a personalised schedule. Generic timetables from exam boards list every subject — yours will only include the papers you're actually sitting.
Here's how to do it well:
| Subject | Paper | Date | Session | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics (7408) | Paper 1 | 20 May | PM | 2h |
| Physics (7408) | Paper 2 | 1 June | AM | 2h |
| Physics (7408) | Paper 3 | 8 June | AM | 2h |
| Chemistry (7405) | Paper 1 | 2 June | AM | 2h |
| Chemistry (7405) | Paper 2 | 9 June | AM | 2h |
| Chemistry (7405) | Paper 3 | 15 June | AM | 2h |
Exam boards may update or revise their timetables or subject dates right up until the start of the exam period. If you're an A-level candidate from May to June this year, be sure to check regularly for any final changes to the dates and times of your subjects according to your registered exam board.
📊 A Level Grade Boundaries 2026: What to Expect
Grade boundaries are one of the most misunderstood aspects of A-Levels. Every year, students worry about whether boundaries will be "higher" or "lower" — often without understanding how the system actually works.
How Grade Boundaries Are Set
Grade boundaries are not fixed in advance. They are determined after all exam papers have been marked, based on a process called awarding. During the awarding, a panel of senior examiners:
- Reviews the difficulty of the current year's papers
- Compares student work from this year against examples from previous years
- Uses statistical data to ensure consistency over time
This means that if a paper is harder than usual, the grade boundaries will be lower — and vice versa. The aim is for a student performing at a given standard to receive the same grade regardless of which year they sit the exam.
Grade boundaries are published on results day (13 August 2026), not before. You can find them on each exam board's website once they're released.
🔹Tip 1: Final grade boundaries are set anew each year based on the performance of that year's cohort.
🔹Tip 2: They are designed to maintain consistent standards over time.
🔹Tip 3: Grade boundaries are only finalised after all marking is nearly complete.
🔹 Tip 4: They can vary between exam boards, even for the same subject paper, like Mathematics or Chemistry.
The Post-Pandemic Picture
The return to pre-pandemic grading standards is now complete. Here's a brief timeline of how we got here:
2020–2021:
Exams cancelled; grades awarded by teachers (significant grade inflation)
2022
Exams returned with deliberately generous boundaries (a midpoint between 2021 and 2019
2023
First full step back toward 2019 standards
2024-2025
Grading aligned with pre-pandemic levels
Ofqual has confirmed that grading in 2026 will continue on this stable footing, with results expected to be broadly similar to 20252. There are no further planned adjustments.
2025 Results: The Numbers That Matter
To give you context for what 2026 might look like, here are the key figures from the 2025 A-Level results in England3:
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2019 (pre-pandemic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A and A grades* | 28.2% | 27.6% | 25.2% |
| A to C grades* | 77.7% | 76.0% | 75.5% |
| Pass rate (A to E)* | 97.4% | 97.1% | 97.6% |
Top grades are slightly above pre-pandemic levels and have been edging upward since 2023. This isn't because exams are getting easier — Ofqual's chief regulator noted that the 2025 cohort was "slightly smaller and slightly stronger."
The five most popular A-Level subjects in 2025 were Mathematics (104,580 entries), Psychology (72,927), Biology (65,331), Chemistry (59,050), and Business Studies (41,647). History, previously in the top five, dropped to seventh.
Will the 2026 Exams Be Harder?
This question comes up every single year, and the answer is always the same: the standard doesn't change. The curriculum for each subject remains consistent, and exam boards are required by Ofqual to maintain comparable difficulty from one year to the next.
What does change is how students experience the papers. A question that tests the same skill can feel harder or easier depending on its wording, context, or structure. But if the overall paper is more challenging, the grade boundaries will drop to compensate. That's the whole point of the awarding process.
There are also no grade quotas. The idea that only a fixed percentage of students can achieve an A* is a myth. Grades are awarded against absolute standards, not curved against your peers.
So rather than worrying about whether the exam will be harder, focus on what you can control: how well you revise.
📝 What to Know on Exam Day
A-Level exams follow strict JCQ regulations4. Getting caught out by a rule you didn't know about is an avoidable disaster. Here's what you need to be aware of.
✅ What to Bring
- Black ink pens (take spares)
- Pencil, ruler, and eraser for diagrams
- Scientific calculator (if your subject allows it — check the specification)
- Photo ID (some centres require it)
- A clear water bottle (labels removed)
- Your exam timetable (so you know which room to go to)
❌ What NOT to Bring
- Your phone — even if it's switched off, having it on your person can lead to disqualification
- Smartwatches or fitness trackers — these are treated the same as phones
- Notes, revision cards, or textbooks — leave them outside the exam hall
- Any unauthorised equipment — check your subject's rules on what's allowed
Arriving and Settling In
Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Late arrivals may still be admitted, but it's at the discretion of the invigilator, and you'll lose time. Find your seat, read the front cover of the paper carefully, and use the reading time to plan your approach.
If you finish early, you cannot leave until at least one hour after the published start time. Use that time to check your answers.
What Happens If You Miss an Exam?
If you miss an exam without an accepted reason, you'll receive a U (ungraded) or X (absent) for that paper. This could seriously affect your overall subject grade.
If you have a legitimate reason — illness, for example — contact your school immediately. You may be eligible for special consideration (more on this below). Keep documentation such as a doctor's note, as you'll need it.
☑️ Private Candidates and Retakes
Not everyone taking A-Levels is sitting them through a school. Private candidates include people retaking a subject to improve their grade, mature learners returning to education, and home-educated students.
If you're taking A-Levels privately, the process requires more planning. Here's what's involved:
Private candidates should also be aware that some subjects with practical components (such as science practicals) may require additional arrangements. Check with your centre and exam board well in advance.
Students considering a retake should read our full guide to A-Level retakes for detailed advice.
🤝 Special Considerations and Access Arrangements
Exam boards recognise that things can go wrong during exam season — and they have systems in place to help.
Special Consideration
Special consideration is for students who experience unexpected difficulties shortly before or during an exam5. This might include sudden illness, a family bereavement, or other serious personal circumstances.
Here are the general criteria for students to be eligible for A-Level exams with special considerations in 2025:
Special consideration can result in a small adjustment to your mark — typically a few percentage points. It won't transform a D into an A, but it can make a meaningful difference if you're close to a grade boundary.
Your school or centre applies on your behalf. Speak to your teacher or exams officer as soon as the issue arises — don't wait until after results day.
Access Arrangements (for SEN Students)
Access arrangements are different. They're put in place before the exams for students with long-term conditions or special educational needs, such as dyslexia, visual impairment, or anxiety disorders. Examples include:
- Extra time (typically 25%)
- A scribe or reader
- Use of a laptop or word processor
- Modified papers (large print, Braille)
- A separate room
These arrangements must be applied for through your school, usually well in advance of the exam season. If you think you might be eligible, raise it with your school's SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) as early as possible.
| Type | When applied | Purpose | Who it's for | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Consideration | After the exam | Fair grading for unforeseen circumstances | Any student affected by sudden issues | Small mark adjustment |
| Access Arrangements (SEN) | Before the exams | Equal access to the exam | Students with diagnosed ongoing needs | Modified exam conditions |
In both cases, students sit the same papers as everyone else and are held to the same standards. The adjustments simply ensure that unavoidable circumstances don't unfairly penalise them.
🎓 What Happens on Results Day
Results day can feel like the most important morning of your life — especially if you're holding a conditional university offer. Here's exactly what to expect.
The Morning
From 8:00 AM
Schools and colleges release results. Some do this in person, others through a secure online portal. Check with your school in advance.
Around 8:15 AM
UCAS Hub updates with university decisions. You might see your university confirmation before you even know your exact grades.
Throughout the morning
Exam board websites publish the official grade boundaries for each subject.
If You've Met Your Offer
Your firm choice university should show as unconditional on UCAS Hub. In most cases, your place is automatically confirmed. Take a moment to celebrate — then check for any practical next steps like accommodation or student finance.
If You've Missed Your Offer
Don't panic. Universities frequently accept students who've missed their offer by one or even two grades. Check UCAS Hub first — you might be surprised. If your place isn't confirmed, contact the university directly. Many have dedicated results day hotlines.
If your firm and insurance choices both reject you, UCAS Clearing opens up. Clearing allows you to apply for courses that still have places available. Thousands of courses are listed, including at highly regarded universities. You can start browsing Clearing vacancies from early July, so it's worth having a backup plan in mind before results day.
If you're disappointed with your results, you also have the option to request a review of marking through your school. Be aware that your grade could go up, down, or stay the same.
For a full guide to navigating results day and beyond, see our article on A-Level results day and UCAS.
📚 Revision Planning: A Timeline for 2026
Knowing your exam dates is only useful if you plan your revision around them. Here's a practical timeline:
Now – March 2026: Complete the Syllabus
Your focus should be on finishing the course content. Identify any topics you're unsure about and address them now, while you still have regular lessons and teacher support. This is also the best time to book a private tutor if you're struggling with specific areas.
March – April 2026: Past Papers and Mock Revision
Shift from learning content to applying it. Work through past papers under timed conditions — this is the single most effective revision technique for A-Levels. Mark your papers using the official mark schemes and identify recurring weaknesses.
If your school runs mock exams during this period, treat them seriously. They're your best preview of the real thing.
May – June 2026: Exam Mode
Once exams begin, your focus should narrow. Revise the specific topics for your next paper, do targeted practice, and look after yourself. Sleep, exercise, and breaks aren't luxuries — they directly affect how well your brain performs under pressure.
💯 Get Exam-Ready With a Superprof Tutor
Whether you need help understanding a tricky topic, want to practise exam technique, or just need someone to hold you accountable during revision, a private tutor can make a real difference — especially in the final months before exams.
At Superprof, you can find experienced tutors for every A-Level subject, from Mathematics and the sciences to English Literature and languages. Search by subject and location to browse tutor profiles, read reviews from other students, compare hourly rates, and book a lesson that fits your schedule.
Many tutors offer online lessons, so you're not limited to who's available locally. And the first lesson is usually free — so you can try before you commit.
If you want a structured approach to your revision, a tutor can help you build a personalised A-Level revision plan based on your specific subjects, exam board, and target grades.
Once you have decided on the tutor, you can contact them directly via the messaging feature on their profile. Learning has never been so easy and flexible! Gear up and get ready to ace your A-Levels!
References
- Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), Exam System Contingency Plan: England, Wales and Northern Ireland, gov.uk. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/exam-system-contingency-plan-england-wales-and-northern-ireland
- Ofqual, Guide for Schools and Colleges: Summer 2025 Exam Series, 2025. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-as-and-a-level-results-for-england
- Ofqual, A Level Outcomes in England — Interactive Data Visualisation, Summer 2025. Available at: https://analytics.ofqual.gov.uk/apps/Alevel/Outcomes/
- Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), Instructions for Conducting Examinations (ICE) 2025–2026. Available at: https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/ice---instructions-for-conducting-examinations/
- Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), A Guide to the Special Consideration Process 2025–2026. Available at: https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/access-arrangements-and-special-consideration/
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