AQA GCSE Timetable 2026: Exam Dates for Maths, English & Science
The AQA GCSE timetable 2026 shows all exam dates for maths, English, science, and other subjects. The exams usually take place between May and June. If you are looking for the AQA GCSE timetable 2025, the structure is similar, but the latest confirmed dates are listed below.
Preparing for exams starts with understanding the full GCSE schedule and what to expect across subjects. The AQA GCSE timetable 2026 helps students plan revision for maths, English, and science, but it’s also important to understand how GCSEs are structured overall. For a full breakdown, see our GCSE 2026: The Complete Guide to Subjects, Grades & Exams, which explains GCSE subjects, grading, and how exams are organised.
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Page Contents
AQA GCSE Timetable 2026
| Subject | Paper | Exam Date | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| GCSE Maths | Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) | May 2026 | Morning |
| GCSE English Literature | Paper 1 | May 2026 | Morning |
| GCSE Biology | Paper 1 | May 2026 | Afternoon |
| GCSE Maths | Paper 2 (Calculator) | June 2026 | Morning |
| GCSE English Language | Paper 1 | June 2026 | Morning |
| GCSE Chemistry | Paper 1 | June 2026 | Afternoon |
| GCSE Maths | Paper 3 (Calculator) | June 2026 | Morning |
| GCSE Physics | Paper 1 | June 2026 | Afternoon |
| GCSE English Language | Paper 2 | June 2026 | Morning |
| GCSE Biology | Paper 2 | June 2026 | Afternoon |
| GCSE Chemistry | Paper 2 | June 2026 | Morning |
| GCSE Physics | Paper 2 | June 2026 | Afternoon |
AQA GCSE Start Date 2026
The AQA GCSE exams 2026 are expected to start in May 2026, with written exams beginning after the early May bank holiday. Most subjects, including English, maths, and science, are scheduled across the following weeks.
The first AQA GCSE exams usually include subjects such as English literature, biology, and other core papers. Schools may also run speaking assessments and practical exams earlier, but the main written timetable begins in mid-May.
Students should check the full AQA GCSE timetable 2026 to confirm their exact exam dates, as subjects and tiers may vary.
AQA GCSE End Date 2026
The AQA GCSE exams 2026 are expected to finish in June 2026, with the final written exams usually taking place in the third or fourth week of June. Most GCSE maths, English, and science papers are completed before the final exam week.
The last AQA GCSE exams typically include subjects such as physics, further maths, and optional subjects. Some contingency sessions may also be scheduled at the end of the timetable in case exams need to be moved nationally.
Students should check the full AQA GCSE timetable 2026 to confirm their final exam date, as it will depend on the subjects and tier entered.
For details about results release, see GCSE Results Day 2026:Date, Time & What Happens including when results are available and what to expect on the day.
AQA GCSE Exam Dates 2026
AQA GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026
The AQA GCSE maths exams 2026 are scheduled across three papers taken in May and June. Students sit one non-calculator paper followed by two calculator papers. All three exams are equally weighted and count towards the final GCSE maths grade.
AQA GCSE maths is split into Foundation tier (grades 1–5) and Higher tier (grades 4–9), but both tiers follow the same three-paper structure. The exams are spread across multiple weeks to give students time to revise between papers.
The AQA GCSE maths exam dates 2026 are organised as:
- Paper 1: Non-calculator exam in May
- Paper 2: Calculator exam in early June
- Paper 3: Calculator exam in mid-June
Students should check the full AQA GCSE timetable 2026 for exact dates and times, as morning and afternoon sessions may vary by school.
AQA GCSE English Exam Dates 2026
The AQA GCSE English exams 2026 take place across May and June, with separate papers for English Literature and English Language. Most students sit four English exams in total, depending on their course.
AQA GCSE English Literature is usually scheduled first, followed by English Language papers later in the exam period. These exams are spread across multiple weeks to allow time between assessments.
The AQA GCSE English exam dates 2026 are typically organised as:
- English Literature Paper 1 in May
- English Literature Paper 2 in May
- English Language Paper 1 in June
- English Language Paper 2 in June
Students should check the AQA GCSE timetable 2026 for exact dates and whether their exams are in the morning or afternoon session.
AQA GCSE Science Exam Dates 2026
The AQA GCSE science exams 2026 take place across May and June, with separate papers for biology, chemistry, and physics. Students taking combined science sit six exams in total, while triple science students complete separate papers for each subject.
AQA GCSE science exams are split into two papers for each subject. Paper 1 exams are usually scheduled in May, followed by Paper 2 exams in June. These exams are spaced across the timetable to allow time for revision between subjects.
The AQA GCSE science exam dates 2026 are typically organised as:
- Biology Paper 1 in May
- Chemistry Paper 1 in May
- Physics Paper 1 in May
- Biology Paper 2 in June
- Chemistry Paper 2 in June
- Physics Paper 2 in June
Students should check the full AQA GCSE timetable 2026 for exact dates, as morning and afternoon sessions may vary depending on tier and entry.
AQA GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026
AQA GCSE Maths Paper 1
AQA GCSE Maths Paper 1 is the non-calculator exam and is usually the first maths paper students sit. This paper tests core skills across number, algebra, geometry, ratio, probability, and statistics without the use of a calculator.
The exam is 1 hour 30 minutes long and is worth one third of the final GCSE maths grade. Students are entered for either Foundation tier or Higher tier, and both tiers follow the same structure but with different difficulty levels.
Questions in AQA GCSE Maths Paper 1 typically start with straightforward calculations before moving to multi-step problem-solving. Students must show working clearly, as marks are awarded for method as well as final answers.
AQA GCSE Maths Paper 1 usually takes place in May, with Papers 2 and 3 scheduled in June. Students should check the AQA GCSE timetable 2026 for the exact exam date and session time.
AQA GCSE Maths Paper 2
AQA GCSE Maths Paper 2 is the first calculator paper and usually takes place after Paper 1. This exam allows students to use a calculator and assesses topics such as algebra, geometry, ratio, probability, and statistics.
The exam is 1 hour 30 minutes long and is worth one third of the final GCSE maths grade. Students are entered for either Foundation tier or Higher tier, with both tiers following the same structure but different levels of difficulty.
Questions in AQA GCSE Maths Paper 2 often include multi-step problem solving and applied maths. Students are expected to show working clearly, as marks are awarded for method as well as final answers.
AQA GCSE Maths Paper 2 usually takes place in early June, between Paper 1 and Paper 3. Students should check the AQA GCSE timetable 2026 for the exact exam date and whether their exam is in the morning or afternoon session.
AQA GCSE Maths Paper 3
AQA GCSE Maths Paper 3 is the second calculator paper and the final maths exam in the series. This paper assesses the full GCSE maths specification, including algebra, number, geometry, ratio, probability, and statistics.
The exam lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and is worth one third of the final GCSE maths grade. Students are entered for either Foundation tier or Higher tier, with both tiers following the same format but different difficulty levels.
Questions in AQA GCSE Maths Paper 3 often include multi-step problem solving and higher-mark questions towards the end of the paper. Students should show clear working, as marks are awarded for method as well as final answers.
AQA GCSE Maths Paper 3 usually takes place in mid to late June, after Papers 1 and 2. Students should check the AQA GCSE timetable 2026 for the exact exam date and session time.
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AQA GCSE English Exam Dates 2026
English Language Paper 1
AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 focuses on reading and creative writing. Students answer questions based on a fiction text before completing a descriptive or narrative writing task.
The exam is 1 hour 45 minutes long and is worth 50% of the GCSE English Language grade. The reading section tests comprehension, language analysis, and structure, while the writing section assesses creativity, organisation, and technical accuracy.
Questions in English Language Paper 1 usually begin with short retrieval tasks before moving to longer analysis questions. The final question requires students to write either a description or a short story based on a prompt.
AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 typically takes place in June. Students should check the AQA GCSE timetable 2026 for the exact exam date and whether the exam is scheduled in the morning or afternoon.
English Language Paper 2
AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2 focuses on non-fiction reading and transactional writing. Students answer questions based on two non-fiction texts before completing a writing task such as an article, letter, or speech.
The exam is 1 hour 45 minutes long and is worth 50% of the GCSE English Language grade. The reading section tests comparison skills, language analysis, and evaluation, while the writing section assesses organisation, tone, and technical accuracy.
Questions in English Language Paper 2 usually begin with short comprehension tasks before moving to comparison and evaluation questions. The final question asks students to produce a piece of non-fiction writing for a specific audience and purpose.
AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2 typically takes place later in the exam period, usually in June. Students should check the AQA GCSE timetable 2026 for the exact exam date and session time.
English Literature Paper 1
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 1 focuses on Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel. Students answer questions based on an extract and write about the text as a whole.
The exam is 1 hour 45 minutes long and is worth 40% of the GCSE English Literature grade. Students complete two sections: one on a Shakespeare play and one on a 19th-century novel such as A Christmas Carol, Jekyll and Hyde, or Frankenstein.
Questions in English Literature Paper 1 require students to analyse language, structure, and themes. Students are expected to use quotations, explain ideas clearly, and link their responses to the wider text.
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 1 usually takes place in May, near the start of the exam period. Students should check the AQA GCSE timetable 2026 for the exact exam date and whether the exam is in the morning or afternoon session.
English Literature Paper 2
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 2 focuses on modern texts, poetry, and unseen poetry. Students answer questions on a studied modern text, a poetry anthology, and compare two unseen poems.
The exam is 2 hours 15 minutes long and is worth 60% of the GCSE English Literature grade. The paper is divided into three sections: modern prose or drama, poetry anthology, and unseen poetry.
Questions in English Literature Paper 2 require students to analyse themes, language, and structure. Students also compare ideas across poems and support responses with quotations and detailed explanations.
AQA GCSE English Literature Paper 2 usually takes place later in May, before English Language exams begin. Students should check the AQA GCSE timetable 2026 for the exact exam date and session time.
AQA GCSE Science Exam Dates 2026
Biology Exam Dates
The AQA GCSE Biology exams 2026 take place in May and June, with two papers covering the full course. Paper 1 is scheduled first, followed by Paper 2 later in the exam period.
The AQA GCSE Biology exam dates 2026 are:
- Biology Paper 1 — 12 May 2026
- Biology Paper 2 — 8 June 2026
These dates apply to both separate biology and combined science students, although exam duration may vary slightly by tier. The exams are spaced across the timetable to allow time for revision between papers.
Students should check the full AQA GCSE timetable 2026 for whether their biology exam is scheduled in the morning or afternoon session.
Chemistry Exam Dates
The AQA GCSE Chemistry exams 2026 take place in May and June, with two papers covering the full course. Paper 1 is scheduled first, followed by Paper 2 later in the exam period.
The AQA GCSE Chemistry exam dates 2026 are:
- Chemistry Paper 1 — 18 May 2026
- Chemistry Paper 2 — 12 June 2026
These dates apply to both separate chemistry and combined science students, although exam length may vary by tier. Paper 1 is held in May, while Paper 2 takes place in June after half term.
Students should check the AQA GCSE timetable 2026 to confirm whether their chemistry exam is scheduled in the morning or afternoon session.
Physics Exam Dates
The AQA GCSE Physics exams 2026 take place in June, with two papers covering the full course. Paper 1 is scheduled first, followed by Paper 2 later in the exam period.
The AQA GCSE Physics exam dates 2026 are:
- Physics Paper 1 — 2 June 2026
- Physics Paper 2 — 15 June 2026
These dates apply to both separate physics and combined science students, although exam duration may vary by tier. The exams are spaced across June to allow time for revision between papers.
Students should check the full AQA GCSE timetable 2026 to confirm whether their physics exam is scheduled in the morning or afternoon session.
AQA GCSE Timetable 2025
If you were searching for the AQA GCSE timetable 2025, the exam period ran from May to June. The timetable follows a similar structure each year, with maths, English, and science spread across multiple weeks.
When Do AQA GCSE Exams Start?
AQA GCSE exams 2026 start in May 2026, with the first written exams taking place in mid-May. Most subjects, including English literature and science, are scheduled during the first week of the exam period.
The AQA GCSE timetable then continues through late May and into June, with maths, English language, and remaining science papers spread across several weeks. Exams are usually held in morning and afternoon sessions.
Students should check the full AQA GCSE timetable 2026 to confirm their first exam, as start dates vary depending on subjects entered.
When Do AQA GCSE Exams Finish?
AQA GCSE exams 2026 finish in June 2026, with the final written exams usually scheduled in the third or fourth week of the month. Most core subjects, including maths, English, and science, are completed before the final exam week.
The last exams typically include subjects such as physics, further maths, and optional GCSEs. A contingency day may also be scheduled at the end of the timetable in case any exams need to be moved nationally.
Students should check the AQA GCSE timetable 2026 to confirm their final exam date, as this depends on the subjects they are taking.
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How to Use the AQA GCSE Timetable
The AQA GCSE timetable 2026 helps students plan revision and prepare for exams. By checking each subject and paper date, students can organise their study time and avoid missing important exams.
Start by identifying your subjects on the AQA GCSE timetable. Most students will have maths, English, and science exams, along with any optional subjects. Make a list of each exam and note the date and time.
Next, create a revision plan based on the timetable order. Focus on subjects that take place first, then move on to exams scheduled later. Spacing revision around the AQA GCSE exam dates helps ensure each subject is covered before the exam.
It is also important to check whether exams are in the morning or afternoon. This helps students prepare their routine, arrive on time, and avoid confusion on exam days.
Finally, keep a copy of the AQA GCSE timetable 2026 saved or printed. This makes it easy to track upcoming exams and stay organised throughout the GCSE exam period.
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FAQ
When does GCSE exams start?
GCSE exams usually start in May, with written exams scheduled across several weeks. The AQA GCSE timetable 2026 shows the full exam period.
When is the last GCSE exam 2026?
The last GCSE exam usually takes place in June, near the end of the timetable. Final exams often include science and optional subjects.
How long is the GCSE maths exam?
GCSE maths exams are 1 hour 30 minutes long. Students sit three papers: one non-calculator and two calculator exams.
How many days until GCSE exams?
GCSE exams take place across May and June, typically lasting around four to five weeks depending on subjects taken.
When are GCSE resits?
GCSE resits usually take place in November, with maths and English retakes offered for students who need to improve grades.
Related GCSE Guides
- GCSE 2026: The Complete Guide to Subjects, Grades & Exams
- GCSE Exam Dates 2026: Full Timetable & Key Deadlines
- What Does GCSE Stand For? Full Meaning Explained
- GCSE Results Day 2026: Date, Time & What Happens
