GCSE Exams – Key Information and Resources

Feeling stressed or nervous before exams is completely normal.
Many students experience exam anxiety, especially during GCSEs and other important assessments. This does not mean you are failing or that you are not capable.

The College is delivering lots of Revision Classes at various times in the run up to the exams and then throughout the May Half Term (Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May). Please see posters, social media posts or speak to your tutor about attending these.  The sessions will focus on revision strategies and maximising marks.

Also, please utilise Century Tech – this online platform is available to you 24/7 and will identify your areas to work on.

Try to rest well, eat regularly, arrive early for your exams, and focus on doing your best — that is all anyone can ask.

If exam stress begins to affect your sleep, concentration, attendance, or well-being, support is available, and you do not have to manage it alone.

Support is available through the College if exam stress or anxiety is affecting you:

• Speak to your tutor
• The Wellbeing Team can offer advice and help you access further support if needed.

To ensure exams run fairly and smoothly, all students must follow these rules:

• Arrive on time for all exams
• Electronic devices are prohibited in the exam room
  • This includes mobile phones, smart watches, headphones, and any other electronic or smart devices
• Bring only the equipment permitted by your tutor or the exam instructions
• Leave your bag at home or in your vocational area
• Follow all instructions given by exam invigilators

• If you have a minor illness (for example, a cold, headache, or mild symptoms), you must still attend your exam
• If you are seriously unwell, contact your tutor or the Exams Team as soon as possible.

Results Days

• Level 3 Vocational Technical Qualifications and T Levels: Thursday 13 August 2026
• Level 2 Vocational Technical Qualifications and GCSEs: Thursday 20 August 2026

Some qualifications may receive results on different dates depending on the Awarding Body.

• GCSE Certificates (summer series) are issued by Awarding Bodies from late October
• Certificates are posted to your home address
• Ensure your address details are correct

When you receive your provisional results slip, check all details carefully.
Report any errors immediately, as incorrect details may appear on your certificate and replacement fees may apply.

GCSE Deadlines

• GCSE Remarks: Closing date – 20 September
• GCSE Copies of Exam Scripts: Closing date – 20 September

With approval from the Head of English and/or Maths, students may resit GCSE exams. This will be dependent upon you meeting a set of agreed criteria including attendance to lessons, attitude to learning and the number of marks away from the grade 4 in the summer series.

GCSE English Language

• Paper 1 – Tuesday 3 November AM
• Paper 2 – Thursday 5 November AM

GCSE Mathematics

• Paper 1 (Calculator) – Wednesday 4 November AM
• Paper 2 (Non-Calculator) – Friday 6 November AM
• Paper 3 (Calculator) – Monday 9 November AM