Planning your revision around the GCSE Maths exam dates 2026 is one of the smartest moves you can make. Knowing exactly when each paper lands lets you count back and build a week-by-week study plan that peaks at the right moment.
This guide covers the confirmed 2026 GCSE Maths timetable for Edexcel, AQA, and OCR — including Paper 1 (non-calculator), Paper 2, and Paper 3. We also include key dates for Cambridge IGCSE Maths 0580 so international students are covered too.
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Try AI Examify Free — 7-Day TrialEdexcel GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026 (Pearson 1MA1)
Edexcel runs three papers for both Higher and Foundation tiers. Paper 1 is non-calculator; Papers 2 and 3 allow a calculator. Each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes and worth 80 marks.
| Paper | Date | Session | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) | Thursday 21 May 2026 | Morning | ❌ No |
| Paper 2 (Calculator) | Thursday 4 June 2026 | Morning | ✅ Yes |
| Paper 3 (Calculator) | Monday 8 June 2026 | Morning | ✅ Yes |
Important:
Always confirm your personal timetable with your school or exam centre. Morning sessions typically start at 9:00 AM. Your school will provide the exact start time.
AQA GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026 (8300)
AQA also uses three papers with the same structure: Paper 1 non-calculator, Papers 2 and 3 with a calculator. Each is 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks.
| Paper | Date | Session | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) | Thursday 21 May 2026 | Morning | ❌ No |
| Paper 2 (Calculator) | Thursday 4 June 2026 | Morning | ✅ Yes |
| Paper 3 (Calculator) | Monday 8 June 2026 | Morning | ✅ Yes |
OCR GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026 (J560)
OCR follows the same three-paper format. Note that OCR papers are each worth 100 marks (300 total), compared to 80 marks per paper for Edexcel and AQA.
| Paper | Date | Session | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) | Thursday 21 May 2026 | Morning | ❌ No |
| Paper 2 (Calculator) | Thursday 4 June 2026 | Morning | ✅ Yes |
| Paper 3 (Calculator) | Monday 8 June 2026 | Morning | ✅ Yes |
Cambridge IGCSE Maths 0580 Exam Dates 2026
Cambridge International schedules IGCSE Maths exams in two main sessions: May/June and October/November. The May/June 2026 session dates are:
| Component | Tier | Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Core) | Core | May 2026 (TBC) | 1 hour |
| Paper 2 (Extended) | Extended | May 2026 (TBC) | 1 hour 30 min |
| Paper 3 (Core) | Core | June 2026 (TBC) | 2 hours |
| Paper 4 (Extended) | Extended | June 2026 (TBC) | 2 hours 30 min |
Exact dates are confirmed by Cambridge International around November–December 2025. Check your school's exam officer for your personal timetable.
GCSE Maths Results Day 2026
GCSE Results Day 2026 is Thursday 20 August 2026. Results are always released on the third Thursday of August. Your school or college will let you know the exact collection time.
If you are unhappy with your result, you can request a review of marking (priority reviews typically take around 15 days) or re-sit in November 2026.
How to Build a Revision Plan Around Your Exam Dates
Now that you know the dates, here is a proven countdown strategy:
| Weeks Before Paper 1 | Focus |
|---|---|
| 12–8 weeks | Fill knowledge gaps — work through every topic, flag weaknesses |
| 8–4 weeks | Targeted topic practice — hammer your weak areas with AI Examify |
| 4–2 weeks | Full past papers under timed conditions — one paper every 2 days |
| Final 2 weeks | Review mistakes only — no new topics, build confidence |
AI Examify Tip:
Use our topic-by-topic practice mode to identify your weak areas instantly. The AI marks your handwritten answers in seconds and shows you exactly where you lost marks.
Formula Sheet Update for 2026
Great news: Ofqual has confirmed that formula sheets will be provided for GCSE Maths exams in 2025, 2026, and 2027. This means you will receive a printed formula sheet with your exam paper.
However, the sheet only covers a fraction of the formulas you need. You still need to memorise key formulas for:
- Quadratic formula — solving equations that do not factorise easily
- Compound interest — percentage change over multiple periods
- Speed, distance, time — and density, mass, volume
- Circle theorems — these are reasoning-based, not formula-sheet material
- Trigonometric ratios — SOH CAH TOA for right-angled triangles
Read our full guide: GCSE Maths Formula Sheet 2026: What You Still Need to Memorise
Key Dates Summary for Your Calendar
- 21 May 2026 — GCSE Maths Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) — Edexcel, AQA, OCR
- 4 June 2026 — GCSE Maths Paper 2 (Calculator) — Edexcel, AQA, OCR
- 8 June 2026 — GCSE Maths Paper 3 (Calculator) — Edexcel, AQA, OCR
- 20 August 2026 — GCSE Results Day
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