GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026 (AQA, Edexcel & OCR)

If you’re sitting GCSE Maths in Summer 2026, these are the three exam mornings to keep free:

• Thursday 14 May 2026 — Paper 1

• Wednesday 3 June 2026 — Paper 2

• Wednesday 10 June 2026 — Paper 3

Below is the full breakdown for AQA, Edexcel and OCR, including calculator vs non-calculator and durations.

Important: Exam boards can issue updates. Always double-check with your school/exams officer before the exam window.

GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026: quick timetable (all boards)

AQA GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026 (8300)

AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300) has three papers (Foundation & Higher).
Paper 1 is non-calculator. Papers 2 and 3 are calculator. Each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes.

Practical tip: AQA Paper 1 is where students drop marks through rushed arithmetic. Build a “non-calc routine” early: estimation checks, fraction confidence, and clean written methods.

Edexcel GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026 (1MA1)

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Mathematics (1MA1) also has three papers (Foundation & Higher).
Paper 1 is non-calculator. Papers 2 and 3 are calculator. Each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes.

Practical tip: For Edexcel, a strong Paper 1 comes from mastering methods (not tricks): rearranging formulae, algebraic fractions, exact values, and showing clear working for method marks.

OCR GCSE Maths Exam Dates 2026 (J560)

OCR GCSE Mathematics (J560) uses different paper codes by tier:

• Foundation: J560/01, J560/02, J560/03

• Higher: J560/04, J560/05, J560/06

OCR’s calculator rules differ from AQA/Edexcel: the middle paper is non-calculator (Paper 2 for Foundation / Paper 5 for Higher). Each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes.

Practical tip: Because OCR places non-calc in the middle, students often get caught off-guard. Put a weekly non-calc paper section into your revision from March onwards.

Don’t forget this: GCSE contingency day (Summer 2026)

There is a GCSE contingency day used if exams are disrupted. Keep this date free until your centre confirms you’re fully finished:

• Wednesday 24 June 2026

What time do GCSE Maths exams start?

Most schools run exams in Morning (AM) or Afternoon (PM) sessions. Your exact start time is set by your exam centre, so always check your personal timetable from school.

How to revise for GCSE Maths (a simple plan that works)

If your first exam is Thursday 14 May 2026, the best approach is structured and boring (in the good way):

12–8 weeks before Paper 1

• Fix your grade-limiting topics: fractions/percentages, algebra, graphs, ratio, angles

• Build an error log (write the mistake + correct method + one extra practice question)

8–4 weeks before Paper 1

• Timed topic sets (20–30 minutes) and mark-scheme learning

• Focus on “method marks”: write the working clearly even if you’re unsure

Final 4 weeks

• Full papers under exam conditions

• Review mistakes the same day (don’t just “check answers”)

Final week before each paper

• Paper-specific practice:

  • Non-calculator: written methods + estimating + exact values

  • Calculator: smart calculator use + rounding + interpreting answers

FAQs

Are these dates for both Foundation and Higher?

Yes. The date is the same for both tiers — the paper code changes.

Which paper is non-calculator?

• AQA: Paper 1

• Edexcel: Paper 1

• OCR: the middle paper (Foundation Paper 2 / Higher Paper 5)

Can the dates change?

Exam boards sometimes publish updates. Your school’s exams officer will confirm the final version you sit.

What if I miss an exam?

Tell your exams officer immediately. Rules are strict, and only specific situations qualify for special consideration.

Need help before May?

If you’re stuck or your mocks aren’t moving, the fastest improvements usually come from:

• fixing the same 5–10 recurring mistakes, and

• learning exactly what earns marks under time pressure.