OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277) Exam Dates 2026

OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277) Exam Dates 2026 (Summer Series)

If you’re sitting OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277) in Summer 2026, there are two written papers and both are in the Afternoon (PM) session.

Quick timetable (J277)

Always check your centre’s exact start time on your personal timetable (schools can vary within the official session window).

What’s in each paper (so you revise the right way)

Paper 1: Computer systems (J277/01)

This paper rewards students who can explain concepts clearly (not just memorise words). Prioritise:

• hardware + software basics

• networks + cyber security

• data representation

• architecture and performance ideas

• ethics and impacts of technology

Paper 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (J277/02)

This is where grades often jump with the right practice. Prioritise:

• algorithms and trace tables

• programming constructs (selection/iteration, arrays/lists, strings)

• problem-solving method + decomposition

• SQL basics and data handling (if taught)

• writing clean, mark-friendly pseudocode / code

Don’t forget: contingency day (Summer 2026)

Keep Wednesday 24 June 2026 free until your exams officer confirms you’re finished (this is used nationally if exams are disrupted).

FAQs

Are both papers in the afternoon?

Yes — OCR lists both J277 papers in the PM session for Summer 2026.

How early should I start past-paper practice?

Aim to start full-paper timing at least 6–8 weeks before Paper 1, then tighten your timing weekly.

What’s the fastest way to improve?

Stop doing “random revision” and do this instead:

• 1 timed section → mark → error log → reattempt similar question within 48 hours.

Need help before May?

If you’re stuck on algorithms, trace tables, or programming questions, a short block of targeted lessons can fix the exact patterns that cost marks.

Press “Book a lesson” at the top of the page.