A-Level Exam Timetable 2026 | UK & International Schedule: Students preparing for the A-Level examinations in 2026 can now begin planning for one of the most important academic periods of the year. The major UK examination boards—AQA, Pearson Edexcel, and OCR—have published their summer examination schedules, with written exams running from Monday, 11 May 2026, to Tuesday, 23 June 2026.
In addition to the UK timetable, international examination boards such as Cambridge International (CAIE) and Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Levels (IAL) have released their own schedules. Candidates are encouraged to confirm their individual examination dates with their school or examination centre, as timetables may vary by subject and board.
Highlights of A-Level Exam Timetable 2026
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | A-Level Summer Examinations 2026 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Main Exam Boards | AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR |
| UK Exam Period | 11 May – 23 June 2026 |
| National Contingency Day | 24 June 2026 |
| A-Level Results Day | 13 August 2026 |
| International Boards | Cambridge International (CAIE), Edexcel IAL |
| Session Times | Morning: 9:00 AM • Afternoon: 1:30 PM |
A-Level Exam Timetable 2026
The 2026 A-Level Summer Examination Series will officially begin on Monday, 11 May 2026, and conclude on Tuesday, 23 June 2026 for the principal UK examination boards.
Thousands of students across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will sit examinations administered by:
- AQA
- Pearson Edexcel
- OCR
Each examination board publishes detailed subject timetables, and candidates should always refer to the timetable issued by their school or examination centre.
Important A-Level 2026 Dates
Students should make note of the following key milestones during the examination cycle.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UK A-Level Exams Begin | Monday, 11 May 2026 |
| UK A-Level Exams End | Tuesday, 23 June 2026 |
| National Contingency Day | Wednesday, 24 June 2026 |
| A-Level Results Day | Thursday, 13 August 2026 |
National Contingency Day
The National Contingency Day is scheduled for Wednesday, 24 June 2026. Students are advised to remain available on this date in case examinations need to be rescheduled due to exceptional circumstances such as severe weather, national emergencies, or other significant disruptions.
A-Level Results Day 2026
The A-Level Results Day is scheduled for Thursday, 13 August 2026.
Candidates will be able to collect their results through their schools or colleges, while UCAS is expected to update applicants’ admission statuses from approximately 8:00 AM, allowing students to view university offers and confirmation decisions.
International A-Level Timetable 2026
Students taking international qualifications should follow the timetable issued by their respective examination boards.
Cambridge International (CAIE)
The 2026 summer examination series is expected to run:
- AS Level: From 23 April 2026
- A Level: From 24 April 2026
- Final Examination: 9 June 2026
Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Levels (IAL)
The 2026 summer written examinations are scheduled between:
- 5 May 2026
- 12 June 2026
Autumn/Winter 2026 International Series
Some international boards also conduct an additional examination session later in the year.
For example, Pearson Edexcel IAL plans to hold its Autumn/Winter examination series between:
- 8 October 2026
- 30 October 2026
Students intending to sit this series should consult their examination centre for registration deadlines and subject availability.
A-Level 2026 Session Times
Most UK examination boards follow standard examination sessions.
| Session | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Session | 9:00 AM |
| Afternoon Session | 1:30 PM |
Candidates should arrive well before the scheduled start time and follow the instructions provided by their examination centre.
Core Subject Timetable (UK Summer 2026)
Below are some of the major subject examination dates announced for the 2026 summer examination series.
Mathematics
| Paper | Date | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 – Pure Mathematics | Wednesday, 3 June 2026 | Afternoon |
| Paper 2 – Pure & Statistics | Thursday, 11 June 2026 | Afternoon |
| Paper 3 – Pure & Mechanics | Thursday, 18 June 2026 | Afternoon |
Biology
| Paper | Date | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Thursday, 4 June 2026 | Afternoon |
| Paper 2 | Friday, 12 June 2026 | Morning / Afternoon* |
| Paper 3 | Tuesday, 16 June 2026 | Morning / Afternoon* |
*Session times may vary depending on the examination board.
Chemistry
| Paper | Date | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Tuesday, 2 June 2026 | Morning |
| Paper 2 | Tuesday, 9 June 2026 | Morning |
| Paper 3 | Monday, 15 June 2026 | Morning |
Physics
| Paper | Date | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Wednesday, 20 May 2026 | Afternoon |
| Paper 2 | Monday, 1 June 2026 | Morning |
| Paper 3 | Monday, 8 June 2026 | Morning |
Economics
| Paper | Date | Session |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Monday, 11 May 2026 | Morning |
| Paper 2 | Monday, 18 May 2026 | Afternoon |
| Paper 3 | Thursday, 4 June 2026 | Morning |
How to Find Your Full A-Level Timetable
Because examination dates can vary by subject and awarding body, students should:
- Visit the official website of their examination board.
- Download the latest 2026 examination timetable.
- Confirm examination dates with their school or college.
- Check for any timetable updates or amendments before the examination period begins.
Tips for A-Level Candidates
As the examination period approaches, students should:
- Create a realistic revision timetable.
- Review official examination specifications.
- Complete past papers under timed conditions.
- Confirm examination dates and venues in advance.
- Arrive at the examination centre early with the required materials.
- Keep the National Contingency Day free in case examinations are rescheduled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When do A-Level exams start in 2026?
The UK summer A-Level examinations begin on Monday, 11 May 2026.
When do A-Level exams finish?
The scheduled end date is Tuesday, 23 June 2026.
What is National Contingency Day?
It is a reserve day (24 June 2026) set aside in case examinations need to be rescheduled because of unforeseen circumstances.
When is A-Level Results Day 2026?
Results Day is scheduled for Thursday, 13 August 2026.
What time do A-Level exams start?
Morning examinations generally begin at 9:00 AM, while afternoon examinations usually start at 1:30 PM.
When do Cambridge International A-Level exams begin?
The 2026 summer series begins in late April, with AS Level examinations starting on 23 April and A Level examinations on 24 April 2026.
When are Edexcel IAL exams held?
The summer written examination series is expected to run from 5 May to 12 June 2026.
Where can I download the official timetable?
Students should download the timetable from the official website of their examination board or obtain it from their school or examination centre.
A-Level Exam Timetable 2026
The A-Level Exam Timetable 2026 provides students with an important framework for planning their revision and examination preparation. With the UK summer examinations running from 11 May to 23 June 2026, and international examination boards following their own schedules, candidates should regularly monitor official announcements, confirm their individual timetables, and remain available on the National Contingency Day. Careful preparation and awareness of key dates can help students approach the examination period with confidence.
DailyExamUpdates.com provides simplified examination guides, academic news, recruitment updates, and education resources to help students stay informed. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, candidates should always verify examination dates, subject schedules, and official announcements through their respective examination boards and schools. In the event of any discrepancy, the official timetable published by the relevant examination authority shall prevail.
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