A-Level Exam Timetable 2026 UK (All Boards & Key Dates)

Every year, A-Level students and private candidates ask the same thing:

“When are the A-Level exams in 2026?”

It’s a fair question — and the confusion usually comes from one key point: each exam board publishes its own timetable, and dates can vary by subject, paper, and session.

This guide gives you clear, UK-specific information on the A-Level exam timetable 2026, what to expect, which boards to check, and how to plan properly (without last-minute panic). We also update this page as soon as official timetables are released.

When Are A-Level Exams in 2026 (UK)?

In the UK, A-Level exams are typically held during May and June (often referred to as the “summer series”).
However, the exact dates depend on your exam board and subject, so it’s important to check the correct board timetable once published.

If you’re a private candidate, this matters even more — because your chosen centre’s entry deadlines and admin processes also need planning.

A-Level Exam Boards in the UK

A-Level qualifications are offered by several main exam boards. Each board publishes its own timetable showing:

• Exam date
  
  

• Morning or afternoon session
  
  

• Exam duration
  
  

• Paper code / unit
  
  

• Subject-specific variations
  
  

Main A-Level Exam Boards:

• AQA
  
  

• Pearson Edexcel
  
  

• OCR
  
  

• WJEC / Eduqas
  
  

Important: Even for the same subject (e.g., A-Level Maths), dates may differ across boards.

A-Level Exam Timetable 2026 – Board-Wise Guidance

Once officially released, you should check the timetable for your specific board:

• AQA A-Level exam timetable 2026
  
  

• Edexcel A-Level exam timetable 2026
  
  

• OCR A-Level exam timetable 2026
  
  

• WJEC / Eduqas A-Level exam timetable 2026
  
  

Final timetables are usually confirmed in the months leading up to the summer exam period. We recommend bookmarking this page — we keep it updated as board timetables go live.

Key A-Level Subjects & Typical Exam Periods

Although exact dates vary by board and paper, many subjects follow a familiar pattern:

• A-Level English: typically mid-May to June
  
  

• A-Level Maths / Further Maths: often spread across late May and June
  
  

• A-Level Biology, Chemistry, Physics: commonly May to June
  
  

• A-Level Psychology / Sociology: commonly May to June
  
  

If you’re aiming for top grades, your revision plan should be timed around the exam window — especially once your board confirms paper dates.

A-Level Exam Rules You Must Follow (UK)

A-Level exams in the UK follow strict regulations. In our experience, the biggest problems happen not from the exam itself — but from simple rule mistakes.

Key rules to remember:

• Arrive early (especially for morning sessions)
  
  

• Bring valid photo ID (private candidates should always have this)
  
  

• No mobile phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices
  
  

• Follow invigilator instructions at all times
  
  

• Stay seated until the exam ends
  
  

Breaking exam rules can lead to disqualification — even if your paper is otherwise strong.

A-Level Results Day 2026 (UK)

A-Level results day is typically in August. On results day, students receive:

• Final grades for each subject
  
  

• Results needed for university/next steps
  
  

• Confirmation if resits are needed
  
  

If you’re applying to university, results day is one of the most important dates of the year — plan your timeline early.

Booking A-Level Exams as a Private Candidate

Not everyone sits A-Levels through a school or college. Many candidates take A-Levels independently, including:

• Private candidates
  
  

• Home-educated students
  
  

• Adult learners
  
  

• Resit students
  
  

If you plan to sit A-Levels independently, include a clear booking CTA in this section.

✅ Book your A-Level exams as a private candidate here

How to Prepare Using the A-Level Timetable

Knowing your exam dates is only step one. Strong A-Level results usually come from:

• Planning revision around confirmed dates
  
  

• Practising with real past papers
  
  

• Getting support when a subject becomes difficult
  
  

Helpful next steps (cross-site linking, your ecosystem):

• Practise with A-Level past papers (meritstudyresources)
  
  

• Follow a structured A-Level revision plan (merittutors)
  
  

• Book your A-Level exams (examcentrelondon)
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions (A-Level Exams 2026)

When will the final A-Level exam timetable 2026 be published?

Final timetables are usually released by exam boards before the summer exam season. Always check the final version issued by your exam board.

Are A-Level exam dates the same for all boards?

No. Each board publishes its own A-Level timetable, and dates may vary between AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and others.

Can I sit A-Levels as a private candidate in 2026?

Yes. Many candidates sit A-Levels as private candidates by booking through an approved exam centre.

What happens if I miss an A-Level exam?

If you miss an exam without an accepted reason, you may receive no grade for that paper. Contact your exam centre immediately if this happens.

Final Advice

The A-Level exam timetable 2026 UK should guide every stage of your revision and planning. Once your dates are confirmed:

• Plan early
  
  

• Practise consistently
  
  

• Follow exam rules carefully
  
  

This page will be updated as soon as official board timetables are released — so you can bookmark it and return for the latest board-wise guidance.

🔗 Helpful Next Steps

• Practise with A-Level past papers
  
  

• Get A-Level revision support from expert tutors
  
  

• Book your A-Level exams as a private candidate