June Exam Series: GCSE, IGCSE, AS & A Level – Everything Students Need to Know

As the June exam series approaches, thousands of students across the UK begin searching for one thing — how to prepare properly for their upcoming exams.

Whether you are sitting GCSE, IGCSE, AS Level, or A Level exams, the June series is the most important exam session of the academic year. It determines final grades, university entry, college progression, and future opportunities.

This guide explains what the June exam series is, which exams are included, how students and private candidates should prepare, and where to find the right exam support and resources.

What Is the June Exam Series?

The June exam series is the main exam session used by UK exam boards for GCSE, IGCSE, AS Level, and A Level qualifications.

Most students sit their final written exams during this period, usually between May and June, depending on the subject and exam board.

The June series is used by major exam boards such as:

• AQA
  
  

• Edexcel (Pearson)
  
  

• OCR
  
  

• Cambridge International (CIE)
  
  

Grades awarded from the June series are used for:

• College and sixth-form entry
  
  

• University offers
  
  

• Apprenticeships
  
  

• Resits and progression decisions
  
  

Which Exams Are Taken in the June Series?

The June exam series includes a wide range of qualifications.

GCSE June Series Exams

GCSE students typically sit their final exams in subjects such as:

• GCSE Mathematics
  
  

• GCSE English Language & Literature
  
  

• GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics
  
  

• GCSE Combined Science
  
  

• GCSE Geography, Computer Science, Business Studies
  
  

IGCSE June Series Exams

IGCSE students (especially Edexcel and Cambridge International) sit June exams in:

• IGCSE Mathematics
  
  

• IGCSE English (First & Second Language)
  
  

• IGCSE Sciences
  
  

• IGCSE Economics, Business, ICT
  
  

AS & A Level June Series Exams

AS and A Level students sit high-stakes exams in:

• A Level Maths & Further Maths
  
  

• A Level Biology, Chemistry, Physics
  
  

• A Level Economics, Business, Psychology
  
  

• AS Level subject units
  
  

For most students, June is the final opportunity to secure grades for progression.

Why the June Exam Series Is So Important

The June series is critical because:

• It is the main grading session used nationally
  
  

• Grade boundaries are set using June performance
  
  

• University and college decisions depend on June results
  
  

• Resits are often based on June outcomes
  
  

Unlike November or January resits, the June series carries full academic weight.

June Exam Series for Private Candidates

Many students sitting June exams are private candidates, including:

• Home-educated students
  
  

• Adult learners
  
  

• Resit candidates
  
  

• International students
  
  

Private candidates follow the same June exam timetable, sit the same papers, and receive the same certificates as school students.

The key difference is where the exam is taken — not how it is marked.

That’s why choosing a reliable exam centre is essential for June series exams.

How to Prepare Effectively for June Series Exams

1️⃣ Start With Past Papers

Past papers are one of the strongest predictors of exam success. They help students:

• Understand question styles
  
  

• Practise time management
  
  

• Learn mark-scheme language
  
  

Students preparing for the June series should prioritise recent past papers, especially from the last 5–10 years.

2️⃣ Build Revision Around Exam Dates

June exams are often closely spaced. Planning revision around the timetable helps avoid burnout and last-minute cramming.

3️⃣ Practise Under Exam Conditions

Timed practice improves confidence and reduces exam-day anxiety.

4️⃣ Get Support Where Needed

Students struggling with content or exam technique often benefit from structured tuition or revision guidance before the June series.

Common June Series Exam Mistakes

Many students underperform not due to lack of ability, but because of avoidable mistakes:

• Leaving revision too late
  
  

• Ignoring past papers
  
  

• Revising topics in the wrong order
  
  

• Not understanding command words
  
  

• Poor exam-day planning
  
  

The June series rewards strategy, consistency, and exam awareness.

Booking June Series Exams as a Private Candidate

Private candidates must:

• Register with an approved exam centre
  
  

• Meet exam board entry deadlines
  
  

• Confirm subject codes and exam boards early
  
  

Leaving registration late can limit subject availability, especially for practical or science exams.

Planning early ensures:

• Correct exam entry
  
  

• Proper seating arrangements
  
  

• Stress-free exam day experience
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions About the June Exam Series

Are June exams harder than other exam series?
No. Difficulty varies by year, but grade boundaries adjust to ensure fairness.

Is the June series compulsory?
For most students, yes — it is the main exam session for final grades.

Can private candidates sit June exams?
Yes. Private candidates sit the same June exams as school students.

Are June series grades accepted by universities?
Yes. Universities primarily use June exam results for admissions decisions.

Final Thoughts

The June exam series is the most important academic milestone for GCSE, IGCSE, AS Level, and A Level students.

Students who prepare early, practise past papers, understand exam structure, and plan strategically place themselves in a far stronger position — regardless of whether they study in school or independently.

If you are preparing for any June series exam, focus on exam awareness, consistency, and structured revision — not last-minute panic

Ready to book your June 2026 exams?
If you’re a private candidate or resitting GCSE, IGCSE, AS, or A Level exams, Exam Centre London offers secure exam bookings, experienced invigilation, and full support throughout the June exam series.