Thousands of students across the UK will collect their GCSE results on Thursday, August 20. The release of exam results is always a nervous occasion for students. They have worked hard all year round preparing, studying and revising. The work is done and they have done everything they can.
Schools will receive the results on Wednesday, August 19, before students can arrive at school to collect their individual grades the following day. Each school should provide information on what time you can arrive.
Why results are released on Thursdays
GCSE results day follows last week's A-level results day, which brought with it a confirmation of a place at university for many students. This took place on Thursday, August 13 – but why are results handed out on Thursdays?
Guidance issued by exam board AQA suggests A-level, GCSE and technical qualifications take place towards the end of the week because it coincides with schools and colleges receiving results 24 hours in advance. The Wednesday before results day is a “restricted release day”.
AQA added: “This is the day before students receive their results. From 12.01am, exams office staff and heads of centre only can see results on these systems.”
Appeals and same-day release
This timing allows two additional working days to handle appeals and inquiries before offices and schools close for the weekend. It also means institutions across the country release their results on the same day, avoiding confusion.
The August release date gives exam boards time to collate papers and tests and award marks accordingly in time for places to be arranged. It also gives enough time for any queries to be logged or appeals before the new academic year starts in September.
What to bring and next steps
GCSE exams in England use a 9-1 grading system, with 9 being the highest and 1 the lowest. A 7 is equivalent to an A, with a 4 being a standard pass and U being ungraded or fail.
Education site BBC Bitesize suggests bringing the following for results day: a fully charged mobile phone to call family members to let them know the results, photo ID just in case it is needed, a bottle of water to stay hydrated, a family member or trusted adult to give support, and a pen and piece of paper to write down any information.
When students discover their grades they can start thinking about their next steps. Some students may not achieve the grades they need to go on to study at their planned education provider, but schools should advise on what they can do. The school or college may accept them anyway, or they may require the student to resit a GCSE.
In a situation where a student has their offer withdrawn, the school may assist the student in contacting other providers to see if they have spaces. Students may opt to resit any exam if they wish. However, it is a requirement for any student who receives a grade lower than a 4 in English or maths to retake the exam.
