Thousands of students across the UK are preparing for GCSE results day, which falls on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Schools receive the results a day earlier, on Wednesday, August 19, and students can typically collect their grades from 8am on the Thursday morning.
What Results Mean for Students
The grades can heavily influence a student's next steps, determining whether they can progress to A-levels, further education, or apprenticeships. They may also affect future university applications and career options.
Students unable to collect results in person—due to holidays, illness, or travel issues—can usually arrange in advance for the school to send results by email or post. Alternatively, they can nominate someone else to collect results on their behalf, though this usually requires a signed letter and photo ID.
Numerical Grading System
England introduced the numerical grading system in 2017 for English language, English literature, and maths. By 2020, all subjects used the new grades, ranked from 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest). The bottom of grade 7 aligns with the bottom of grade A, grade 4 with grade C, and grade 1 with grade G.
Grade boundaries are set by exam boards in a process called “awarding” and are shared on results day.
What to Bring and Next Steps
Education site BBC Bitesize advises students to bring a fully charged mobile phone, photo ID, a bottle of water, a family member or trusted adult for support, and a pen and paper to note information.
If students do not achieve the grades they need, schools may advise them to contact their planned provider to see if they will still be accepted. Some may require a resit, particularly in English or maths if the grade is below 4. Students can also contact other providers to explore available spaces.
