A Level Exam Dates 2026: Complete UK Timetable Guide (Updated)

Preparing for a level exam dates 2026 can feel overwhelming — but knowing the key dates early gives you a huge advantage. This guide breaks down every major board’s timetable, contingency rules, results day, exam sessions, and revision planning in clear, student-friendly language.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or teacher, this page will help you plan ahead confidently so you’re never caught off guard by an exam you didn’t expect.

📆 1. A Level Exam Windows: What You Need to Know

All major UK exam boards schedule A Levels within the same national period.

A Level Exam Windows

Students must remain available until the contingency day in case any paper is moved nationally.

Most exams take place in:

  • Morning sessions: around 9:00 AM

  • Afternoon sessions: around 1:30 PM

📖 2. How the Timetable Works Across Exam Boards

Although each board publishes its own timetable, they follow the same overall window.

How the Timetable Works Across Exam Boards

Your school timetable always overrides general schedules, so check it carefully.

📊 3. Core Subject Example Dates

📐 A Level Mathematics

Core Subject Example Dates

📚 English Subjects

English Subjects

🧬 A Level Sciences

A Level Sciences

🏛️ Other Popular Subjects

Other Popular Subjects

🕐 4. Morning vs Afternoon Sessions

Most A Level exams follow the same daily pattern:

A Level Exam Dates 2026

Arriving early reduces stress and gives time for instructions.

📌 5. Contingency Day Explained

The contingency day (24 June 2026) is a national backup date. If serious disruption occurs, exams can be moved to this day.

Even if your exams appear finished, you must stay available.

🎓 6. Results Day

Thursday, 13 August 2026 is when students receive A Level grades and university offers are confirmed.

📘 7. How to Use These Dates for Smart Revision

Step 1 — Early Prep (Jan–Mar)

  • Review difficult topics

  • Complete coursework or NEA

  • Build subject checklists

Step 2 — Focus Phase (Apr–Early May)

  • Start past paper practice

  • Timed exam questions

  • Identify weak areas

Step 3 — Exam Period (May–June)

  • Revise topics just before papers

  • Practice exam technique

  • Stay healthy and rest properly

📝 Conclusion

The a level exam dates 2026 window runs from 11 May to 23 June, with a contingency day on 24 June and results on 13 August. Knowing these dates early allows students to plan revision properly, reduce stress, and perform confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do A Levels start in 2026?

They begin on 11 May 2026.

Most finish by 23 June 2026.

A backup exam date in case of national disruption.

13 August 2026.

Yes, they follow the same exam window.

Start early, use past papers, and revise by subject exam order.

From your school or college exam office.