We look at how GCSE grades will be awarded, when GCSE results day 2026 will be and how to appeal.
Updated: 22 Sept 2025
How GCSEs are assessed depends on the exact subject studied. It might only be based on exams, or there could be a coursework element as well. Each different assessment you've sat will have a weighting, and your final grade will be based on how you performed in each assessment, and what percentage each assessment was worth of your final grade. You'll receive a grade from 9-1, with 9 being the highest.
Private candidates across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be assessed in a similar way to students in schools and colleges.
GCSE results day is on Thursday 20 August 2026.
Students in England will be able to appeal their GCSE grades. You'll go through your school or college, who will check the paper and decide whether to ask for a remark. The appeal deadline is Thursday 24 September 2024.
If your place at university is dependent upon your appeal, let the university you hold a place with know that you're still waiting on a response to your appeal. To have your appeal prioritised, talk to your school, college or exam centre. The deadline for priority review is Thursday 3 September 2024.
You'll often have the opportunity to resit your GCSEs if you’re unhappy with your grades. You'll have the choice of which subjects to resit exams in should you wish to take this route.
Our revision tips will help keep you productive and focused if you choose to resit exams.
Your three best options are to either:
appeal your grades
resit exams
select different A-level subjects that your GCSE grades meet the requirements for
NEXT: How to revise for GCSEs
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