The 2024 A-Level and GCSE exam timetables you need to know
The year 2024 is a big deal for students in the UK. As summer rolls in, so does a busy time for those taking A-Level and GCSE exams, not just in the UK but all over the world. Whether you're already used to how exams are scheduled or about to experience it for the first time, you'll want to keep this post handy.
It's more than just marking down when exams start and finish. It's about really getting to grips with your A-Level and GCSE schedules to plan your study time wisely and keep the stress at bay. We're here to clear up all the confusion around exam timetables — whether you're a student gearing up for this big step or a parent ready to support them all the way.
In this blog post, we will break down the exam timetable by subject areas such as Maths, English, and Science, distinguishing between foundation and higher tiers. We will also explore the detailed scheduling differences for students taking combined science (CS) versus single science units at the GCSE level.
Exam Period Overview: A-Level and GCSE Exams 2024
To help students in their preparation, it's important to understand the exam timetable by subject areas such as Maths, English, and Science, as well as the differences between foundation and higher tiers.
The exam season is scheduled to commence on May 9th and conclude on June 25th, giving students more than six weeks to complete their exams in various subjects.
A-Level and AS-Level exam timetables
GCSE Mathematics
The schedule for the 2024 GCSE Maths examinations is as follows:
May 16th, Thursday Morning:
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AQA Maths Paper 1 (Foundation & Higher Levels)
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Edexcel Maths Paper 1 (Foundation & Higher Levels)
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OCR Maths Paper 1 (Foundation Level)
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OCR Maths Paper 4 (Higher Level)
June 3rd, Monday Morning:
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AQA Maths Paper 2 (Foundation & Higher Levels)
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Edexcel Maths Paper 2 (Foundation & Higher Levels)
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OCR Maths Paper 2 (Foundation & Higher Levels)
June 10th, Monday Morning:
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AQA Mathematics Paper 3 (Foundation & Higher Levels)
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Edexcel Mathematics Paper 3 (Foundation & Higher Levels)
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OCR Mathematics Paper 3 (Foundation & Higher Levels)
GCSE English Language
The 2024 GCSE English Language examination schedule is as follows:
May 23rd, Thursday Morning:
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English Language Paper 1 for AQA, Edexcel, and OCR
June 6th, Thursday Morning:
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English Language Paper 2 for AQA, Edexcel, and OCR
GCSE Sciences
Friday, 10 May - Morning
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Biology Paper 1 for AQA, Edexcel, OCR
Friday, 17 May - Morning
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Chemistry Paper 1 for AQA, Edexcel, OCR (Combined Science)
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Chemistry Paper 1 for WJEC (Single Science)
Wednesday, 22 May - Morning
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Physics Paper 1 for AQA, Edexcel, OCR
Friday, 7 June - Afternoon
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Biology Paper 2 for AQA, Edexcel, OCR
Tuesday, 11 June - Morning
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Chemistry Paper 2 for AQA, Edexcel, OCR
Friday, 14 June - Afternoon
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Physics Paper 2 for AQA, Edexcel, OCR
GCSE Tiering:
Some GCSE subjects offer two levels of exams: foundation or higher tier. These subjects include:
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Maths
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Physics
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Computer Science
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Biology
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Modern Foreign Languages
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Chemistry
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Statistics
Foundation Tier: You can achieve grades from 5 to 1 (in CS, from 5-5 to 1-1).
Higher Tier: Grades range from 9 to 4 (in CS, from 9-9 to 4-4). If you narrowly miss a grade 4, you might receive a grade 3 (or 4-3 in CS).
The Difference Between Combined and Single Sciences:
It's important to understand the difference in scheduling between combined and single science courses for exam preparation.
Combined Science:
Students take exams that cover multiple science subjects together, following a specific sequence and timing.
Single Sciences:
Students focusing on detailed studies of biology, chemistry, or physics have exams scheduled separately, reflecting the depth of each subject.
For students taking CS at the GCSE level, they can expect their exams to be more condensed compared to those taking single science units. CS students may have multiple exams on a single day or within a short period, requiring them to manage their revision schedules effectively.
Create your own revision timetable
Creating a revision timetable is a smart move to efficiently use your time and balance study, rest, and leisure. While everyone's schedule will vary based on personal needs and study habits, here's an example to spark some ideas, along with a blank template for you to customise.
Example:
Blank template:
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing the A-Level and GCSE exam timetables for 2024 is crucial for UK students preparing for their upcoming exams. By understanding when each subject's exams are scheduled and how they may differ based on tier or unit choices, students can better plan their revision schedules and optimise their study time effectively.
Stay proactive, stay organised, and best of luck with your exams!