GCSE Results Day: What To Expect

We make cards, pin badges and prints in the UK. We don't sell laptops, textbooks or bedding sets, so this is a straight guide with the card at the end.

GCSE results land on the third Thursday in August, a week after A levels. Most schools open from about 8am and it's over in twenty minutes.

The day itself is short. The decisions - sixth form, college, apprenticeship, resits - are what matter, and they can wait until the afternoon.

Finish it with a card

A well done card, written the night before and handed over whatever the grades say.

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Browse congratulations cards

How the morning runs

  • Results are collected from school from around 8am, or sent by email or the school portal depending on the school.
  • You'll need ID or a candidate number at some schools, so check the email the night before.
  • Teachers and a careers adviser are usually there all morning for anyone who needs to change plans.
  • Let them go in with friends if they want to. Waiting in the car park is fine.

What the grades mean

  • Grades run 9 to 1, with 9 the highest. There's no A* any more.
  • A grade 4 is a standard pass, a grade 5 a strong pass. Most sixth forms want 5s in the subjects you'll study.
  • English and maths below a 4 usually means resitting alongside college - that's normal and routine, not a disaster.
  • Entry requirements vary by college, so read the actual offer rather than comparing with other families.

If the grades aren't what they needed

  • Talk to the school that morning - most sixth forms flex on one grade if the student is there in person.
  • A review of marking can be requested through the school, usually within a few weeks. There's a fee, and grades can go down as well as up.
  • November resits exist for English and maths; other subjects resit the following summer.
  • College places, apprenticeships and traineeships are all still open in late August.

Handling the day at home

  • Decide the night before what you'll say if it goes badly, so you're not improvising at 8am.
  • Don't post the results online before they've said it's fine.
  • Don't compare with cousins, neighbours or anyone's group chat.
  • Plan something for the afternoon either way - a meal out works whatever the envelope says.

Browse congratulations cards

How to write it so it lands

  • Third Thursday in August, from 8am.
  • Grade 4 is a pass, 5 is a strong pass.
  • Speak to the sixth form that morning, in person.

Where to shop next

Frequently asked questions

When is GCSE results day?

The third Thursday in August, a week after A level results. Schools usually open from around 8am.

What is a pass at GCSE?

Grade 4 is a standard pass and grade 5 a strong pass. Below a 4 in English or maths normally means resitting alongside college.

Can you appeal a GCSE grade?

Yes. Ask the school for a review of marking. There's a fee, deadlines are tight, and grades can go down as well as up.

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