Only English Language and Maths
The November series is limited to GCSE English Language and Mathematics for candidates who need a grade 4 or above for progression. Other GCSE subjects are only examined in the summer series.
GCSE November 2026 resit timetable: confirmed AQA and Pearson Edexcel dates
The GCSE November 2026 resit series runs Monday 2 November to Monday 9 November 2026. Only English Language and Mathematics are examined in this autumn series. AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR sit their papers on the JCQ common timetable, so English Language Paper 1 is 3 November, Maths Paper 1 is 4 November, English Language Paper 2 is 5 November, Maths Paper 2 is 6 November and Maths Paper 3 is 9 November. Entries close on 4 October 2026 and results are issued on 14 January 2027.
Short answer
GCSE November 2026 resit exams run from Tuesday 3 November to Monday 9 November 2026, for GCSE English Language and Mathematics only. All three awarding bodies (AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR) sit the same dates on the JCQ common timetable. Entries close 4 October 2026. Results are issued 14 January 2027.
Three things to know before you enter
Everything else is a preparation plan.
Register with an exam centre by 4 October 2026
JCQ sets 4 October 2026 as the final entry date for the November 2026 series, and that date applies to every awarding body. Late entry fees apply from 5 October.
You have eight weeks to prepare
Summer GCSE results were published on 20 August 2026. That gives learners roughly ten weeks between results day and the first paper on 3 November.
AQA GCSE November 2026 timetable
AQA's confirmed November 2026 timetable places both GCSE English Language papers (specification 8700) and all three GCSE Mathematics papers (specification 8300) across five morning sessions. All papers start at 9.00am.
- Tuesday 3 November 2026, morning: GCSE English Language Paper 1 (AQA 8700/1), 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Wednesday 4 November 2026, morning: GCSE Mathematics Paper 1, non-calculator (AQA 8300/1F and 8300/1H), 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Thursday 5 November 2026, morning: GCSE English Language Paper 2 (AQA 8700/2), 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Friday 6 November 2026, morning: GCSE Mathematics Paper 2, calculator (AQA 8300/2F and 8300/2H), 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Monday 9 November 2026, morning: GCSE Mathematics Paper 3, calculator (AQA 8300/3F and 8300/3H), 1 hour 30 minutes.
AQA English Language non-exam assessment (spoken language endorsement) must be submitted by 5 November 2026.
Pearson Edexcel and OCR GCSE November 2026 timetable
Pearson Edexcel and OCR sit their GCSE English Language and Mathematics papers on the same JCQ common timetable as AQA. This means candidates entering with any of the three awarding bodies sit their papers on identical dates, in the morning session, with matching paper durations.
Who is eligible for GCSE November 2026 resits?
GCSE subjects in the autumn series are only available to candidates who are aged 16 or over on 31 August 2026. This eligibility rule is set by AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR to align the November series with post-16 resit purposes. Adult learners and private candidates who meet the age requirement are eligible on the same basis as school and college candidates.
How to enter for GCSE November 2026 as a private candidate
Private candidates enter through an approved GCSE examination centre before 4 October 2026. Contact the centre directly, confirm they accept private candidates for the November series, complete the entry paperwork, and pay the entry fee. Centres set their own additional charges for invigilation and administration on top of the awarding-body entry fee.
Results day: 14 January 2027
AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR issue GCSE November 2026 series results on Thursday 14 January 2027. Certificates are dispatched to centres in the weeks that follow. Candidates progressing to Level 3 courses that require a GCSE grade 4 or above in English Language or Mathematics can typically start in the January or February half-term intake.
How Lift College supports GCSE November 2026 resit candidates
Lift College delivers GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics fully online. Learners get a named UK tutor, marked past papers, and an AI Study Assistant that maps every question to the AQA specification. Both courses start with a seven-day free trial, run on a monthly subscription of £59.99 with exam entry included, and can be cancelled or paused at any time.
Frequently asked questions
Which GCSE subjects can be resat in November 2026?
The November 2026 resit series is open to GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics only. All other GCSE subjects are examined solely in the May and June summer series.
When do GCSE November 2026 exams start and finish?
The first GCSE November 2026 paper is Tuesday 3 November 2026 (English Language Paper 1). The final paper is Monday 9 November 2026 (Mathematics Paper 3). All papers sit in the morning session at 9.00am.
When is the entry deadline for GCSE November 2026?
JCQ has set 4 October 2026 as the final date for entries to the GCSE November 2026 series. This deadline applies to AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR. AQA charges a late entry fee from 5 October and a very late entry fee from 26 October.
When are GCSE November 2026 results released?
GCSE November 2026 series results are issued on Thursday 14 January 2027 by all three awarding bodies.
Can I resit GCSE Maths and English at home?
Written GCSE papers must be sat in person at a GCSE examination centre approved by AQA, Pearson Edexcel or OCR. You can study for the resit fully online with Lift College, then attend the approved centre for the two written papers.
How long do I have to prepare for a November 2026 GCSE resit?
Summer 2026 GCSE results were published on 20 August 2026. That leaves roughly ten and a half weeks between results day and the first paper on 3 November 2026, which is enough time for a focused resit programme.
Plan your GCSE November resit
Courses and guides for the November 2026 series.
Course
GCSE Mathematics online
AQA 8300 specification. Online tutor, marked past papers, exam entry included.
CourseGCSE English Language online
AQA 8700 specification. Online tutor, feedback on writing, exam entry included.
GuideA-Level retakes online
For candidates whose summer 2026 A-Level grades did not meet a university offer.
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