Skip to main content

Brainhub guide

GCSEs done: what happens now?

The last GCSE papers are on Friday 18 June 2027. What the law says about learning until 18, the key dates ahead and how to make the summer count.

Written by the Brainhub Editorial Team Cites published research Updated 31 Oct 2026 5 min read

Key takeaways

1. Why this week

After two years of work, the last GCSE papers are on Friday 18 June 2027. It is a big moment. A few things are worth knowing before the summer begins.

2. Learning until 18

In England, young people can leave school on the last Friday in June if they will be 16 by the end of the summer holidays. In 2027 that is Friday 25 June. They then have to do one of three things until they turn 18.[1]

Full-time education

For example, a school sixth form or a college.

An apprenticeship

Paid work with training, usually towards a qualification.

Work or volunteer

20 hours or more a week, alongside part-time education or training.

Most stay in learning: At the end of 2025, 88.2% of 16 and 17-year-olds who had been in state-funded schools in Year 11 were in education or an apprenticeship, says the Department for Education.

3. The dates ahead

Put these in the family calendar. Check sixth form or college enrolment dates directly with them, as they vary.[1]

Date (2027)
What happens
Friday 18 June
Last main GCSE exams
Friday 25 June
Official school leaving date
Thursday 19 August
GCSE results day
Late August to early September
Sixth form or college enrolment (check yours)

4. How to make the summer count

A good summer after GCSEs has two halves: proper rest, then a gentle start on what comes next.

Exams done. Next chapter.

Rest properly

A real break after months of revision. Sleep, friends, fresh air.

Confirm the next step

Check offers, enrolment dates and what to bring.

Keep a little learning going

A few hours a week on next year’s subjects makes September easier.

Plan results day

Know plan A and plan B before 19 August. Our results day guide explains how.

5. How you can help

Celebrate the finish, whatever the papers felt like. Then, in July, sit down together and check the plan for September, including what happens if grades are higher or lower than expected.

A head start on sixth form: Our qualified teachers help students bridge the jump from GCSE to A-level over the summer. Online or in person. Book a free call.

Try it now

Test yourself on this page

Answer in your head first, then check.

  1. 1. When are the last main GCSE exams in 2027?

  2. 2. When can a young person in England officially leave school?

  3. 3. When is GCSE results day 2027?

Your next steps

  • Celebrate the end of exams.
  • Check sixth form or college enrolment dates.
  • Agree plan A and plan B before results day.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK. School leaving age (England). gov.uk/know-when-you-can-leave-school
  2. Department for Education. Participation in education, training and employment age 16 to 21, 2025 (published 25 June 2026). explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/participation-in-education-training-and-employment-age-16-to-21/2025
  3. AQA. Exam timetable May/June 2027: GCSE (provisional v1.0, January 2026). aqa.org.uk/files/32986d0b-0ce6-462a-9682-5ba7a41619f9

This guide is general study advice. Every student is different. A teacher can help you work out what fits.