Exam information summer 2025
The Ofqual student guide 2025 covers GCSEs, AS, A levels, other general qualifications, and vocational and technical qualifications.
The guide provides students and parents with information about this year's arrangements for qualifications and also explains what support is in place when taking exams and assessments.
Recently published Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) documents on conducting exams include:
The contingency dates in the event of national or significant local disruption to examinations are:
- Wednesday 11 June 2025 (contingency afternoon sessions)
- Wednesday 25 June 2025 (full day)
GCSEs - key stage 4 (from age 14)
At key stage 4, students choose their options for their GCSE national qualifications. GSCEs enable progression to A levels, other post-16 courses and apprenticeships.
You can find out about core and foundation GCSE subjects.
Schools must also provide relationships, sex and health education, and religious education (RE) at key stage 4.
UCAS has a helpful guide which explains about GCSE options and grades.
The National Careers Service can advise about the types of subjects you may need to study to get into a particular area of work.
BBC bitesize has some examples of popular career choices and the best GCSE options to take.
A levels and other post-16 qualifications
UCAS has information about the various post-16 qualifications you can take.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to earn while they learn. They involve practical training with an employer while studying for a formal qualification. You can find an apprenticeship on Gov.uk.
You can view our guidance and information about apprenticeships and our apprenticeship opportunities.
16 to 19 financial support for students
The government's 16 to 19 bursary fund helps 16 to 19-year-olds continue in full-time education, where they might otherwise struggle financially.
Care to Learn (C2L) provides financial support to young parents under 20 who want to continue their education and need help with childcare and travel costs.
14 to 19 transport for learners
We can help you get transport to and from school, college or other training providers.
Please view our information on school transport and post-16 travel for more information.