GCSE Maths resits: November 2026 dates
The November 2026 GCSE Maths resits take place on Wednesday 4, Friday 6 and Monday 9 November 2026, with one paper on each day. Entries for this series closed in early October. Therefore, if you did not enter, you will need to wait for the summer 2027 exams.
Results for the November series come out in January 2027. Check with your school or exam board for the exact day.
Who needs to sit GCSE Maths resits?
If you are on a 16 to 19 study programme and did not get a grade 4 at 16, the funding rules require you to keep studying maths. For example, a grade 3 means you still need to study maths. A grade 4 is the level 2 pass in GCSE Maths. For the full rules, read the GOV.UK guidance on 16 to 19 maths and English funding.
Which tier should you enter?
You can sit GCSE Maths at Foundation or Higher tier. Foundation papers award grades 1 to 5, while Higher papers award grades 3 to 9. However, you must take all three papers at the same tier, so choose before you start revising.
What is in the exam?
There are three papers, each lasting 1 hour 30 minutes. Paper 1 is non-calculator, and Papers 2 and 3 allow calculators. Each paper counts for a third of the final grade. Also, the exam includes a formula sheet, so focus on knowing when to use each formula, not on memorising them.
How to prepare for GCSE Maths resits
Start with a practice test so you can see which topics need the most work. The GCSE Maths sample test is free and gives feedback on every question. Then read the GCSE Maths guide for the full picture of papers, tiers and grades.
Plan ahead for the summer 2027 exams, which run in May and June, with results in August 2027. In addition, build in a practice test each week so you can track your progress. Finally, review your mistakes, because that is often where the biggest gains come from.
