Are you already dreaming of a sun-soaked getaway for Summer 2026? We totally get it! But before you click "confirm" on those flights, stop right there. If your teenager is heading into their GCSE or A-Level year, your holiday calendar isn't just about the weather: it’s about the exam board.
At Brashan Chemistry, we’ve seen how a misplaced flight can cause unnecessary stress for students who should be focusing on their A* goals. Let’s dive into the essential dates you need to unleash a stress-free summer for your family.
1. The 2026 "No-Fly" Zone
Mark your calendars: the main GCSE and A-Level exam window in England is officially set to run from Thursday 7 May to Tuesday 23 June 2026.
During this seven-week marathon, your student needs a stable, quiet, and supportive environment. While it’s tempting to escape for a cheeky May half-term break, remember that many subjects hold practicals or even written papers during that period. Elevate your planning by assuming your child will be revising or sitting exams throughout the entire month of May and June.
2. The Wednesday 24th June Trap
This is the big one. Most parents think the exams are over when the last paper is handed in. They aren’t.
The exam boards have set Wednesday 24 June 2026 as the National Contingency Day. This isn't just a suggestion; it’s a full-day reserve held for all GCSE, AS, and A-Level students. If a national or local disruption (like a power outage or severe weather) forces an exam to be moved, this is the day it will happen.
Your child must be available all day on June 24th. If you’re mid-flight to Mallorca and a Chemistry paper gets moved to that Wednesday, there are no "retakes" for individual absences. Don’t let a holiday booking soar into a nightmare: wait until Thursday 25 June to depart!
Empower Your Teen's Success
Planning the calendar is just the first step. To ensure your student actually enjoys that holiday with a sense of achievement, they need to feel confident in their STEM subjects. Our A-Level Standard Program is designed to build that unshakable core knowledge so they can walk into those 2026 exams and excel.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll discuss the dates you need to be home for in August!
Ready to secure your teen’s A?*
Book a Discovery Call today to discuss how our holistic tutoring approach can transform your child’s results.
DISCLAIMER: ALL EXAM DATES ARE PROVISIONAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY INDIVIDUAL EXAM BOARDS (AQA, OCR, EDEXCEL, ETC.). ALWAYS VERIFY THE EXACT DATES WITH YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL OR COLLEGE BEFORE MAKING ANY NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKINGS. BRASHAN CHEMISTRY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR MISSED EXAMS DUE TO HOLIDAY BOOKINGS.