KS3 Exam Dates 2027-2029 | Years 7-9 Planning Guide

Date/Period	Event
Sept - Oct ‘26	Transition & Setup
Oct ‘26 - May ‘27	Continuous Assessments (Year 7)
May - Jun ‘27	Year 7 End-of-Year Exams
Oct ‘27 - May ‘28	Continuous Assessments (Year 8) + Mock Exams
May - Jun ‘28	Year 8 End-of-Year Exams
Dec ‘28	GCSE Subject Choices Deadline
Jan-May ‘29	Year 9 Final Exams

KS3 Assessment Dates by Subject: 2027–2029

Subject	Exam Dates 2027-2029
English Language	May 8-10, 2027 \| May 7-9, 2028 \| May 6-8, 2029
English Literature	May 10-12, 2027 \| May 9-11, 2028 \| May 8-10, 2029
Mathematics	May 20-24, 2027 \| May 19-23, 2028 \| May 18-22, 2029
Sciences (Bio/Chem/Phys)	May 25-31, 2027 \| May 24-30, 2028 \| May 23-29, 2029
History	May 13-14, 2027 \| May 12-13, 2028 \| May 11-12, 2029
Geography	May 15-16, 2027 \| May 14-15, 2028 \| May 13-14, 2029
Modern Languages (French, Spanish, German)	Speaking: Apr-May \| Written: May 17-19, 2027 \| May 16-18, 2028 \| May 15-17, 2029
Computing	May 20-21, 2027 \| May 19-20, 2028 \| May 18-19, 2029
Art & Design	Portfolio: Ongoing \| Exam: May 27-28, 2027 \| May 26-27, 2028 \| May 25-26, 2029
Design & Technology	Project: Ongoing \| Exam: May 29-30, 2027 \| May 28-29, 2028 \| May 27-28, 2029
Music	Performance: Apr-May \| Exam: Jun 2-3, 2027 \| Jun 1-2, 2028 \| May 31-Jun 1, 2029
Physical Education	Practical: Ongoing \| Written Exam: Jun 4-5, 2027 \| Jun 3-4, 2028 \| Jun 2-3, 2029
Citizenship / PSHE	Throughout year (no formal exam)

Support Your Child Through KS3 Years 7 - 9 (2027 - 2029)

Step 1: Understand the Transition (Sep ‘26)

Action: Assess current subjects, identify key gaps, and start tutoring (Sept - Oct ‘26) for a smooth Y7 start. First exams take place in May 2027.

Step 2: Close Gaps Before the May 2027 Exams

Action: Strengthen Maths, English, and Science through focused tutoring from October to May. Use the first exam results to set a Y8 baseline.

Step 3: Use Y7 Results to Plan Y8 (Jun ‘27)

Action: Review the May results, adjust the tutoring plan, and build strong study habits before the Jan ‘28 mocks.

Step 4: Prepare for the Y8 Mocks (Jan ‘28)

Action: Use focused revision and practice from Oct - Jan to target weak topics and assess readiness for GCSE subject choices.

Step 5: Make Informed GCSE Choices (Dec ‘28)

Action: Choose 4-6 optional subjects based on your child’s strengths, interests, and tutor guidance. These choices typically continue for two years.

Step 6: Prepare for Final Y9 Exams (Jan - May ‘29)

Action: Focus on intensive revision, past papers, and exam technique. May-Jun 2029 final exams = GCSE baseline. Strong results = GCSE momentum.

Key Takeaways

✓ Year 7 exams start May 2027 — Start preparing now (Sep 2026)

First formal exams are just 8 months away. Early tutoring (Sep-Oct 2026) prevents foundation gaps that compound over 3 years.

✓ Year 8 mocks (Jan 2028) show GCSE readiness

Mock results guide tutoring focus and subject selection strategy. Use them to strengthen weak areas before Dec 2028 choices.

✓ GCSE Subject Choices lock in December 2028

Choose 4-6 optional subjects from strength by Dec 2028. These choices affect A-Level pathways. Reversing is difficult after deadline.

✓ Subject-wise exam dates vary (May-June each year)

Maths exams (May 20-24) differ from English (May 8-10). Check subject-wise dates above to plan revision timeline.

✓ Year 9 final exams (May-Jun 2029) = GCSE baseline

Strong Y9 results (May-Jun 2029) determine GCSE starting targets. Results carry momentum into GCSE years.

⚠️ Disclaimer : This page uses 2027–2029 KS3 assessment dates as a reference. Dates may vary by school, region, and assessment provider, so always confirm your child’s exact assessment timetable with their school before planning revision or tutoring. For the most accurate information, check the latest guidance from your child’s school and relevant education authorities.

Frequently asked questions

When do Year 7 exams happen?

Year 7 end-of-year exams are May 8-Jun 12, 2027. That's just 8 months away. All subjects are examined. Tutoring should start now (Sep-Oct 2026) to prevent foundation gaps.

When do students choose GCSE subjects?

GCSE subject choices happen in December 2028 (end of Year 8). This gives 2 months after Year 8 end-of-year exams (May-Jun 2028) to decide. Choices are final and lock in for GCSE years.

What happens during Year 8 (2027-2028)?

Year 8 has continuous assessment Oct 2027-May 2028. Mock exams in Jan 2028 show readiness level. End-of-year exams May 7-Jun 11, 2028. Results inform GCSE subject selection.

Do exam dates vary by subject?

Yes. Maths exams (May 20-24, 2027) happen later than English (May 8-10, 2027). Sciences finish by May 31. Check the subject-wise table above for exact dates. Plan revision per subject timing.

How does tutoring help prepare for KS3 exams?

Sep-Oct 2026: Identify weak areas, build confidence. Oct 2026-May 2027: Close foundation gaps, exam technique. Jan 2028 mocks: Use results to adjust Y8 strategy. Help guide GCSE choices by Dec 2028.

What is the importance of Y9 final exams (May-Jun 2029)?

Year 9 final exams (May 6-Jun 10, 2029) set the GCSE baseline. Strong results = higher GCSE starting targets. Gaps here compound over 2 GCSE years. These exams are critical.

KS3 Exam Schedule & Planning Guide: 2027- 2029

KS3 Key Dates 2027–2029

KS3 Assessment Dates by Subject: 2027–2029

When to Start Tutoring Support?

Support Your Child Through KS3 Years 7 - 9 (2027 - 2029)

Key Takeaways

Starting early keeps you prepared, not rushed

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Frequently asked questions

When do Year 7 exams happen?

When do students choose GCSE subjects?

What happens during Year 8 (2027-2028)?

Do exam dates vary by subject?

How does tutoring help prepare for KS3 exams?

What is the importance of Y9 final exams (May-Jun 2029)?

How often should my child attend tutoring sessions?

Is there a long-term commitment required for tutoring?

Do you offer online tutoring in addition to home tuition?

Can I get a private tutor at home?

How are tutors selected?

Can I choose my child’s tutor?

What is the duration of each tutoring session?

Can tutoring sessions be canceled or rescheduled?

What if my child doesn’t connect with the tutor?

How do I track my child’s progress?

Am I eligible for a full refund?