Exam results day abroad: IGCSE, A-Level and IB results explained
When IGCSE, A-Level and IB results are released for students at international schools, how to access them across time zones, and what to do if things don't go to plan.
Results day can be stressful anywhere, and for students at international schools it often comes with time-zone differences, holidays far from school and university decisions in another country. Here is what to expect.
When results arrive
| Qualification | Typical release |
|---|---|
| IB Diploma (May session) | Early July |
| A-Level / International A-Level (June series) | Mid-August |
| GCSE / IGCSE (June series) | Mid to late August |
| November / January series (Cambridge, Pearson) | Results in the following January–March |
Exact dates are set each year by each board. Your school will confirm them.
How students abroad receive results
- Through the school: many schools release results in person or via a secure online portal at a set local time.
- UCAS Hub: students holding UK university offers see whether their place is confirmed when UCAS updates on A-Level results day (early morning UK time).
- Time zones: for students in Asia or the Americas, UK-timed releases may arrive in the middle of the night or the previous evening. Plan to be reachable.
If results are better than expected
Students who exceed their firm offer conditions may be able to look at other options through UCAS. Talk to the school’s university counsellor before making any changes.
If results are lower than expected
- Stay calm and check UCAS. Universities sometimes confirm places even when a grade is missed.
- Call the university if your place is not confirmed. Have your UCAS ID ready.
- Consider Clearing, which lists courses that still have places.
- Ask about a review of marking if a grade seems wrong. Schools submit these to the board, and deadlines are tight.
- Resits are possible in later exam series. International boards often have November or January sessions.
How parents can help
Know the dates, make sure your child can be contacted on the day, and have the school counsellor’s contact details to hand. Most of all, remember that there is almost always a good route forward.
See also: A-Levels explained and UK university applications from abroad.
Frequently asked questions
When are A-Level results released?
For students in England, A-Level results are released in mid-August, usually on a Thursday, with GCSE results a week later. International boards such as Cambridge and Pearson release June-series results to schools around the same period. The IB releases Diploma results in early July.
What if my results are lower than my university offer?
Contact the university quickly. It may still confirm your place. If not, UCAS Clearing lists courses with vacancies. Schools can also request a review of marking if a grade looks wrong.