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In August 2026, English students will experience a new way of receiving their GCSE results via an “education record” app. This app, introduced by the Department of Education in England, will automatically store students’ exam outcomes starting from 11:00 BST on results day, scheduled for Thursday 20 August 2026. The department has highlighted that this digital shift is intended to reduce administrative burdens on schools and colleges, as well as to modernize how former students access their exam information. Despite this advancement, many pupils are still expected to visit their schools in person on the morning of results day to collect their results physically.
In contrast, Northern Ireland’s exams authority, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), currently has no plans to implement a similar app system. A CCEA spokesperson stated that they will continue to monitor developments and consult with schools, students, and other stakeholders for any possible future considerations related to digital result dissemination. This cautious approach reflects a difference in how exam results are managed and experienced across the UK regions.
Students at St Ronan’s College in Lurgan, such as Ronan and Tabitha, prefer the traditional method of receiving their results in person. Both are preparing for their GCSEs and expressed to BBC News NI a desire to come into school on results day. Ronan noted the lively atmosphere surrounding result collections, emphasizing the social aspect of being at school rather than isolating oneself at home if results are disappointing. Tabitha added that the in-person experience offers vital emotional support from friends and teachers, saying, “It’s so much more beneficial to be surrounded by your friends and your teachers, and to be able to access that support network.” She highlighted how familiar faces on results day help create comfort and a sense of security, especially given the importance of GCSE outcomes.
School leaders echo the value of the traditional results day experience despite acknowledging the potential benefits of digital options. Fiona Kane, principal of St Ronan’s College, describes the app as a positive innovation but still prefers seeing students face-to-face. She shared, “Even at A-level, when they can get results online, we still try to bring the students and their families in.” Kane stressed the significance of celebrating achievements together in school. Similarly, Matthew Pitts, the principal of Bangor Academy, expressed his appreciation for students visiting in person to receive results. He said, “Staff have invested a lot of time and energy, and built up good relationships with students. So it’s good for them to come in, so you get a chance to see them, and talk about their results and the next steps they’re going to take.” Alongside these discussions about results delivery, the Department of Education in Northern Ireland is exploring broader reforms to the exam system, including potentially ending AS-levels and returning to a two-year A-level structure, with fewer subjects and exams. These proposals were open for public consultation until November 2025
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