From summer 2026, GCSE results in England will take a major step into the digital age. For the first time, students will be able to view their exam results directly on their phones using a new government-backed education record app.
If you’re a parent of a Year 11 student, here’s what’s changing – and what it means for you and your child.
What is the new GCSE results app?
The app, developed by the Department for Education, allows students to:
- View their GCSE results online
- Store a permanent digital record of qualifications
- Share results easily with sixth forms, colleges, and employers
- Keep key education information in one secure place
The system was trialled last summer with around 95,000 pupils across Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, ahead of a national rollout this August.
When will students see their results?
While results will be available digitally, the traditional results day experience isn’t disappearing.
- 08:00 – Schools will still hand out results in person
- 11:00 – Results will appear in the app
This delay is intentional and aims to encourage students to come into school, where they can receive guidance, reassurance, and next-steps support from teachers.
Why is this change being introduced?
According to the Department for Education, the new system could save schools and colleges up to £30 million a year by reducing paperwork and administrative tasks.
For families and students, the benefits include:
- No lost certificates
- Easier applications for college, apprenticeships, or jobs
- A single, reliable record that follows students through education
As Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith put it, students should never have to “rifle through drawers looking for a crumpled certificate”.
What information will the app hold?
Alongside exam results, the app may also include:
- Schools attended
- Eligibility for free school meals
- Special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)
This information is designed to make transitions between schools, colleges, and training providers smoother and more supportive.
Concerns about digital access
Not everyone is convinced this change will benefit all students equally.
The Digital Poverty Alliance has warned that relying on digital systems could widen the digital divide for families without reliable access to smartphones or the internet.
This highlights an important role for schools and parents: ensuring that no student is disadvantaged by lack of access or digital confidence.
Will results day still matter?
Yes – and schools are keen to keep it that way.
Headteachers involved in the pilot reported that most students still came into school on results day, valuing the chance to:
- Celebrate with friends
- Speak to teachers face-to-face
- Get immediate advice if results were unexpected
School leaders and the Association of School and College Leaders have stressed that digital access should support, not replace, human connection.
What does this mean for parents?
For parents, this change offers reassurance and simplicity:
- Results won’t get lost
- Future applications become easier
- Records are accessible whenever they’re needed
But it also reinforces the importance of staying involved on results day, checking in emotionally with your child, and making sure they understand their options.
Looking ahead
This move towards digital records is part of a wider shift in education. The exams regulator Ofqual has already announced plans to explore on-screen exams from 2030, signalling further changes ahead.
As education evolves, the goal remains the same: helping every young person move confidently into their next stage of learning.