GCSE and IGCSE results day is an important moment in a person's education. You learn the UK curriculum over years 10 and 11 (sometimes earlier), spend months revising, finally sit the exams, and then have to wait for your results. It's a day mixed with nerves, relief, worry, and celebration.
It's less well-known that there is a range of freebies and discounts for students on results day. This includes free food at popular restaurants and discounts at well-known brands. Many businesses reward GCSE students for achieving this academic milestone with special deals.
Results day is also when students plan their next steps, such as starting A-Levels and choosing a sixth form, beginning an apprenticeship, or resitting certain GCSE subjects. If you're considering retakes because you didn't get the grades you wanted, tuition can help you prepare effectively, especially if these subjects are important to your future. Follow the link to learn how lessons work with TeachTutti, and how TeachTutti stands out as an education provider.
This guide will explain how to get the best deals and perks on the IGCSE and GCSE results day. This includes food offers at favourite restaurants, and what you need to claim these deals.
IGCSE and GCSE Results Day 2026
The GCSE results day for 2026 is Thursday, 20 August. It is the same national date across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
IGCSE results are slightly different, depending on the exam provider. Cambridge International (CIE) is on 18 August, while Pearson Edexcel and Oxford AQA are on 20 August. Check with your school or exam centre to confirm collection dates and times.
You can collect your results in person at your school. Other arrangements are provided, such as accessing results online, if you'd prefer to be on your own when reading your marks.
The free offers are only available for a short time. The restaurants offering results day deals may only accept the offer for the day itself, while others may extend them to the weekend. Check the dates in advance to avoid being disappointed.
Exam results day is especially busy in the afternoon. By this time, most students collecting their grades will have made plans with friends or family. Booking ahead if the restaurant lets you make reservations, especially if the chain is popular and the offer is well-known.
How to Claim Exam Results Day Freebies
Check you know what is needed to claim these offers. You will already be carrying proof of identification to get your results, but there are often additional requirements:
- Results slip - You will often be asked to show your GCSE results. You are normally expected to show your results slip, though some businesses will accept a digital version if you got the grades online. If possible, always bring a paper copy.
- Student or school ID - You need to bring proof of age to show you are a student. This could be a school ID card, sixth form ID if held, or other identification, such as a passport.
- Restaurant or loyalty apps - You may need to download an app to get the deal. For example, you may need to sign up as a member to be eligible for a free meal at a restaurant. Download the loyalty scheme app in advance to save time and avoid disappointment.
- Minimum spend requirements - The deal may not be completely free. It may require buying a main meal in exchange for a free dessert or similar. Other offers may only apply if you're eating in rather than having a takeaway. Read the terms and conditions to avoid unpleasant surprises when paying.
- Timing and availability - The promotion may only run during off-peak hours or while stocks last. If the offer is popular, it can disappear quickly. Try to arrive early if possible.
Get free food from restaurants on GCSE Results Day
Every year, restaurant chains give away deals on GCSE results day. The promotions vary, but normally include free sides, desserts, or discounts.
These deals are announced at short notice, often 1-7 days beforehand, or on results day itself. The restaurants below have offered deals over the past result days, and the deals we list are based on historical trends.
You should always check the official website or social media pages before visiting the restaurants. Offers can vary by location and may require downloading an app. The platforms most commonly used to promote these offers are Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Nando's
Nando's is a favourite restaurant on results day. Students are normally offered a free side dish or dessert. You need to show your results slip and are typically expected to buy a main meal.
Popular choices include PERi chips, garlic bread, and frozen yoghurt.
PizzaExpress
In the past, PizzaExpress has offered free dough balls or desserts to students. They are normally dependent on downloading and signing up to a loyalty app. Be sure to do this before you arrive.
Wagamama
Deals at Wagamama have included free side dishes when you buy a main meal. This includes gyoza, or edamame. It's a good option if you're celebrating in a group.
Las Iguanas
The promotions at Las Iguanas are especially generous. They include free meals or large discounts, depending on showing your grades. Bear in mind, there are often booking requirements. In 2025, students got a free portion of churros.
Zizzi
Free garlic bread or desserts are common at Zizzi. You also may be offered a discounted main meal. The offer varies each year, so check ahead.
Bella Italia
Free desserts or discounted meals are often provided at Bella Italia. In 2025, a whole table of up to 6 people was eligible for a free starter and dessert when buying a main meal.
Bill's
Students have been able to claim a free dessert or small treat when dining with family or friends. In 2025, students were given a free dessert when they bought a main meal. You have to show your physical results slip and student ID.
Frankie & Benny's
There are results day offers at Frankie & Bennies. This includes free meals for students who received higher grades. Last year, students got a free Margherita pizza when they bought a soft drink
Other freebies and discounts
Looking beyond restaurants, there are many brands that try to attract students with rewards, discounts, and free treats. Keep an eye on social media to spot last-minute promotions.
Coffee shops and dessert chains
You can get free drinks, pastries, or sweet treats at coffee shop chains and dessert brands. This includes bubble tea shops, dessert cafes, and ice cream chains. This is particularly the case in larger towns and city centres.
The offers are normally easy to claim. It may require following a social media page, or using a store app.
Cinema and entertainment offers
Discounts are common at entertainment venues to draw in groups of students. This includes cinema tickets, bowling, and mini golf. You may get student-priced tickets or special "results day only" promotions to encourage group bookings.
Beauty and retail promotions
Offers are common on beauty products, skincare, accessories, or clothing. These discounts can normally be found on student discount platforms, such as UNiDays or Student Beans, or in-store promotions.
If you're planning on attending sixth form or college, you can also often find offers on stationary, laptops, and school essentials.
Sign-up offers
You can find discounts on student discount platforms. These include UNiDays, Student Beans, and TOTUM. They unlock discounts across fashion, technology, food brands, and even travel for holidays.
The freebies are often small, but registering on these sites can save money throughout your education, including sixth form, college, and university.
Tips to get freeby and discount deals on results day
If you're keen on getting a deal on GCSE results day, it's a good idea to plan. Many of the best offers are time-limited or come with small conditions. Preparing for these freebie and discount offers may also help distract you as results day nears.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Plan where you want to go - Popular restaurants will get busy, especially at lunchtime. Avoid extra stress on the day by deciding where to go in advance. You can book to avoid long queues or a fully booked venue.
- Download apps - Most offers are dependent on downloading an app or signing up to a loyalty scheme. It's a good idea to download the app the night before.
- Bring your proof - Take your physical results slip with you, if possible, and your student ID. The priority is your results slip, but bring both in case the restaurant asks for it.
- Terms and conditions - The offer may only be valid with a minimum spend, or if you dine in. Check the details to avoid confusion when paying for the bill.
- Go out earlier - The best offers are the most popular and will run out, becoming unavailable later in the day. Try to visit earlier in the day to avoid disappointment.
- Go in a group - Many offers apply to groups, especially when sharing sides or desserts. Celebrating with friends and family will open up more offers and make the experience more enjoyable.
Planning your next step
Looking beyond freebies and discounts, GCSE results day is when students start to think about what happens next. It is the first real choice for young people in their future.
A-Levels
If a student wants to continue onto A Levels at sixth form, they need to consider their subjects. The initial choices are made in the spring term of year 11, around March. These picks are finalised on your GCSE results, and you are allowed to change subjects if needed.
When making your decision, think about what will benefit your possible future education at a university or college, and career options. The subject needs to balance enjoyment, what you are naturally suited to, and your long-term goals.
It's a good idea to keep at least one of the core subjects of English, Maths, and Science. One or more of these subjects are normally required for degree courses and career paths.
Other pathways and opportunities
For students who prefer to learn in a practical way, BTECs and T Levels focus on applied learning. They combine classroom work with coursework and work placements. It's more career-focused and tailored to specific industries, a good option if you want hands-on learning and are already clear on your career path.
Apprenticeships let students work for an employer and get a qualification at the same time. You will earn a salary and gain real-world experience, which is important for your long-term career development.
Student support
Progressing to A Levels is a step up from GCSEs. Some students benefit from early support in year 12 as they get used to the new curriculum and increased expectations. TeachTutti has qualified A Level tutors in a range of subjects, including:
Every tutor has an enhanced DBS check. Lessons can be in-person at the home of the student or tutor, and online using the TeachTutti learning platform.
If you need support in a different subject, or are considering changing your options when you get your GCSE results, follow the link to browse the subjects taught by TeachTutti.
Remember not to panic when considering your options. You don't need to make your decision on results day, which is a time for celebration. However, it's a good time to start thinking about this. What matters is making informed decisions by getting support if needed.
Not happy with your grades?
Results day isn't always idyllic, and you may not get the results you were aiming for. This is common, and there are options in place for students in this situation.
It's easy to panic when you're not in the position you were expecting. Make sure you don't rush your next decision, and seek advice from teachers, family or friends that you trust. Most importantly, give yourself time to make the right decision.
Remark or appeal
If a result was unexpected and seems unfair, you may want to talk to a teacher about a review or remark. It's a good idea to ask your peers how they did in the same subject, to see if they also got a lower mark than expected.
Schools can guide you through this process. They will also honestly tell you if an appeal is worthwhile, considering how close you are to a grade boundary.
GCSE resits
Resitting GCSEs is a common option. This is particularly the case for core subjects, like English and Maths. Colleges and sixth forms allow students to resit subjects while continuing with their A-level studies, giving you a structured environment as you work to improve your grades.
Alternative pathways
A-Levels aren't for everyone. A student may be better suited to a vocational course if they have a specific career in mind, or an apprenticeship if they want hands-on experience in an industry. These pathways are just as valuable, and can suit different learning styles and students who already have a chosen career.
Academic support
If you need to resit a subject, or feel you'll need extra support with an A Level subject you struggled with during GCSEs, additional support can gradually build your understanding, confidence, and results. TeachTutti have tuition support, whether you need help resitting a GCSE or are looking to the next stage of your education. Follow the link to browse the subjects taught by TeachTutti.
Final thoughts
GCSE results day is a chance to reflect on your hard work over the past two years, and celebrate your works. Free food, discounts, and special offers are certainly a way to do this. Many of these deals are for groups, allowing you to celebrate with friends and family.
Looking ahead, keep in mind what your next step will be, whether that means starting A Levels, choosing a sixth form, preparing for resits, or getting support in a particular subject.
If you want support in a subject for A Levels, need to improve your GCSE mark in a resit, or are considering your options, qualified tutors at TeachTutti can advise. Follow the link to learn how lessons work with Teachtutti.
