Government launches digital exam records app to modernise results process

The government is rolling out a new Education Record app that will allow Year 11 students in England to access their GCSE results on their phones for the first time.

From the summer of 2026, pupils will be able to view and store their results securely, reducing reliance on paper certificates and easing the transition into further education, training or employment.

Announced by the Department for Education, the national rollout follows successful pilots in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, where thousands of students have already used the app. The initiative aims to bring exam record keeping into the 21st century, while cutting administrative burdens for schools and colleges.

Under the new model, pupils will still attend school on results day to receive their grades in person and speak to teachers. Their results will then be made available digitally through the Education Record app, giving them lifelong access to verified qualifications. Employers and education providers will be able to rely on clear, accurate records without the delays and risks associated with lost or damaged paper certificates.

The app is also designed to support smoother enrolment into post-16 education. Colleges and training providers will be able to quickly see which students may need additional support, including those required to continue studying English and maths, those with special educational needs and disabilities, or those eligible for free meals. 

Government estimates suggest the system could save schools and colleges up to £30 million a year in administrative costs once fully implemented, freeing up resources for frontline teaching and learner support.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said the change would remove unnecessary friction for young people at a critical moment. “No student should have to rifle through drawers looking for a crumpled certificate when they’re preparing for a job interview,” she said, adding that the app will give instant access to results “while freeing up teachers and college staff from unnecessary paperwork.”

The Education Record app forms part of a wider push to transform how citizens interact with public services. Work is already underway to link the app with the GOV.UK Wallet, creating a single secure digital space where people could store credentials ranging from exam results to driving licences. Ministers say this aligns with the government’s broader Plan for Change, which aims to use technology to break down barriers to opportunity and improve efficiency across the public sector.