Study Lab Monday desk — week of 2026-08-03
A dated education calendar update for the week of 2026-08-03, covering exam, results and application milestones. Check current official sources before planning.
Welcome to your essential guide to the key academic milestones, exam windows, and admissions deadlines for the upcoming eight weeks. Stay ahead of critical dates for university applications, national standardized testing, and school placement results across major global regions.
Welcome to this week's education news roundup, bringing you the latest updates on exam schedules, admissions cycles, and policy changes from key global markets. Stay informed on critical milestones and curriculum shifts to help your family plan ahead effectively.
This week's headlines
Australia
- 24 Jul 2026 — Sydney · Years 8 to 11 Selective High School Entry and HAST Dates
Applications for Years 8 to 11 entry at NSW selective schools closed on July 24, 2026, with the Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) scheduled for August 8, 2026.
United Kingdom
- 1 Aug 2026 — London · A-level and GCSE results 2026: key dates and what to expect
A-level results will be released on August 13 and GCSE results on August 20, 2026. Clearing is already open and expected to be highly active. - 27 Jul 2026 — London · Prime Minister unveils fundamental changes to technical education
The UK government announced new technical education pathways for 14-year-olds, aiming to put vocational training on equal footing with academic routes.
United States
- 30 Jul 2026 — Washington, D.C. · Senate Panel Advances Bill to Block Much of Trump Admin.'s Ed. Dept. Dismantling
A Senate committee advanced a bill to block the transfer of special education and K-12 programs to other agencies, pushing back on efforts to dismantle the Department of Education.
Asia
- 26 Jul 2026 — Singapore · Students need soft skills like discernment, problem-solving to thrive alongside AI: Jasmin Lau
Minister Jasmin Lau emphasized that students must develop soft skills like discernment and problem-solving to work effectively alongside AI, prompting calls for holistic education.
Japan
- 2 Aug 2026 — Tokyo · Education ministry urges boards to strengthen Japanese language instruction in high schools
Japan's education ministry is urging local boards to strengthen Japanese language instruction systems in high schools to support a growing number of foreign-descent students.
Upcoming events
Australia
- 19 Aug 2026 — Sydney · AU NSW Selective High School Placement Outcomes Release
The NSW Department of Education releases placement outcomes for Year 7 entry in 2027. Parents must check their dashboards to accept or decline.
United Kingdom
- 13 Aug 2026 — London · UK A-Level Results Day 2026
Students across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland receive their A-level results, and the UCAS Hub updates to confirm university placements.