This summer, millions of students across the United Kingdom will collect their GCSE and IGCSE results, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey. To celebrate this achievement, numerous UK restaurants and brands offer special promotions, freebies, and discounts exclusively for students on results day. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the free food, dining discounts, and celebratory treats available to students receiving their results on Thursday, 21st August 2025, based on offers from the previous year and reported plans for the upcoming season.
It is important to note that while many of these offers are confirmed for the 2025 results day, specific details, such as participation terms and exact dates, should always be verified directly with the individual brands or restaurants prior to visiting. Offers are typically valid only for students presenting their official results slips or certificates.
Understanding Eligibility and Key Dates
The primary results day for most UK GCSE students is Thursday, 21st August 2025. Students can typically collect their results from their school or access them online from 8:00 am. This date is also relevant for IGCSE students receiving results from exam boards like Edexcel and OxfordAQA International, whose results are released on the same day. However, students taking Cambridge International (CIE) IGCSEs may receive their results earlier, on 19th August 2025, and might not be able to access all the same promotions that are tied specifically to the 21st.
The offers detailed in this guide are generally available to students presenting a valid results slip or certificate as proof of their exam completion. Some promotions may also require a student ID or proof of age. A few offers extend to family or friends dining with the student, but many are limited to the student themselves.
Free Food and Dining Offers for GCSE Students
A wide variety of UK restaurant chains and independent eateries offer free meals, starters, desserts, or substantial discounts to help students celebrate. The following list compiles offers reported for previous years and confirmed for the 2025 results day.
Popular Restaurant Chains with Freebies
- Nando’s: A perennial favourite, Nando’s typically offers a free quarter chicken or a starter to students who spend £7 or more and present their results slip and student ID at the till.
- Bella Italia: Students can enjoy a free starter and dessert with the purchase of a main dish. This offer is often valid for tables of up to six people. To access year-round student discount, students are advised to fill out the form on the Bella Italia website.
- Frankie & Benny’s: The restaurant chain has offered a free margarita pizza to students who show proof of their GCSE results and purchase a large soft drink. In some locations, this offer may be limited to the first 50 students.
- Las Iguanas: Students can claim a free plate of churros by presenting their exam certificates. This offer is typically valid during the results day period.
- Wildwood: The Italian restaurant chain offers a free starter or dessert, plus a free Coke Zero, to students who order a main meal and show their exam results and proof of age.
- Bill’s: A free dessert is available when a student orders a main meal and presents their results slip and student ID.
- Pizza Express: Students can receive free dough balls with the purchase of any main meal.
- Byron Burgers: This chain has offered a two-for-one burger deal or a free burger from their 'Proper Burgers' menu when students show their results slip.
- Chiquitos: Students can receive a free adult main meal when they purchase an adult main meal and show their exam results.
- TGI Fridays: Offers have included a 24% discount on the food bill or a deal where a student eats for free when one main meal is purchased.
- Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza (Southwark): This specific branch offers 75 minutes of bottomless pizza from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm for students on results day.
Discounts and Special Menus
- Wagamama: The Asian food chain offers a 25% discount across the entire menu for students who are signed up to its loyalty programme, Soul Club, and present their results at participating restaurants. This discount is available for GCSE students from 21st to 27th August.
- The Ivy Collection: For a more formal celebration, The Ivy offers a results-day themed menu. Students and their families can enjoy a two-course menu for £29.95 or a three-course feast for £35.95, with a free goodie bag for the student.
- Côte Brasserie: Students can receive a free dessert and a £10 voucher with their results slip. Additionally, if a student passed a French exam, they may also get a free Steak Frites or Vegan Burger.
Free Drinks and Sweet Treats
- Bird & Blend Tea Co: A free drink from the summer menu (e.g., iced tea, iced matcha) is available with no minimum spend—just show your results slip.
- Doughnation: Students can receive a free dessert when they purchase a pizza on results day.
- Banana Tree: A free chicken or tofu Pad Thai is available when a student buys a starter and a drink. Students must sign up for the voucher online and show their results slip.
Important Considerations and Best Practices
While the prospect of free food is exciting, students should be aware of several practicalities to ensure a smooth experience:
- Proof of Results: The most common requirement is the presentation of an official results slip or certificate. It is advisable to keep this document safe and accessible on results day.
- Proof of Identity: Some venues may require a student ID or other proof of age, especially for offers that include age-restricted items or to verify the student status.
- Minimum Spend and Purchases: Many offers are not entirely free without any purchase. For example, Nando’s requires a £7 spend, Frankie & Benny’s requires the purchase of a large soft drink, and Chiquitos requires the purchase of a main meal. Students should check the specific terms of each offer.
- Group Offers: Some promotions, like the one at Bella Italia, are valid for larger groups (e.g., up to six people). Others may be limited to the individual student. It is always best to check the offer details in advance.
- Loyalty Programmes: For offers like the Wagamama discount, signing up to the relevant loyalty scheme (Soul Club) is a prerequisite. This should be done well before results day to avoid delays.
- Geographical and Branch Limitations: Not all branches of a chain may participate. Offers at specific locations, such as Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza in Southwark, may be particularly limited. It is recommended to call the local branch to confirm participation.
- Timing: While most offers are valid on 21st August, some, like the Wagamama discount, run for a week. Others, like Las Iguanas, may have a specific validity window (e.g., 14th–21st August). Always check the dates.
- Verification of Offers: The information in this guide is based on offers from previous years and reported plans for 2025. The most reliable source of information is always the official brand website or a direct call to the restaurant. Offers can change, and terms and conditions may be updated.
Conclusion
GCSE results day 2025 presents a valuable opportunity for students to enjoy free food, discounts, and celebratory treats from a diverse range of UK restaurants and brands. From free chicken at Nando’s and dessert at Bella Italia to substantial discounts at Wagamama and unique experiences like bottomless pizza at Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza, there are options to suit various tastes and budgets. The key to accessing these offers is preparation: students should verify the specific terms and conditions for their chosen venues, ensure they have the necessary proof of results and identity, and be aware of any minimum spend or purchase requirements. By planning ahead, students can make the most of these special promotions and celebrate their hard-earned achievements.