GCSE results day represents a significant milestone for students across the United Kingdom, marking the culmination of years of study and examination. Alongside the anticipation of receiving results, many students and their families look for ways to celebrate this occasion. A notable tradition in the UK is the availability of special offers, freebies, and discounts from various restaurants and retailers on results day. These promotions are designed to reward students for their hard work and provide an opportunity for celebration, regardless of the grades achieved. The offers typically require proof of results, such as a physical results slip or digital confirmation, and often come with specific conditions regarding purchase requirements, valid dates, and participating locations. This guide details the verified freebies and deals available to GCSE students based on information from the 2025 results day period.
Verified Restaurant Offers and Conditions
Based on reports from the 2025 GCSE results day, several UK restaurant chains offered specific free items or discounts to students presenting their exam results. The conditions for these offers vary, with some requiring a purchase and others providing a completely free item.
Frankie & Benny’s
Frankie & Benny’s offered what was described as "maybe the best deal of the lot" for students. The promotion provided a free Margherita pizza to students who presented their exam results. A key feature of this offer was that there was no requirement to purchase anything else to receive the free pizza. The offer was valid for dine-in only on results day. Students could choose to pay for extra toppings if they wished. The restaurant is noted as being family-friendly, making it a suitable venue for group celebrations.
Las Iguanas
Las Iguanas, a chain known for its South American cuisine, offered a free portion of churros to students who presented their exam results. This deal was available on results day as a celebratory treat.
Nando’s
Nando’s, a popular choice among students, offered a free quarter chicken or a free starter to students who spent £7 or more. To redeem this offer, students needed to show their ID and proof of results (either paper or electronic) when dining in on GCSE results day. The offer was also available for collection. The value of the free item is significant, with a starter usually priced from £3.95 and a quarter chicken from £5.50.
Wagamama
Wagamama offered a 25 per cent discount on the total bill for students dining in between Thursday 21 August and Wednesday 27 August. To access this discount, students needed to download and join the Wagamama loyalty app, Soul Club, and show proof of this membership along with their GCSE results to the server.
Banana Tree
Banana Tree offered a free chicken or vegan katsu curry (usually priced around £15) to students who purchased a soft drink on results day. This offer required students to sign up for the deal at Banana Tree ahead of time. Students then had to bring their GCSE results and ID to the restaurant. The offer was limited to one voucher per guest. For students unable to attend on results day, Banana Tree also offered a £10 discount on orders made between Monday and Friday year-round for those who sign up to their newsletter, though this could not be used in conjunction with the results day offer.
Chiquito
Chiquito offered a free main meal to A-level and GCSE graduates. This offer was valid until Thursday 4 December and was available all day, every day, except on holidays such as Christmas Eve. The free main excluded the ultimate fajita, whole rack of ribs, and Mexican sirloin.
Bella Italia
Bella Italia offered a free starter and dessert for every person at a table who bought a main course, provided one guest showed proof of GCSE exam results. This offer was available on results day only and was valid for tables of up to six people. This deal allows for a three-course meal at a reduced cost, as starters are usually priced from around £4.99 and desserts from around £5.29.
Zizzi
Zizzi offered a "surprise freebie" on results day. According to the restaurant, each location would give out 100 prizes in total. Most of these prizes were mozzarella and garlic bread, but one lucky winner at each location would win £150 worth of food. Up to six prizes could be redeemed per table, making it a fun option for group celebrations.
Byron
Byron offered a free burger from their 'Proper Burgers' menu to students who showed their results slip. This offer was straightforward, requiring only the presentation of the results slip to receive the burger.
Côte Brasserie
Côte Brasserie offered freebies to GCSE students. All students could get a free dessert, such as a rich chocolate mousse or crème caramel. Additionally, any student with a French GCSE could get a free steak frites or a vegan burger. To receive these freebies, students needed to dine in with someone who had paid for an adult main dish.
Bills
Bills offered a free dessert to students on results day.
TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays offered a free main meal to students on results day.
Showcase Cinema
Showcase Cinema offered a small ICEE drink to students who presented their exam results when purchasing a movie ticket on results day.
General Conditions and Redemption Tips
To successfully redeem these offers, students should be aware of several general conditions and tips. Most restaurants require students to show proof of their GCSE results, which can be either a physical results slip or digital proof on a phone. It is also advisable to bring a form of ID. Many offers are dine-in only, with Nando’s being a noted exception that also allowed for collection.
A crucial tip is to inform the restaurant that you wish to redeem the results day freebie or deal before ordering. This ensures that the offer is applied correctly. Students should also check their bill to confirm the discount or free item has been applied before paying.
For those planning to go as a group, it is important to check if offers are limited per guest. For example, Banana Tree’s offer required each guest to register separately and was limited to one voucher per person.
Students are also encouraged to follow their preferred restaurants on social media, as deals are often announced late. Planning in advance can help secure the best deals and avoid disappointment.
Conclusion
GCSE results day offers a variety of freebies and discounts from UK restaurants, providing students with an opportunity to celebrate their achievements. From completely free meals like Frankie & Benny’s pizza to significant discounts like Wagamama’s 25 per cent off, there are options to suit different preferences and budgets. To make the most of these offers, students should prepare by bringing their results slips and ID, sign up for any required loyalty schemes or newsletters in advance, and remember to mention the offer before ordering. By following these guidelines, students can enjoy a well-deserved treat after their exams.