With a background in financial journalism across national titles, Ruby loves helping people take control of their money and specialises in pensions, tax, banking and benefits.
Whether you’re a student picking up your GCSE results this week – or a proud parent or grandparent cheering them on – there are plenty of ways to celebrate without spending a fortune.
Restaurants and cafés across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are offering freebies and discounts on results day this year, which falls on Thursday 20 August.
A level results were released last week on 13 August and in Scotland, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher results were released to students on Tuesday 4 August.
Here, Which? rounds up the results day deals available now, along with what students need to claim them.
Here's a list of places where students can claim free food or drink on results day this year.
We’ll keep an eye out and add more results day deals as we spot them.
Here are a few tips for this results day, so you don’t miss out on a freebie.
Most places will want to see evidence that you've got your results, so be sure to have your results slip to hand, as well as a student ID if you have one and proof of age.
If you don’t, you may be denied the freebie, even if you have got results.
Places offering results day deals can get really busy, so it's probably best to book ahead if you can. Particularly if you want friends and family to cash in on the deal.
Make sure to look at the T&Cs before you try to claim a freebie, as it may be limited to specific times or locations, or may include a minimum spend.
Alongside this, you may need to download an app or join a loyalty scheme beforehand to claim, so double-check the requirements.
Often, it’s helpful to follow your favourite restaurants on social media. This way, you can catch any last-minute offers or changes as they go live.
Reach out to our money experts to discover smarter ways to spend, save and manage your money. Our regular guidance will help the penny drop all year for only £36.75 that’s 25% off.
Join Which? MoneySave 25% – was £49, now £36.75 for a year, offer ends 19 October 2026.
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