Exam Regulations

What you need to know

Know your timetable
Check the date, time and location of every examination.

A printed timetable is given to every student ahead of the upcoming exam season. 

A digital copy is also emailed to parents/carers via The Exams Team - Schoolworkspace.

A whole school timetable can be found here 

Arrive on time
You must arrive at the examination room at the time instructed by the school. If you are late, the school will still let you sit the exam paper, however it is the Exam Boards decision as to whether or not they accept your exam paper. This can affect your overal result for the subject.

Bring the correct equipment
We supply all equipment needed for exams, including calculators. However, the maths department are happy for students to bring their own scientificat calculator if they prefer. If you wish to use your own calculator in the maths exams, you MUST complete the microsoft form below before Friday 23rd April 2027.

Only students who have completed the form before the deadline will be permitted to take their own calculator into the exam room. This is because the Maths department will need to check ahead of the exam that the calcultor meets the exam regulations. They will also need to check the calcultors on the day of each exam to clear their history and to check for any notes in or on the calculator. 

Microsoft form - pending

Check what you can bring into the exam
Some items are prohibited or restricted in examination rooms. Please note that whilst water bottles are permitted in the exam room, these must be clear, transparent bottles and must only contain water, no tea, coffe, energy drinks or any other flavered drinks are permitted. If you are bring a shop bought water, please remove all plastic labels before entering the exam room.

You must NOT bring:

Mobile phones
Watches: Analogue or Smartwatches
Unauthorised electronic devices: such as EarBuds, AirPods, Smart Glasses
Unauthorised notes or materials: this includes, writtend, doodles, scribbles on your body

Important: If you bring a prohibited item into an examination, even if you do not use it, this will be treated as a breach of examination regulations and reported to the Exam Boards. This could affect your overal grade for the subject and potentially other exams you have or are due to sit.  

The JCQ Information for Candidates documents provide important information about examination regulations, candidate conduct and what you should expect during your examinations.

View Information for Candidates – Written Examinations →

View Information for Candidates – On Screen Examinations →

View Information for Candidates – Coursework →

View Information for Candidates – Non-Examination Assessments Examinations →

View Information for Candidates – Social Media →

View Information for Candidates – AI →

Examination boards set the official start times for morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) examinations.

Schools, as examination centres, are permitted to move an examination start time by up to 30 minutes either side of the official start time where this is necessary to align the examination with the school's normal timetable.

For example: If an examination board sets an official start time of 9:00am, the school may schedule the examination to begin between 8:30am and 9:30am.

As it stands the Offical Start Times for exams taking place in this academic year are:

AM - 09:00 am

PM - 13:30 pm

All exams and the offical start times for the upcoming school year have been added to the calendar which parents/carers/student can subscribe to. School Calendar

The students individual timetables that will be printed and sent via email to parents/carers will have the School Start Time - AM exams start at 09:00 am (the same as the offical start time), afternoon exams however, are being reviewed as this academic year we have had a change to our school day. Please check your indivdual timetable for updated details. 

 

Examination clashes

In certain circumstances, a student may have an examination clash, where they are scheduled to sit two examinations at the same time.

Where this occurs, the school may make alternative arrangements for the affected students only, in accordance with the examination regulations. This is a normal occurance with Sixth Form Students, but can happen with those sitting GCSEs.

An examination start time cannot be changed for individual students for any other reason. The permitted flexibility around examination start times is not available for requests such as travel arrangements, appointments, medical procedures/recovery, transport difficulties or other personal circumstances.

Important: Students should always follow the examination time published by the school. If you have a query about your examination timetable or believe you have an examination clash, please contact the Exams Office.

Examination rules

Once inside the examination room:

• Follow all instructions given by the invigilator.
• You must not communicate with another candidate.
• You must not have unauthorised materials or devices.
• Raise your hand if you need assistance.
• You must remain in the examination room unless permitted to leave.
• Do not leave the examination room without permission.
• At the end of the examination, remain silent until you have left the examination room - you remain under exam conditions until you have left the exam room. 

Important: Students should familiarise themselves with the full JCQ regulations before their examinations.

What should I do if...?

I'm ill on the day of an exam?

• If you are well enough to sit the exam then still come in, but be sure to inform the exams officer either in person or via email.
• If you are too unwell to attend school you will need to provide medical evidence to support a potential Special Consideration Application, only applications with substantioal evidence will be accepted by the exam boards. The outcome of Special Consideration Applications is decided by the Exam Boards not the Exams Officer/School. 

Contact the Exams Office as soon as possible.

 

I'm going to be late?

Contact the school immediately and follow the instructions provided.

Do not try and contact the exams office directly as they are unlikely to be in their office answering the phone or emails. 

 

I have two exams at the same time?
Contact the Exams Office. An exam clash will be managed by the school. Normally the Exams Team have identified this ahead of you receving your timetable, but if you believe to have a clash and havent been informed of the process, please get in touch. 

 

I've forgotten something I need for my exam?
This shouldnt be an issue, we supply all equipment needed, but contact the exams officer in person, if you cant find them then contact your Head of Year or Pastoral Support. 

 

I have a problem during my examination?
Raise your hand and speak to the invigilator. Let an invigilator know of any issues during the exam, these should be passed on to the Exams Officer once the exam has finished, however if it is a serious issue, ask them to inform the Exams Officer straight away.