EXAMINATION REGULATIONS

​

A copy of the “Notice to Candidates”, which is issued jointly by all the Examining Boards, is provided in the Useful Resources section.  All candidates must read this carefully and note that to break any of the examination rules or regulations could lead to disqualification from all subjects.  The school must and will report any breach of regulations by a candidate to the Awarding Body.

​

Full School Uniform must be worn by all candidates attending school for examinations.

All items of equipment, pens, pencils, mathematical instruments, etc. should be visible to the invigilators at all times. Candidates should either use pencil cases of the clear, see-through type, or place their equipment directly on the examination desk.

​

When writing on exam papers, pupils should only use BLACK pen unless the instructions on the front of the paper says otherwise. Never use pencil, red or green pens in a written examination unless instructed or permitted to do so (e.g. graphs).

​

For Mathematics and Science exams, pupils should make sure their calculators conform to the examination regulations.  If in doubt, pupils should check with their teacher. Calculator covers or instructions should be removed and placed under the desk. It is a good idea to make sure that batteries are new. It may be helpful to have a spare calculator in case of malfunction. 

​

Pupils should not bring bags or text books into the examination room ,e.g. clean copies of the English Anthology etc will be provided by the school for the exam. If pupils do have a bag with them, this must be left at the front of the examination room. It is not the responsibility of the Invigilator to remind pupils at the end of the session, so pupils should remember to collect them on their way out of the examination.

Any watch alarms should be turned off.

Pupils must not attempt to communicate with or distract other candidates.

Examination regulations are very strict regarding items that may be taken into the examination room.  If these rules are broken, pupils will be disqualified from the examination.

Mobile telephones MUST NOT BE BROUGHT INTO THE EXAMINATION ROOM. If a mobile phone (or any other type of electronic communication or storage device) is found in a pupil's possession during an examination (even if it is turned off) it will be taken from them and a report made to the appropriate exam board. No exceptions can be made. 

No food is allowed in the examination rooms. Only water in clear plastic bottles with all labels removed is allowed in the exam room.

Pupils must not write on examination desks.  This is regarded as vandalism and they will be asked to pay for any damage.

Pupils must not draw graffiti or write offensive comments on examination papers – if they do the examination board may refuse to accept the paper.

Pupils must listen carefully to instructions and notices read out by the invigilators – there may be amendments to the exam paper that they need to know about.

Pupils should check they have the correct question paper – check the subject, paper and tier of entry.

Read all instructions carefully and number answers clearly.

Pupils will not be allowed to leave an examination room early.  If they have finished the paper , they should use any time remaining to check over their answers and that they have completed their details correctly.

At the end of the examination all work must be handed in – remember to cross out any rough work. If pupils have used more than one answer book or loose sheets of paper, they should ask for a tag to fasten them together in the correct order.

Invigilators will collect exam papers before pupils leave the room.  Absolute silence must be maintained during this time.  Pupils are still under examination conditions until they have left the room.

Question papers, answer booklets and additional paper must NOT be taken from the exam room.

Pupils msut remain seated in silence until told to leave the examination room.  They should then leave the room in silence and show consideration for other candidates who may still be working. 

If the fire alarm sounds during an examination the examination invigilators will tell pupils what to do.  If they have to evacuate the room they will be asked to leave in silence and in the order in which they are sitting.  They will be escorted to the designated assembly point. They should leave everything on their desk.  They must not attempt to communicate with anyone else during the evacuation.  When they return to the exam room, pupils must not start writing until the invigilator tells them to.  They will be allowed the full working time for the examination and a report will be sent to the awarding body detailing the incident.

 

INVIGILATORS

​

The school employs external invigilators to conduct the examinations.  Pupils are expected to behave in a respectful manner towards all invigilators and follow their instructions at all times.

Subject specialist teachers may be present at the start of an examination only, and for certain examinations such as Modern Languages listening exams.

Invigilators are in the examination rooms to supervise the conduct of the examination. They will distribute and collect the examination papers, tell candidates when to start and finish the examination, hand out extra writing paper if required and deal with any problems that occur during the examination, for example if a candidate is feeling ill.

Please note that invigilators cannot discuss the examination paper with pupils or explain the questions.

Pupils who are disruptive or behave in an unacceptable manner will be removed from the examination room by invigilators and members of the Senior Leadership Team.

ABSENCE FROM EXAMINATIONS

​

If pupils experience difficulties during the examination period (e.g. illness, injury, personal problems) they or their parents should please inform school at the earliest possible point so we can help or advise.

Only in ‘very exceptional circumstances’ are candidates allowed special consideration for absence from any part of an examination.  It is essential that medical or other appropriate evidence is obtained on the day by the candidate/parent and given to the Examination Officer without delay in all cases where an application is to be made for special consideration.  A self-certification form (JCQ/ME Form 14) can be obtained from the Examinations Officer which can be countersigned by your doctor or nurse.

For the award of a grade by special consideration, where a pupil misses part of an examination through illness or personal misfortune, a minimum of 35% of the examination (including coursework) must be completed. 

Parents and candidates are reminded that the school will require payment of entry fees should a candidate fail to attend an examination without good reason and without informing the school.  Failure to pay may result in examination results being withheld.

Please note that misreading the timetable will not be accepted as a satisfactory explanation of absence.