Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What do I do if there’s a clash on my timetable?

The school will re-schedule papers internally (on the same day) where there is a clash of subjects.  Candidates will normally sit one paper then have a break during which they will be supervised and must not have any communication with other candidates. They will then sit the second subject paper. If you have been identified as having a clash of exams an additional letter will be included with your timetable, detailing the changes to be made. It may be necessary for you to bring a packed lunch if you have exams in the morning and afternoon as you will have to remain under supervision until both examinations are completed. 

Q. What do I do if I think I have the wrong paper?

Invigilators will ask you to check before the exam starts.  If you think something is wrong put your hand up and tell the Invigilator immediately.

Q. What do I do if I forget my Candidate Number?

Candidate numbers are printed on the name card which will be on your allocated desk. Please do not damage or remove these cards as they have to be used for a number of exams.

Q. What do I do if I forget the school Centre Number?

The Centre Number is 65125.  It is printed on the name card which will be on your allocated desk.

Q. What do I do if I have an accident or am ill before the exam?

Inform school at the earliest possible point so we can help or advise you. In the case of an accident that means you are unable to write it may be possible to provide you with a scribe to write your answers but we will need as much prior notice as possible. You may need to obtain medical evidence (from your GP or hospital) if you wish the school to make an appeal for Special Consideration on your behalf (see below).

Q. What is an Appeal for Special Consideration?

Special Consideration is an adjustment to the marks or grades of a candidate who is eligible for consideration.  The allowance for Special Consideration is from 0% (consideration given but addition of marks considered inappropriate) to 5% (reserved for exceptional cases). Parents should be aware that any adjustment is likely to be small and no feedback is ever provided. Candidates will only be eligible for Special Consideration if they have been fully prepared and covered the whole course but performance in the examination or in the production of coursework is affected by adverse circumstances beyond their control. Examples or such circumstances may be illness, accident or injury, bereavement, domestic crisis.  The Examination Officer must be informed immediately, so that the necessary paperwork can be completed (within 7 days of the last exam session for each subject) and the candidate will be required to provide evidence to support such an application.

Q. What do I do if I feel ill during the exam?

Put your hand up and an Invigilator will assist you. You should inform an Invigilator if you feel ill before or during an exam.

Q. If I am late can I still sit the examination?

Depending on your arrival time, it may still be possible for you to sit the examination.  You should get to school as quickly as possible and report to Reception.  A member of staff will escort you to the exam room.  You must not enter an examination room without permission after an examination has started.  It may not be possible to allow you any extra time if you start the examination late.

You should be aware that if you start the exam more than 60 minutes after the published starting time (9.00am or 1.30pm), the school must inform the awarding body. It is possible that they will not accept your work.  Please ensure you allow enough time to get to school so that if you are delayed (e.g. through transport problems) you will still arrive on time.

Q. If I miss the examination can I take it on another day?

No. Timetables are regulated by the exam boards and you must attend on the given date and time.  

Q. Do I have to wear school uniform?

Yes. Normal school regulations apply to uniform, hair, jewellery, make-up etc.

Q. What equipment should I bring for my exams?

• For most exams you should bring at least two pens (BLACK ink only). 

• For some exams you will need a calculator, HB pencils, a 30cm ruler (marked with cm and mm), pencil sharpener, rubber, compasses and protractor.

• You are responsible for providing your own equipment for examinations. You must not attempt to borrow equipment from another candidate during the exam.

Q. What items are not allowed into the examination room?

• Only material that is listed on exam papers is permitted in the exam room and students who are found to have any material with them that is not allowed will be reported to the appropriate exam board.  In such circumstances, a student would normally be disqualified from the paper or the subject concerned. It is very important that students check their pockets to make sure there is no unauthorised equipment on their person eg paper/notes/phones etc.

• Bags, coats, hats and scarves must be stored in the designated area for each exam room.  

• No food is allowed in the exam room.

• Mobile phones, watches etc. must be switched to silent and either handed in to an invigilator or left in school bags.

Q. Why can’t I bring my mobile phone into the exam room?

Being in possession of a mobile phone (or any other electronic communication/ storage device, e.g. ipod, smartwatch, headphones) is regarded as cheating and is subject to severe penalty from the awarding bodies:  

The minimum penalties are as follows:

• Device found on you and turned ON - disqualification for the entire subject award.

• Device found on you and turned OFF - disqualification from the specific paper you are sitting at the time.

• Phone rings during the exam wherever it is in the room, the awarding body must be informed and you will be disqualified from all papers for that subject (including any already taken).

Q. How do I know how long the exam is?

The length of the examination is shown in minutes on your individual timetable.  Invigilators will tell you when to start and finish the exam.  They will write the finish time of the exam board at the front of the room.  There will be a clock in all exam rooms.

Q. Can I leave the exam early?

No. Candidates may not leave the exam room until the exam is complete.  You will not be allowed to leave early even if you have finished the paper before the published time. If you do finish early you should spend any time you have checking that you have answered all of the questions that you are required to do. 

Q. What do I do if the fire alarm goes?

The exam invigilators will tell you what to do.  If you have to evacuate the room, when instructed, close your papers and leave everything on your desk. Leave the room in silence when asked to do so.  You must not attempt to communicate with any other candidates during the evacuation.

Q. Can I go to the toilet during the exam?

If it is absolutely necessary, during specific times.  You will be escorted by an Invigilator and will not be allowed any additional time.

Q. What do I do in between exams?

Follow the school day as normal.

Q. If I have more than one exam on a day can I get lunch at school?

Pupils who have exams in both morning and afternoon sessions may obtain lunch from the dining hall in the usual way or bring a packed lunch.

Q. Why do I need to check the details on my timetable?

The details on your timetable will be used when certificates are printed. If the name or date of birth on your certificates does not match your birth certificate it could cause you problems if you are asked to show your certificates to a potential employer or to a college/university.  You should also check that the subjects and tiers of entry you are entered for are correct and that no subjects are missing.

Q. I am entitled to extra time – how will this affect the way I take my exams?

Some students receive an allowance of 25% extra time.  The card on your desk will indicate that you qualify for extra time.  The Invigilators will include the additional time when they display the finishing time of your exam on the board. If using extra time you must put your hand up to request permission to leave the exam room once you have used the extra time that you require. An Invigilator will then collect your script before allowing you to leave.

Q. What do I do if I don’t get the grades I need for college?

Teaching staff will be available to advise you on results day. If you feel strongly that it is necessary to make an enquiry about your result you should first consult the Faculty Head to obtain their advice as to the advisability of requesting 'Review of Results' (RoR).