Exam Information

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Guidance & Regulations

Throughout Key Stage 4 (KS4), we conduct a series of planned practice examinations to ensure our students are thoroughly prepared for their official GCSEs.

Key dates and schedules for these practice windows are published in the Parent Handbook (distributed every September) and are updated regularly on the parent/student app.

Personalised exam timetables

Prior to any examination period, every student is issued a personalised timetable. This contains vital, individual information that changes for every exam:

• Date & Exact Start Time

• Duration of the exam

• Location (Exam Hall or specific room)

• Seat Number

Student Responsibility: Because seating arrangements and locations change for each paper, students must write down and memorise their specific seat numbers and room locations in advance.

Official JCQ rules and regulations

We strictly adhere to the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) national regulations. Any breach of these conditions constitutes malpractice and must be reported to the exam board, which may result in disqualification from all qualifications.

Students must follow the complete rules outlined below:

Arrival and attendance

• Arrive at your designated exam location at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

• If you are late, report immediately to the invigilator running the exam. If you arrive more than one hour after the published starting time, the exam board may not accept your paper.

Strict ban on unauthorised Items

Possession of unauthorised items is a serious breach of the rules, even if you do not intend to use them. The following items must be put on your desk for collection:

• Mobile phones, iPods, MP3/4 players, tablets, and smart glasses.

• Earphones, earbuds (e.g., AirPods), or any Bluetooth audio devices.

• No watches of any description (smartwatches or traditional wristwatches) are allowed. These must be put on your desk for collection.

• Any revision notes, papers, or unauthorised written material.

Exam room conduct

• You are under formal exam conditions from the moment you enter the room until you are permitted to leave.

• You must not talk to, attempt to communicate with, or disturb other candidates once you cross the threshold of the exam room.

• You must listen to and immediately follow all instructions given by the invigilators.

• You are not allowed to borrow or lend any equipment or stationery from another candidate during the exam.

• If you leave the exam room unaccompanied by an invigilator before the exam finishes, you will not be allowed to return.

Stationery, calculators & materials

• You must write clearly and entirely in black ink. Coloured pencils or inks may only be used for diagrams, maps, or charts.

• Do not use correcting pens, fluid, correction tape, erasable pens, highlighters, or gel pens in your answers.

• All stationery must be visible inside a completely clear, see-through plastic case or bag.

• Only water is permitted, and it must be in a clear plastic bottle with all labels fully removed.

• You may use a calculator unless explicitly banned for that paper. However, you must:

  • Clear anything stored in its memory.

  • Remove any cases, lids, or covers that feature printed formulas or instructions.

  • Ensure you do not bring any calculator operating manuals into the room.

Academic integrity

• The work you submit must be entirely your own.

• You must not sit an exam in the name of another candidate.

• Do not write inappropriate, offensive, or obscene material on your exam papers.

Related documents & downloads

For further details or to view the official posters displayed outside our examination rooms, please download the resources after they have been updated by JCQ in Sept 2026:

• PDF Download: JCQ Information for Candidates – Written Exams

• PDF Download: JCQ Official Warning to Candidates Poster

• PDF Download: JCQ No Mobile Phones / No Watches Poster

• PDF Download: This Academic Year's School Exam Booklet & Information Letters