Sitting Exams

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Preparation and Support

We recognise that effective preparation is key to success, and we have put several measures in place to support our students:

  • Revision Sessions:

    • Additional revision sessions are being held after school (ESPs), and over May Half Term to ensure students have access to structured learning and teacher support.

    • Half-term revision timetables will be emailed to parents and students soon.

  • Study Resources:

    • Past exam papers, mark schemes, and revision guides are available on department websites to aid students in their independent study.

    • Subject teachers are available to provide additional guidance and answer any queries students may have.

  • Pastoral & Well-being Support:

    • We understand that exams can be stressful. Our pastoral team is on hand to support students emotionally and academically.

    • If your child is feeling overwhelmed, we encourage them to speak to their tutor, a teacher, or a member of the pastoral team in the student hub for guidance and reassurance.

 

Exam Day Guidelines

To ensure the smooth running of the exams, students are required to follow these important guidelines:

  • Arrive at least 10 minutes before the exam is scheduled to begin.

  • Ensure they bring all required equipment, including black pens x 2, pencils, rulers, erasers, a highlighter for highlighting key words on the question paper and calculators (where permitted), all contained in a clear pencil case.

  • Mobile phones, watches, AirPods, and any electronic devices must be switched to silent then switched off and handed in before the start of the exam. Chromebooks can be left turned off in bags if in school.

  • Water bottles must be clear and label-free.

  • Follow the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) regulations, which are clearly explained below, for all students. Any breach of these rules could result in disqualification.

 

Encouraging Effective Study Habits at Home

We appreciate your role in supporting your child’s revision at home. Here are some ways you can help:

  • Encourage a consistent study schedule, with regular breaks to avoid burnout.

  • Provide a quiet, distraction-free environment for revision. If this is not available at home, there will be a space at school for all year 11 students, should they prefer to study there. Please head to the LRC to find out where the study rooms are each day.

  • Ensure they get enough sleep and maintain a balanced diet to stay physically and mentally prepared.  Try to get them to go to bed at the same time every day, including weekends, during the exam period.

  • Offer positive reinforcement and emotional support to help them stay motivated.

  • Keep to a routine even when there are significant gaps between exams.

 

Results Day & Next Steps

GCSE results will be released on 20th August 2026, and students can collect their results from school between 10 am and 11 am. Further details about results day procedures and collection options will be communicated closer to the time.

If your child has any concerns about their next steps, including college applications, apprenticeships, or career guidance, our Careers Adviser will be available to provide support and advice on the day.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement during this critical time in your child’s education. If you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the school via the usual methods or your child’s tutor.