Dear Parents, Carers and Year 11 Students

Year 11 GCSE Exams – Key Information

I am writing to confirm important details about the upcoming GCSE exams and the weeks ahead.

When do exams begin?

GCSE exams start on Tuesday 6 May and run for six weeks – three weeks before and three weeks after the May half term.

When does Study Leave begin?

Study leave begins after May half term and continues for the final three weeks of exams in accord with Government rules this year. Before May half term, students will attend their normal timetabled lessons when not in exams.

What will lessons be like during the first 3 weeks?

Naturally, students may want to focus their attention on an afternoon exam if they have one, and teachers expect this and are sensitive to what students need during this three-week period. It would not be unusual for teachers to allow students to revise for an afternoon exam during their lesson, provided the time is used productively, though they may sometimes need to carry on with their subject’s content for an upcoming exam.

Revision Sessions on Exam Days

From Tuesday 6 May, we are offering short, focused revision sessions in the Main Hall for students who have an exam that day:

• Morning exam revision: 8.30–9.00am
• Afternoon exam revision: 12.30–1.00pm (then early to lunch)

Students will be released from lessons at 12.30pm to attend the afternoon sessions.

These sessions are calm, structured spaces run by subject staff with resources and last-minute support.

Exam Arrival Times

• Morning exams: Arrive at 9.00am for a 9.15am start
• Afternoon exams: Lunch from 1.00pm then arrive at the venue by 1.15pm for a 1.30pm start

If arriving at school outside the usual morning time, please use the main front gate only – all other gates will be locked for site safety.

Phones During Exams and Revision
School phone rules remain in place during exams. Phones must not be seen or used around the school site and will be confiscated if they are.

In some revision sessions, teachers may permit phones for specific revision tasks – check with the teacher to avoid confusion.

What if a morning exam finishes after break?
If break time has passed, students should go straight to the Main Hall for a 15-minute break, where staff will receive them.

Food will be available as normal. All other areas will be out of bounds during this time.

Exam Venues and Seat Numbers

• Your personal exam timetable is on EduLink in the Exams section
• A paper copy has been given out in PD
• Seat numbers will also be displayed the day before each exam on the F Block noticeboard

Exam Reminders

• Know your candidate number
• Attend exams in full school uniform
• Write in black ink
• Leave phones and watches in bags at the exam venue – watches must be silent
• Bring all required equipment (e.g., calculator if needed) in a transparent pencil case
• You may bring water in a clear, unlabelled bottle

Parents/Carers
Please may we ask you to double check with your child that they are fully equipped for their exams, including black pens, pencils, ruler, rubber, calculator, and for maths, protractor and compass. Lacking equipment can cause delays at the start of the exam, and we have very limited spare equipment to lend.

Similarly, please could you ensure that your child is in full correct uniform for all exams so that we are never in the position where we must refuse entry to an exam while rectifying uniform issues.

Revision Support at Home

The Student Portal includes:

• An editable revision planner
• Revision materials by subject
• The full exam schedule
• JCQ rules and guidance

I will write again just before May half term with final arrangements for the last 3 weeks of exams.

We wish all our Year 11 students the very best in their exams. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Kind regards

Mr Pease

Deputy Headteacher