Welcome
This page is your guide to everything you need to know before, during, and after exams and assessments. All of our procedures are based on the official JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) guidelines to ensure fairness, transparency and to support you.
The awarding bodies (or examination boards) set down strict criteria which must be followed for the conduct of examinations and we are required to follow them precisely. We use JCQ and Cambridge International exam boards across a variety of subjects.
Below are the official documents for the 2025–2026 exam sessions. Each document covers the rules, responsibilities and advice for candidates in different assessment types:
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Document |
What it Covers |
Link |
|
AI and Assessments |
Rules on use of Artificial Intelligence |
|
|
Information for candidates – Written exams |
Rules for taking written exams (e.g. allowed materials, behaviour, absence) |
|
|
Information for candidates – On-screen tests |
Rules for computer / on-screen exams |
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|
Information for candidates – Coursework |
Guidance for assessments or coursework elements |
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|
Information for candidates – Non-examination assessments (NEA) |
Rules specific to NEA / project work / practical components |
JCQ: Information for candidates – non examination assessments 2025-2026 |
|
Preparing to sit exams |
Advice on what to bring, exam day expectations |
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|
Information for Candidates – Social Media |
Guidance on appropriate social media use in relation to exams |
Note: Always use the most recent version of these documents. The links above are directly from the JCQ website. JCQ Joint Council for Qualifications
Summer Exams 2026
GCSE exams in 2026 are scheduled to start from the week commencing Monday, 4 May and finish on Friday, 26 June.
There are contingency sessions within the Summer 2026 exam timetable on the morning and afternoon of 24 June 2026.
These dates might change closer to the exam period. As such, you should only use these dates as a general guide.
CWA students will receive their full exam timetables before the Easter break.
GCSE Results Days
Results day for November exams is Thursday, 22 January 2026
Results day for Summer exams is Thursday, 20 August 2026
Exam Certificates
Summer 2025 exam certificates will be posted home at the beginning of December 2025.
It is important that you look after your exam certificates carefully, as future colleges and employers will wish to see them.
If your certificate is ever damaged or destroyed (for example, by fire, theft, or flood), you may apply to the examining board for a replacement. Your application will need to be supported by a statement from an appropriate authority. Exam boards do not provide free replacements for certificates that have been lost.
If you have any questions about exams or assessments, please contact Caroline Walsh, Exams Officer, at cwalsh@chilternway.org.