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The 13-19 Exam Policy
The Policy Purpose
The purpose of this exam policy is:
- to ensure the planning and management of exams is conducted efficiently and in the best interest of candidates.
- to ensure the operation of an efficient exam system with clear guidelines for all relevant staff.
It is the responsibility of everyone involved in the centre's exam processes to read, understand and implement this policy.
This exam policy will be reviewed annually by the Head of Centre and Exams Officers.
Exam Responsibilities
Having overall responsibility for the school as an exam centre, the Head of Centre:
- advises on appeals and re-marks.
- is responsible for reporting all suspicions or actual incidents of malpractice. Refer to the JCQ document - Suspected Malpractice in Examinations and Assessments.
Exams Officers manage the administration of public and internal exams and:
- advise the senior leadership team, subject and class tutors and other relevant support staff on annual exam timetables and application procedures as set by the various awarding bodies.
- oversee the production and distribution to staff, governors and candidates of an annual calendar for all exams in which candidates will be involved and communicate regularly with staff concerning imminent deadlines and events.
- ensure that candidates and their parents are informed of and understand those aspects of the exam timetable that will affect them.
- consult with teaching staff to ensure that necessary coursework/controlled assessment is completed on time and in accordance with JCQ guidelines.
- provide and confirm detailed data on estimated entries.
- receive, check and store securely all exam papers and completed scripts.
- make applications for Special Consideration using the JCQ publications Access Arrangements, Reasonable Adjustments and Special Consideration.
- identify and manage exam timetable clashes.
- account for income and expenditures relating to all exam costs/charges.
- line manage the senior exam invigilator in organising the recruitment, training and monitoring of a team of exams invigilators responsible for the conduct of exams.
- submit candidates' coursework marks, track despatch and store returned coursework and any other material required by the appropriate awarding bodies correctly and on schedule.
- arrange for dissemination of exam results and certificates to candidates and forward, in consultation with the SLT, any appeals/re-mark requests.
- maintain systems and processes to support the timely entry of candidates for their exams.
Teachers are responsible for:
- notification of Access Arrangements requirements (as soon as possible after the start of the course).
- submission of candidates' names to heads of department/school/curriculum.
The SEN Coordinator (SENCO) is responsible for:
- administration of Access Arrangements.
- identification and testing of candidates requirements for Arrangements.
- provision of additional support - with spelling, reading, mathematics, dyslexia or essential skills, hearing impairment, English for speakers of other languages, IT equipment - to help candidates achieve their course aims.
Lead invigilator/invigilators are responsible for:
- collection of exam papers and other material from the Exams Office before the start of the exam.
- collection of all exam papers in the correct order at the end of the exam and their return to the Exams Office.
Candidates are responsible for:
- confirmation and signing of entries.
- understanding coursework regulations and signing a declaration that authenticates the coursework as their own.
