20th August 2026FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions - GCSE and A Level External Exams
The FAQ section has been written to help you. Please read the questions carefully.
Q. Why do I need to check the details on my individual timetable (s)?
A. Students should check that they have been entered for all subjects that they are expecting to sit an exam for. Students should also check that they have been entered for the correct tier in Science, Maths and Languages. Students should also check that their candidate details are correct, as these details will be printed on their certificates.
Q. What do I do if there is a clash on my timetable?
A. The school will re-schedule papers internally (on the same day) when there is a clash of subjects. Students will normally sit one paper and then sit the second paper straight after, depending on the duration of the exams. Correct times should be on the student's final timetable. It may be necessary for a student to be supervised over lunchtime in which case they will need to bring a packed lunch. If this is the case, they will be advised beforehand. If in doubt, please contact the Examinations Manager.
Q. What do I do if I am ill, injured or unable to attend on the day of the exam?
A. Inform the school absence line immediately 0208 398 7161 Option 1 and the Examinations Manager 0208 398 7161 ext.1070/ snestor@hinchleywoodschool.co.uk, who will advise what you need to do.
Q. If I miss an exam, can I take it on another day?
A. No. Most exams are now taken at the end of a two year course so there will not be another opportunity to re-take, apart from GCSE Maths and English Language. Students will be awarded zero marks for the paper they have missed.
Q. Where do the exams take place?
A. Written examinations are held in different venues dependent on numbers and Access Arrangements. Individual Student Timetables show which room a student should attend for each exam. Students should check their timetables and know where they are supposed to be. Students may not be in the same exam room for every exam. If you do not know where your exam room is, please come to the Exams Office and we can show you. Please be aware that students may not be in the same room for the external exams in the Summer as during the mock exams.
Q. What time do the exams start?
A. Morning exams start promptly at 8.30am and afternoon exams at 1.30pm, (Internal exams may start at 12pm/1pm) unless otherwise stated on the timetable. Students should arrive at school at least 15 minutes before the exam start time and make their way to the Fire Assembly Points. Students should ensure that they have been to the toilet before the start of an exam.
Q. What happens if I am late for an exam?
A. If students arrive after the examination has started, report immediately to the Exams Manager or Invigilator at the exam room. Students may be allowed to sit the examination, but this is at the discretion of the centre. If students arrive more than one hour after the published starting time, they are considered a very late candidate and the Awarding Body may not accept their work. Students should always allow plenty of time to arrive at school and report to the examination room.
Q. Do I have to wear school uniform?
A. Yes, normal school regulations apply to uniform, hair, jewellery, make-up, shoes etc. Normal Sixth Form dress code also applies.
Q. How do I know how long the exam is?
A. The duration of each exam is shown in minutes on student’s individual timetables. Invigilators will tell students when to start and finish and will write the finish time on a board at the front of the Exam room. If students cannot see the clock or board, they must put their hand up and tell an Invigilator immediately.
Q. What equipment should I bring?
A. Students are responsible for ensuring they have all the equipment required before each of their examinations and that they do not bring into the exam room anything that is restricted. Students must bring all their equipment into the exam hall in a clear pencil case or clear plastic bag (not coloured). Students must write their answers in black ink. It is recommended that all students should have the following as a minimum: 2 black ballpoint pens, 2 pencils and rubber, a pencil sharpener, a 30cm ruler, a highlighter pen (may be used in questions, but never to be used in student’s answers), a protractor and pair of compasses and a calculator. Students should bring all of their equipment to every exam.
In addition to the required equipment, you can also bring in water in sports cap bottles. Bottles must be clear plastic (not coloured) and free of any labels, branding or words of ANY description. No other drinks are permitted.
Q. What can't I take into the exam room?
A. Students are not permitted to take in any unauthorised material into the exam room, including notes, earphones or earbuds (e.g. Airpods), MP3/4 players or similar devices, smart devices, smart glasses, tablets (e.g. iPads or iPods), a mobile phone or a watch (e.g. analogue, digital, smart watch). All unauthorised material must be left at home or in lockers. If any of these devices are found on a candidate during the exam (even if switched off) it will be taken from them and a report will be made to the Awarding Body which is likely to lead to disqualification.
If a student requires a mobile phone or other electronic device in the exam room with them due to medical reasons, this must be agreed with the Examinations Manager in advance.
No food (including sweets, chewing gum and cough sweets) is allowed in the examination rooms. Students who require snacks or medication in the examination room for medical reasons must approve this with the Examinations Manager in advance. Food/medication should be removed from all packaging and stored in a clear Tupperware box, (not coloured).Tissues are available from invigilators; students should not bring in their own. If a student wears glasses, the glasses case cannot be brought into the examination room. Smart glasses are listed as prohibited items and must not be brought into any exam room. Lip balm or other make-up is not allowed in the exam room.
Q. What happens if I accidentally bring my phone, watch or another unauthorised item into the exam?
A. Students must hand any unauthorised items to an Invigilator when instructed to do so before the examination starts. This includes mobile phones, watches, AirPods/earbuds and other electronic devices. If students are found to have access to an unauthorised item during the examination, this may be reported to the Awarding Body as suspected malpractice and could result in sanctions, including disqualification. Possession of an unauthorised item is a breach of the regulations even if there is no intention to use it.
Remember: possession of unauthorised material is breaking the rules, even if you do not intend to use it, and you will be subject to sanctions and possible disqualification.
Q. Can I use my calculator in the exam?
A. Students may use a calculator in an exam unless specifically prohibited. Where the use of a calculator is allowed, students are responsible for making sure that their calculators meet the awarding bodies’ regulations. A calculator is defined as an electronic device whose primary purpose is to carry out mathematical calculations, a mobile phone or smart watch cannot be used in place of a calculator.
Students should ensure that their calculator is working properly and that the batteries are working properly. Students should check that the calculator is in the correct mode before the start of the exam and that the memory has been cleared. Cases, lids or covers should be placed under the desk and operating instructions or prepared programs should not be taken into the exam room.
If the calculator has an ‘exam mode’ function, students must ensure that this is switched on before and during the exam. Students will be asked to show an Invigilator evidence of this before and during the exam.
Q. How do I know when to start?
A. Do not start writing anything until the Invigilator tells you to fill in all the details on the front of the question paper and/or the answer booklet. Do not open the question paper until you are told to do so and the exam has begun.
Q. Can I write what I want in my exam?
A. You must not write inappropriate, obscene or offensive material.
Q. Can I use a dictionary or spellchecker?
A. Students must not use a dictionary or computer spellchecker unless the examination or subject-specific regulations specifically allow it.
Q. Can I use AI during my exams?
A. No. Students must not use AI tools or access the internet, email, social media or other unauthorised software or resources during an examination unless the examination specifically permits them. Any use of unauthorised assistance may be treated as malpractice and could result in serious sanctions.
Q. Can I talk to another student during the exam?
A. No. Once students have entered the examination room, they must not talk to, attempt to communicate with, or disturb another candidate. If students need assistance, they should put their hand up and wait for an Invigilator. Students must also not borrow equipment from another candidate.
Q. What should I do if there is a problem with the question paper?
A. Invigilators will ask students to check they have the correct paper before the exam starts. Students should tell an Invigilator immediately if they believe they have been given the wrong question paper, the wrong tier, a paper that is incomplete or badly printed, or if required materials appear to be missing. Students must not discuss the problem with another candidate.
You must not ask for, and will not be given, any explanation of the questions.
Q. What do I do if I think I have not been given the expected access arrangement (s)?
A. Access Arrangements are agreed before the start of the exam series. If students think, on the day, their access arrangements are not as expected, they must put their hand up and tell an Invigilator immediately.
Q. What do I do if I forget my Candidate Number?
A. Candidate numbers are printed on the candidate cards which are placed on every desk for every exam.
Q. What do I do if I forget the Centre Number?
A. The Centre number is 64690. It is always clearly displayed in the Exam Room and is also on the candidate card on every desk for every exam.
Q. What should I do if I realise I have made a mistake in my answer?
A. Continue to follow the instructions on the question paper and use the space provided. You must not remove pages from your answer booklet or use unauthorised paper.
Q. What should I do if I need more paper?
A. Students should put their hand up and ask an Invigilator if they need more paper. Students should ensure their candidate details are completed correctly on the front of the additional sheets/booklets. If they are unsure, they should ask an Invigilator. Supplementary answer sheets or booklets should be placed in the correct order and any loose additional sheets inside the answer booklet.
Do not take any stationery from the exam room, this includes the question paper, answer booklets (used or unused), rough work or any other materials provided for the exam.
Q. What should I do if there is a disturbance or I am distracted during the exam?
A. Students should tell an Invigilator as soon as possible. This could include excessive noise, a problem with their desk or chair, a medical issue or another disturbance that is affecting their ability to concentrate. Students must not communicate with other candidates. The Invigilator will deal with the issue and record it where appropriate.
Q. What do I do if I feel unwell during the exam?
A. Students should put their hand up and an Invigilator will assist. Students should tell an Invigilator or the Examinations Manager if they feel ill before the exam.
Q. Can I leave the exam room temporarily?
A. If students need to leave the examination room temporarily, for example to use the toilet, they must ask an Invigilator. Students will be accompanied by an Invigilator and must not communicate with anyone else. Toilet breaks are not allowed within the last half hour of an exam. Students will not be allowed to have the missed time added on and should always try to go to the toilet before entering the exam room.
Students must not leave the examination room unaccompanied. If a student leaves the examination room unaccompanied before the examination has finished, they will not be allowed to return.
Q. Can I leave the Exam early?
A. No. It is school policy not to allow students to leave the exam early as this is disruptive to other students. If students finish early they should use the time to check their answers and check that all their details are correctly filled in. Students must not leave the exam room until told to do so by an Invigilator.
Q. What happens if there is a fire alarm or another emergency during my exam?
A. Students should stay calm and follow the instructions of the Invigilators. Students must remain silent and must not communicate with other candidates. Students must not attempt to access their mobile phone or any other unauthorised item. The Invigilators will tell students what to do and where to go. Students will be supervised throughout the emergency and given further instructions about the examination.
Q. What is Special Consideration?
A. Special Consideration is an adjustment to the marks or grades of a candidate who is eligible. Special Consideration does not guarantee an increase in marks or a change of grade. Any adjustment is determined in accordance with JCQ and Awarding Body regulations and is normally small.
Students will only be eligible for special consideration if they have been fully prepared and covered the whole course but their performance is affected by adverse circumstances beyond their control during the examination. Students will be asked to provide appropriate evidence that may need to be provided to support a request for special consideration.
Examples of such circumstances may be illness (affecting performance on the day of the exam), accident or injury, bereavement or domestic crisis. The Examinations Manager must be informed immediately, so that the necessary paperwork can be completed. The candidate will be asked to provide evidence to support such an application.
