Dear parent/carer

GCSE/ BTEC Examinations: Summer 2026

The summer GCSE/BTEC exam season begins on Tuesday 6 May 2026 and this is the start of a very critical time in your child’s education and future. This letter and the supplementary documents are extremely important so please read them carefully. The Art and Modern Foreign Language Speaking Exams will take place in April/May.  These dates will be confirmed as soon as possible.

A personalised exam timetable will be issued to students before Easter.

Morning exams start at 9am and afternoon exams start at 1pm, unless otherwise informed. For morning exams, students must meet in the canteen at 8.40am and for afternoon exams, in the canteen at 12.55pm.  They will be escorted to the exam venue by the invigilators.

The school pays the entry fees in the expectation that students are present for the exam.  If, during the examination period, they are unable to attend for any exam session(s), you must inform school immediately with the reason.  If non-attendance is due to illness, then a medical certificate from your G.P is required.  The examining board can then make special provision when awarding a grade.  Non-attendance for any other reason will result in the school charging you the relevant entry fee for each missed examination.

Exam Contingency Dates

Contingency dates are specifically set aside, should sustained national or local disruption arise during the summer 2026 examination series. If disruption happens, the GCSE and/or BTEC examinations would be taken either for the first time or again on that day. The contingency day for this year is Wednesday 24 June 2026. Students must be available on this date.

JCQ Information for Candidates

The Joint Council for Qualifications set the rules and regulations for delivering exams and assessments nationally and clearly states what candidates can and cannot do.  Please ensure that you read the information available on this link https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/information-for-candidates-documents/

Equipment

All students MUST bring a black pen, pencil, ruler and eraser and any other equipment relevant for the exam (i.e. scientific calculator, compass, protractor etc.).

Uniform

Full uniform MUST be worn to all exams.

If you have any queries about any of the documents enclosed, please contact me on 01925 636414 or email jmorris@boteler.org.uk       

Yours faithfully

J Morris

Miss J Morris

Exams Manager