A guide to resolving examination clashes

The re-introduction of linear assessment in GCSE specifications has meant that an increasing number of students are experiencing examination clashes.

This can cause additional anxiety for the student(s) concerned and logistical issues for the school’s exams office staff. However, there are some straightforward and relatively simple steps which each school should take to manage examination clashes.

First, exams office staff and the senior leadership team should be aware of the rules and regulations. The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) provides clear guidance in Instructions for Conducting Examinations (sections 2.9 to 2.16).

An exam clash occurs when a student has two or more exams timetabled in the same session or multiple exams timetabled for the same day and the duration of these papers is more than: six hours for GCE, AS and A2 exams or 5.5 hours for GCSE examinations (including extra time and/or supervised rest breaks).