Exam Information
Important information about exam conduct, expectations and results below.
CANDIDATE EXAM HANDBOOK 2025-26
Torquay Boys鈥� Grammar School is committed to ensuring that candidates are fully briefed on the examination and assessment process in place in the centre and are made aware of the required JCQ/awarding body instructions and information for candidates. This handbook refers, primarily, to the regulations governing GCSE and A Level exams. If you are an IB student, Dr Stites will provide you with information about the specific rules that govern IB exams.
Purpose of this handbook
- To support/complement candidate briefings/assemblies
- To inform candidates about malpractice in examinations/assessments
- To inform candidates about the use of their personal data and copyright
- To ensure candidates are provided with all relevant information about their exams and assessments in advance of any exams/assessments being taken
- To ensure copies of relevant JCQ information for candidates documents and exam room posters are provided in advance of any exams/assessments being taken 路 To answer questions candidates may have etc.
- To inform candidates of/signpost candidates (and where relevant parents/carers) to any exams-related policies/procedures they need to be made aware of
JCQ-Post-Results-Services-2025
A Level Post-Results Services 2025
A level Results Day Information 2025
GCSE External Students Results Day guidelines 2025
GCSE Internal Students Results Day guidelines 2025
GCSE Post-Results Services 2025
Torquay Boys鈥� Grammar School is committed to ensuring that candidates are fully briefed on the examination and assessment process in place in the centre, and are made aware of the required JCQ/awarding body instructions and information for candidates.
This video clip is easy-to-understand instructions for candidates from the Exams Office.
Malpractice
To maintain the integrity of the exams鈥� process, strict regulations are in place. Malpractice means any act or practice which is in breach of the Regulations.
The Top 5 Forms of Malpractice in recent year, (according to JCQ & OCR) are:
- Possession of a mobile phone (marks reduced) and use of a mobile phone (disqualification);
- Foul Language 鈥� removal from the exam room results in disqualification (nothing should be written on your papers except your answers or, in some cases, your working out);
- Communication 鈥� including turning around, verbal & non-verbal communication;
- Passing notes 鈥� can result in disqualification;
- Disruptive Behaviour 鈥� removal from the exam room results in disqualification;
Candidate malpractice can take many forms including plagiarism, collusion, fabrication or falsification of results and anything else intended by those committing it to achieve credit that they do not properly deserve.聽Any alleged, suspected or actual incidents of malpractice will be investigated and reported to the relevant awarding body/bodies.
Things to be aware of on Social Media
- Don鈥檛 buy/share exam content 鈥� real or fake;
- Don鈥檛 pass on rumours of exam content;
- Don鈥檛 work with others so that your coursework isn鈥檛 your own independent work;
- Do not discuss the exam content via social media after the exam (for the IB, exam start times differ around the world due to time zones).
- Adjust your mindset from the time you walk into school;
- Rest breaks (if granted as an access arrangement), in the main, should be taken at your desk with your paper closed, this is not extra thinking time for the next question, but a chance to reset and recharge (10 minutes maximum );
- Movement breaks (if granted as an access arrangement), can be taken in the foyer only with an invigilator stood between hall and foyer (10 minutes maximum);
- Toilet breaks will not be permitted in the first and last half an hour of an exam, unless you have a medical need registered with the SENCO. Toilet breaks should be avoided by planning ahead. Valuable time will be lost by going to the toilet during an exam;
- Once everyone is seated the announcer will give you further instructions. It is important to listen carefully because incorrect completion of a paper can result in disqualification or partial marks.
Contingency session – Summer 2026
The awarding bodies have designated the following day as ‘contingency day’ for summer 2026 examinations:
- Wednesday 24 June 2026, full day;
It is important that you are available for contingency day which will be used in the event of an exam board rescheduling one of your papers due to circumstances beyond their control.
We wish all students the best of luck with exams. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Shimmin, the Exams Officer: cshimmin@tbgs.torbay.sch.uk.
