October/November 2021 exam series

For GCSE, AS and A level examinations 

Entry for the autumn 2021 exam series for GCSE, AS and A level examinations is restricted to students who have received a teacher-assessed grade in summer 2021 and to students who are able to demonstrate that they would have entered summer 2021 exams had they not been cancelled. Centres should only submit entries for students where they are confident that they meet the eligibility criteria and can provide suitable evidence to the awarding organisation on request.  

Private candidates in particular may find it difficult to evidence the fact that they would have entered in the summer 2021 series had exams not been cancelled. Awarding organisation will give the benefit of doubt to private candidates in this situation provided that the student has made a declaration to the entering centre to confirm that they would have entered in summer 2021 if exams had taken place. Centres should retain these declarations and make them available to the awarding organisation or the JCQ inspection service if requested. 

For examinations in GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics, which are always available in the autumn, the normal eligibility criteria will apply. That is, candidates must have reached the age of 16 before 1 September 2021 for them to be eligible for the autumn series. For this autumn 2021 series, candidates with a summer 2021 entry will also be eligible to sit GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics, whether they have met the minimum age requirement or not, but please note that this applies to the autumn 2021 series only.

For International GCSE, International AS and International A level examinations  

There will be no restrictions on entries for International GCSE, International AS and International A level examinations.   

Please see the table below for the list of entry dates for the October/November 2021 series.  

See the timetables for these qualifications on our Exam timetables support page

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) have also published their key dates document for the exceptional Autumn series. 

Centres should note that we, along with other awarding bodies, will only be offering AS Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics and Physics this autumn. 

The timetable for the standard GCSE November series, GCSE English Language and Mathematics, was confirmed in December 2020 and will not be changing. 

On the 16 June, Ofqual published the outcome of the 2022 NEA and field work consultation. This set out their proposals to carry forward the arrangements which were put in place in 2021 to take account of public health restrictions that could have had an impact on the way the assessments in these qualifications could be conducted. 

The consultation concluded that all proposals set out in the consultation document would be implemented.

As many centres around the world prepare to deliver exams in the coming months, we would like to support your efforts to ensure that students and staff are kept safe during this period.

Centres must always follow the regulations and guidelines issued by their local government to keep candidates safe before, during and after sitting examinations.

To assist you, here are some examples of how organisations are preparing for the return of students to schools and administering exams. You may find these a useful reference to adapt to your local situation and conditions.

Please note that these are provided as a reference only and local regulations must always take priority.

Some key measures that centres may wish to consider in preparation for exams are:

Health and safety risk assessment - Update your risk assessment relating to the conduct of examinations to be sure you have identified the risks presented and take steps to manage these risks effectively. For example – you may want to consider any risks associated with students waiting to enter the exam room, when they are in the exam room and when they leave and how you will help them to keep a safe distance from each other at all times.

Capacity - Consider in advance your centre’s capacity to accommodate exams using your existing sites and staff. Will you have sufficient space for all your students if you increase the distance between them etc. You may need to consider booking alternative sites or invigilators so you can provide more distance between students during exams.

Social distancing - Make adaptations to rooms to support distancing where possible.

Ventilation - Ensure all exam rooms are well ventilated before, during and after exams.

Hygiene - Ensure that cleaning / hygiene procedures are in place for in all areas occupied by staff and students during exams.

Communication

• state clearly that candidates must not attend exams if they are experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms
• provide clear instructions regarding safety processes to staff and candidates before and on arrival e.g. hygiene procedures; how to enter and exit the exam room in a safe way; how to avoid gathering in large groups before or after the exam
• contact Pearson if an exam is not able to proceed as planned because of local lockdown advice.

Contingencies - Anticipate and plan for the need to adapt e.g. what will you need to do if students appear unwell before or during an exam.

Training - Ensure invigilation staff are trained on all procedures and have a clear understanding of how to behave so they do not make students feel uncomfortable or put them at risk

Tracking - Ensure that you are formally tracking attendance to support COVID-19 track and trace measures in your country.