The The Quest Academy Exams page provides key information and resources to help students prepare for and understand exam processes. The page also shares important official exam rules and regulations, including JCQ guidance on conduct, coursework, written and on-screen exams, and the use of AI and social media. In addition, there is a general information section with practical support such as exam tips, what to expect on exam day, a checklist, certificates information, and contact details for the exams officer.

Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ)

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) sets the national rules for how exams are run in the UK. This includes guidance on exam room conditions, what students can bring, and how exams are supervised. All major exam boards (such as AQA, Edexcel and OCR) follow these same rules. This means that, regardless of the exam board, students at The Quest Academy will experience the same expectations in every exam. All documents linked below are official JCQ and exam board regulations. They explain what students must do before, during and after exams to ensure fairness for everyone. Breaking these rules (for example, bringing a phone into an exam) can lead to serious consequences, including loss of marks or disqualification.

Before You Enter the Exam

Make sure you are fully prepared before going into the exam hall:

  1. ⏰ Arrive on time – come to school at 8:30am. Morning exams start at 9am and afternoon exams at 1pm. Allow extra time for delays.
  2. 🎒 Bags and valuables – do not bring bags or coats into the exam room. Only bring what you need and leave valuables at home.
  3. 📱🚫 No phones or unauthorised items – phones, smart devices, notes, headphones etc. must not be in your possession. Leave them in your bag/locker or at home. Possession may lead to disqualification.
  4. 🖊️🧮 Use the correct equipment – use a BLACK pen and a clear pencil case. Calculators must not contain stored formulas and cases must be removed.
  5. 🤫 No talking – once inside the exam hall, do not communicate with other students. Raise your hand if you need help.
  6. 👔 Dress appropriately – Year 11 in full school uniform; Quest 6 in business dress.
  7. 💧 Food and drink – no food unless medically required. Water only in a clear, label-free bottle with a spill-proof cap.

On Exam Day

Follow these simple steps to keep everything running smoothly:

  1. ⏰ Arrive on time and bring only what you need: a BLACK pen, pencil, ruler, compass and calculator (if required). Leave valuables at home.
  2. 🔢 Know your exam number – you will be seated by exam number, not alphabetically. Check your timetable.
  3. 📋 Check the seating plan outside the dining hall before entering.
  4. 🤫 Enter in silence – stop talking on entry and do not communicate. Remain silent for the whole exam until dismissed and out of the room.
  5. 🪑 Find your desk quickly – your name and exam number will be on your desk. Sit down straight away.
  6. ✋ Listen carefully – if you do not understand something, raise your hand. Do not call out.
  7. 🚪 Leaving the exam – do not get up. WAIT until papers are collected and you are dismissed. Push your chair in and leave quietly.

Exam Tips

Use these tips to stay calm and perform at your best:

  1. 📖 Read instructions carefully – check the front of the paper before starting.
  2. 🔢 Know how many questions to answer – don’t do too many or too few.
  3. 🐢 Read questions twice – it’s easy to misread when nervous.
  4. 🎯 Answer the question given – not the one you expected.
  5. ✅ Choose wisely – pick the questions you can answer best.
  6. ⏱️ Use the marks as a guide – spend more time on higher-mark questions.
  7. 🔁 Leave time to check – review your answers at the end.
  8. 😌 Don’t panic – if stuck, move on and come back later.
  9. ✍️ Keep your work clear – examiners must be able to read it.
  10. 📝 SPaG matters – some questions award marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Certificates (GCE, GCSE or Equivalent)

Awarding bodies send certificates to schools in November/December following the exams. You will be contacted to come into school to collect them. Once you receive your certificates, check that all personal details (such as your name and date of birth) are correct. Please notify the Exams Officer immediately if there are any errors. Keep your certificates safe and store them flat in a protective cover. They are important documents and will be needed as evidence of your achievements when applying for college, university or jobs. Do not send original certificates to colleges, universities or employers. Instead, send copies where required. If you lose your certificates, replacement certificates can be obtained from the awarding bodies, usually for a fee. The school can also provide a ‘Statement of Results’, which may be accepted by colleges and employers.

Contact the Exams Officer

If you have any questions about exams, please get in touch with our Exams Officer Ms Edwards.