Examination contingency plan: model and examples

Download and adapt our model exam contingency plan to stay compliant as an exam centre, and see examples of contingency plans from other schools.

Last reviewed on 29 October 2024See updates
Ref: 41696
Statutory/mandatory for:
Maintained schools
Academies
Free schools
Independent schools
Sixth-form colleges
Further education
Pupil referral units
Non-maintained special schools
Contents
  1. Download our model plan
  2. Examination contingency plans are a requirement
  3. See examples of plans

Download our model plan

Model policy: examination contingency plan DOCX, 198.1 KB
Download

Our model is:

  • Designed for you to adapt to suit your school's context
  • Also designed so it can be set centrally by your trust, with your schools adapting it for their individual settings in light of local circumstances
  • Approved by Forbes Solicitors

Examination contingency plans are a requirement

The Joint Council for Qualifications' (JCQ) general regulations for approved centres 2024 to 2025 state how all 'approved centres' (i.e. schools that offer exams/assessments with one of the providers that fall under the JCQ) must have an up-to-date, written contingency plan in place. This is outlined in section 3.17 of the general regulations, linked above.

There's no specified format for the contingency plan, but our model complies with the JCQ's regulations. If your school, or a school in your trust, is an exam/assessment centre for a different awarding organisation, you'll need to contact the exam board directly for