Examination contingency plan: model and examples

Last reviewed on 18 January 2024
See updates
Statutory/mandatory for: Maintained schools Academies Free schools Independent schools Sixth-form colleges Further education Pupil referral units Non-maintained special schools

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

Article tools

Contents

  1. Download our model plan
  2. Examination contingency plans are a requirement
  3. See example plans

Download our model plan

Model policy - exam contingency plan DOC, 247.5 KB

Our model plan 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

All 'exam centres' (i.e. schools that offer exams with one of the providers listed in the regulations below) must have one in place. This is outlined on the website for the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).

This is an Ofqual requirement from all awarding bodies. A representative from the JCQ told us this.

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

Ofqual guidance

...

Most popular

Also in 'Management policies'