Across Key Stage 5, students will complete a range of assessments over the two academic years.  Assessments will include formative assessments, these are regular in class checks to gauge knowledge and understanding of curriculum content focusing on a small part or a specific part of the curriculum.  Formative assessments can range from in class progress checks, retrieval tasks, practical tasks, quizzes, extended writing, individual exam questions, presentations and home learning.  This form of assessment will be happening frequently.  Students will receive feedback from the teacher on how they can improve their work.  The focus will be on improving students’ knowledge and giving them clear steps on how to improve. 

 

Students will also complete bi-annual summative assessments which will assess what students have learnt over time.  Summative assessments will assess the long term acquisition of knowledge over time and as such a wide range of curriculum content, knowledge and skills will be assessed at these points.   Students will be provided with detailed personalised feedback and analysis alongside model answers and markschemes.

 

In Year 12 and 13 students and parents/carers will receive three (yr12) or two (yr13) progress review updates per academic year, in addition to a progress report and an invitation to a Review Evening each academic year. Furthermore in Year 12 and Year 13, students and parents / carers will be invited to attend a Success in the Sixth Form Information evening which breaks down all the key information regarding the expectations and assessments that year.   

 

Each progress update will include a current progress grade (the grade a student is currently working at) and an estimated grade (the grade teacher’s believe students could achieve at the end of Year 13 if the student continues to work they way they are) and the individual grades achieved in the summative assessments. Both the current and estimated grade is calculated using all of the formative and summative assessments completed up until that point.

The current progress and estimated grade update will be in the below format. The grade will have a fine grade next to it e.g an 1, 2 or 3.  A 1 means the grade is very safe within that level and the student could push to achieve higher, a 2 means that the grade is safe within that level, and a 3 means that this grade is not safe and could drop below without increased focus.

 

A Level /Applied Diploma Grades	Cambridge Sport/Creative Digital Media/Health and Social Care
A*	D*
A	D
B
C	M
D
E	P

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our exams and qualifications programme is designed to support every student in achieving their full potential. We provide a clear structure, high quality teaching and a supportive environment to help students feel confident and prepared at every stage of their assessment journey.

📘 Our Approach to Exams

We believe that successful exam outcomes come from a combination of strong subject knowledge, effective study habits, and emotional wellbeing. Throughout the year, students benefit from:

• High quality teaching that builds deep understanding and exam ready skills.

• Regular assessment points to track progress and identify areas for support.

• Targeted intervention sessions for students who may need additional guidance.

• Study skills workshops to help students revise effectively and manage workload.

🎓 Qualifications We Offer

Students work towards a broad and balanced range of qualifications, including:

• Vocational qualifications where appropriate, offering practical and applied learning routes.

• A-Levels 

Each qualification is carefully chosen to ensure it supports progression into further education, apprenticeships, or employment.

📝 Exam Preparation and Support

We provide a comprehensive programme to help students feel ready for their exams. This includes:

• Mock exams (sometimes referred to as Centre Assessments or Pre-Public Examinations) that mirror real exam conditions.

• Revision timetables and subject specific revision sessions.

• Access to past papers and exam board materials.

• Wellbeing support, recognising that exam season can be a challenging time.

Our staff work closely with students to build confidence, resilience, and a positive mindset.

📅 Key Dates and Information

Important exam dates, timetables, and guidance documents are shared with families throughout the year.

• Exam timetables

• JCQ regulations

• Equipment lists

• Results day arrangements

• Post results services

Dates	Information
12th - 23rd October 2026	Year 13 centre assessment exams
30th November - 11th December 2026	Year 12 centre assessment exams
8th -26th February 2027	Year 13 centre assessment exams
February Half Term Holiday	Various holiday revision sessions
Easter Holiday	Various holiday revision sessions
4th May 2027	First A-level exams on the common timetable
14th - 25th June 2027	Year 12 centre assessment exams
22nd June 2027	Final A-level exam on the common timetable
23rd June 2027	National Contingency Day in the event that UK exams are disrupted
12th August 2027	A-level results day (students can collect between 8am and 10:30am)

 

Exam equipment list

It is important that you arrive fully equipped for your exam.

There is no guarantee that spare equipment will be available to give out; this is particularly pertinent for calculators.

Being ill-equipped for your exam could put you at a disadvantage.

We recommend you bring the following items to your exams:

• 2 or more black ballpoint pens
• Pencil
• Eraser and sharpener
• Ruler
• Compass
• Protractor
• Calculator
• Highlighters in 2 or more colours
• A clear, transparent bottle of water, free from any labels
• A clear, transparent pencil case

🎯 Our Commitment

We are committed to ensuring that every student leaves school with the qualifications, skills, and confidence they need for the next stage of their journey. Our exams team, teachers, and pastoral staff work together to provide the highest level of support.