A-levels and GCSEs: Covid support in place as exams begin

Students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland preparing for their GCSE and A-Levels have been told their grades will be protected from Covid disruptions as exams begin. While measures differ across the UK, this year’s exams aim to return to normalcy after the teacher-assessment-based results of 2020 and 2021. Unlike last year, students in England will not receive advance topic information and grades are expected to align with 2019 results. But there are some Covid measures from the previous year in place, such as spaced-out exams and support in certain subjects, remain in place.

In Scotland, exams have already commenced with Covid-related modifications still in effect. Wales and Northern Ireland have provided students with advanced information about their exam papers. Vocational technical qualifications, like BTec courses, primarily rely on practical learning but have seen some exams and assessments throughout the year. 

As students enter study leave, exam boards caution against purchasing fake exam papers from social media accounts, with reports of some students paying up to £4,000 for these fraudulent materials.