Exams Confirmed for Summer 2021 with Extra Prep Time for Students
The government has slapped down any doubts—summer exams for AS, A levels, and GCSEs will go ahead in 2021, backed by contingency plans to cover all bases amid the pandemic.
Exams Delayed for Extra Prep
Students will get a vital three-week extension before exams kick off, now scheduled from 7 June to 2 July. This delay is a direct response to the disruption schools faced during Covid, giving youngsters more chance to catch up and get exam-ready.
Results days stay on track, with A/AS levels results dropping on 24 August and GCSE results out by 27 August, ensuring pupils can start the new academic year on time.
Fairness and Certainty Top Govt’s Agenda
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson made it clear: “Exams are the fairest way of judging a student’s performance, so they will go ahead, supported by contingency measures developed with the sector.”
Williamson added, “Students have suffered a lot of disruption, so giving them and their teachers certainty on exams, plus this extra prep time, is the right move.”
The government’s £1 billion Covid catch-up plan, including a £650 million premium for all pupils and a £350 million National Tutoring Programme for disadvantaged students, will further help bridge lost teaching time.
Contingency Plans Locked and Loaded
With Covid cases still rising, ministers have asked Ofqual to team up with schools, exam boards, unions, and universities to draw up backup plans if illness or local restrictions block students from sitting exams.
One English and one maths GCSE paper will take place just before the May half-term to give Year 11s affected by Covid a backup opportunity.
The government has ruled out any fresh subject-level exam changes, sticking to earlier Ofqual proposals that free up classroom time and consider public health needs.
Schools Proving Exams Can Happen
Despite local restrictions, schools and colleges have already shown exams can safely go on. The autumn exam series is underway with over 20,000 entries.
More details on how students will be fairly assessed will drop later this autumn, providing reassurance to pupils across the country.
