Exams Information Page
On this page, you will find key information, important dates, and guidance outlining how we support candidates throughout their examinations and assessments, as well as ways families can provide support at home.
We recognise that examinations and assessments are a significant part of every candidate’s educational journey. At Exceptional Ideas, we are committed to supporting both candidates and their families at every stage of the process.
Candidates follow a range of personalised pathways designed to help them achieve their full potential. GCSE examinations take place from early May each year, with mock examinations scheduled for Year 10 candidates in March and Year 11 candidates in November. The results of these mock examinations enable us to identify gaps in learning, provide targeted interventions, and ensure that every candidate is fully prepared and confident ahead of their formal assessments.
Important Exams Dates
| Year 11 Mock Exam Dates; November 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Subject | Start Time | Duration |
| 04.11.2026 | Maths Paper 1 | 9:30am | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| 04.11.2026 | Geography Paper 1 | 1:00pm | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| 05.11.2026 | English Language Paper 1 | 9:30am | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| 06.11.2026 | Biology Paper 1 | 9:30am | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| 09.11.2026 | Maths Paper 2 | 9:30am | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| 09.11.2026 | Geography Paper 2 | 1:00pm | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| 10.11.2026 | English Language Paper 2 | 9:30am | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| 11.11.2026 | Biology Paper 2 | 9:30am | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| 12.11.2026 | Maths Paper 3 | 9:30am | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| 12.11.2026 | Food Prep and Nutrition | 1:00pm | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| 13.11.2026 | Geography Paper 3 | 9:30am | 1 hour 30 minutes |
Important Information for Candidates
Conduct During Examinations and Controlled Assessments - Information for Candidates, Parents and Carers
At Exceptional Ideas, we are required to comply with the regulations set by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) to ensure that all examinations are conducted in a secure, fair and appropriate environment for our candidates.
Exceptional Ideas examination practice is to ensure that the year 10 and year 11 mock examinations are administered under the same conditions as the summer series GCSE examinations so they can familiarise themselves with the regulations and processes.
As part of the Transition lessons in spring term our year 11 candidates are reminded about examinations and what is considered malpractice.
You can view the ICE booklet by downloading it here.
You can also see more details about this booklet on the official JCQ website.
JCQ Warning to Candidates
All candidates sitting public examinations must read and follow the regulations issued by JCQ.
The JCQ Warning to Candidates poster explains the rules apply before, during and after examinations. It includes important information about:
- unauthorised materials
- mobile phones and other smart devices
- communication with other candidates
- behaviour in the examination room
Failure to follow these regulations may result in disqualification from one or more examinations.
Candidates and parents/carers are advised to read the poster carefully before the examination period begins.
JCQ Notice to Candidates - Warning: Disqualification
The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) issues a Warning to Candidates – Disqualification notice to explain the serious consequences of examination malpractice.
Candidates must not:
- bring unauthorised materials into the exam room
- use or possess mobile phones, smart watches or other electronic devices
- copy or communicate with other candidates
- share exam content online or on social media
- submit work that is not their own, including misuse of AI tools
- engage in any behaviour that could give an unfair advantage
Any breach of JCQ regulations may lead to penalties, including:
- loss of marks
- disqualification from a unit or qualification
- disqualification from all examinations in a series
All candidates and parents/carers are expected to read and understand these regulations before the examination series begins.
JCQ AI Misuse Poster
The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) has produced guidance for candidates on the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in examinations and assessments.
The AI Misuse poster explains that candidates must not submit AI-generated content as their own work or use AI tools in ways that breach examination regulations. All work submitted for assessment must be the candidate's own and appropriately referenced where required.
The poster highlights:
- acceptable and unacceptable use of AI tools
- plagiarism and malpractice
- the importance of authentic work
- potential penalties for misuse, including disqualification
Candidates should read this guidance carefully before completing coursework, controlled assessments or examinations.