Exams contingency plan published

Following recent concerns about the spread of swine flu in the UK the organisations reviewed the existing joint examination contingency plan. The plan is designed to ensure consistency of response in the event of major disruption to the examinations system that affects significant numbers of candidates across several awarding bodies. At times of crisis implementing the plan will safeguard the interests of candidates whilst maintaining the integrity of the examinations system.

As far as possible the joint plan relies on established processes and procedures which centres and others involved in the examinations system are familiar with. The joint plan will be implemented only in the event of major disruption to the system and any actions taken will be subject to the advice of the official agencies dealing with the specific crisis, for example the Environment Agency, the Health Protection Agency or the police.

The well established contingency plans that awarding bodies already have in place are capable of coping with significant levels of disruption to the examinations system. This joint plan is intended to complement these, not to replace them.

The exam system this year is running as normal. Students and their schools and colleges should be preparing for the summer exams as they usually would. 

Notes to editors

1. A copy of the contingency plan for the examinations system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland can be downloaded from this page
2. The Contingency plan for the examinations system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is jointly owned by Ofqual, DCELLS, CCEA, AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, City & Guilds, JCQ, DCSF, DENI, QCA and UCAS.
3. The National Qualifications examinations system in Scotland operates separately from England, Wales and Northern Ireland and does so under the aegis of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). The SQA and Scottish Government continue to monitor the Influenza A (H1N1) situation closely. If a flu pandemic were to develop during the course of the examination period there are contingency plans – in line with the Joint Management Framework – ready to be invoked. These plans ensure candidates across borders are not disadvantaged.
4. Ofqual in its interim form is part of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). On 2 April 2008, the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, announced that the government intended to legislate to make Ofqual a separate statutory authority reporting directly to Parliament.
5. For further information journalists should contact the Ofqual press office on 0300 303 3342, or 07798 924552 outside office hours. Members of the public should call the Ofqual helpline on 0300 303 3346.