EXAMINATION INFORMATION
At Clifton High School, we are committed to providing an enriching educational experience that prepares our pupils for lifelong success.
Primarily focused on GCSE and A level examinations, this page provides information about assessment procedures, qualifications, key School policies and guidance relevant to pupils and their parents. It also includes useful information about university admission tests and the additional support available throughout the examination period.
We believe that clear expectations, equitable processes and a supportive environment are essential ingredients for achievement. Our examination procedures are designed to ensure fairness while enabling every child to demonstrate their abilities and fulfil their potential. We encourage pupils and their parents to familiarise themselves with the information provided in this section to gain a full and comprehensive understanding of the examination process.
As a school, we believe that clear guidelines and a supportive environment are crucial for achievement. Our examination processes and policies are designed to ensure that personal growth is based upon equity, and we encourage parents and pupils to familiarise themselves with these regulations to understand the comprehensive undertaking.
PUPIL SUPPORT
Supporting pupils to excel in the classroom is central to our approach. Through our Tutor-Mentoring programme, Higher Education and Careers Guidance and access to our in-house Counselling Team, pupils receive personalised care throughout their studies.
Alongside academic preparation, pupils are encouraged to engage with our Enrichment Programme to provide a holistic and balanced approach to their studies.
In Year 9, pupils with additional learning needs are screened for examination access arrangements in accordance with the regulations of the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). This process helps identify and put in place any reasonable adjustments that may support pupils during public examinations.
View our Effective Revision Strategies infographic for practical advice and techniques to support independent study leading up to and throughout the examination period.
Effective Revision Strategies Infographic
QUALIFICATIONS
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GCSE Short Course - Taken at the end of Year 10, a GCSE Short Course represents half of a full GCSE qualification. Clifton High School currently offers Religious Studies as a Short Course.
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GCSE and iGCSE - GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and iGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) qualifications are typically completed at the end of Year 11 and reflect two years of study.
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AS and A Levels - AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary Level) and A Level (Advanced Level) qualifications, collectively known as GCEs (General Certificate of Education), are typically completed at the end of Year 13 following two years of Sixth Form study.
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Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) - The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is usually completed in Year 13 and provides pupils with the opportunity to undertake independent research on a topic of their choice. The qualification carries UCAS tariff points and is valued by many universities.
Examination Entries and Timetables
Pupils and their parents will be informed when individual examination entries and timetables become available. These can be accessed via the Exams Assist website.
Official Examination Boards
Essential resources and further information links:
- Ofqual Examination Regulation and Administration
- The Joint Council for Qualifications:
- Cambridge International CIE
UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS TESTS
Some university courses require applicants to sit an admissions test as part of the application process. While these tests are no longer administered in schools, pupils intending to apply for competitive courses should carefully review the entry requirements of their chosen universities.
Where applicable, admissions tests are typically taken between August and November of Year 13. Pupils are encouraged to check university websites regularly to ensure they meet all registration deadlines and application requirements.
CANDIDATE INFORMATION
The following links give candidates and their parents information on the rules and regulations to expect throughout the examination process.
The essential list below is mandatory and requires reading:
- Coursework
- Non-examination assessments
- On-screen tests
- Written examinations
- Candidates CIE Version
- Social Media
- Warning to candidates poster
- Unauthorised items poster
- AI (Artificial Intelligence and Assessments)
The list below is useful advisory information:
Clifton High School Examination Policies
Our Clifton High School policies are informative guides that outline our School protocols and expectations. The linked examination policies ensure the smooth running and successful assessment experience for all:
