Timetable clashes – GCE AS & A-level Mathematics examinations

To help ensure the integrity of high stakes examinations, AQA, OCR and Pearson have put in place enhanced security arrangements. These include timetabling of AS Further Mathematics, AS Mathematics, A level Further Mathematics and A level Mathematics examinations in the afternoon session.

If a candidate has a timetable clash with AS Further Mathematics, AS Mathematics, A level Further Mathematics or A level Mathematics examination, the centre cannot move that examination to the morning. These Mathematics examinations must always be taken in the afternoon, exactly as scheduled by the awarding body timetable.

The only exception to this rule would be where a candidate has three or more AS or A level examinations in one day which exceed six hours in duration. In this scenario an AS Further Mathematics, AS Mathematics, A level Further Mathematics or A level Mathematics examination could be transferred to the following morning. See section 8 of the Instructions for Conducting Exams (ICE) information on overnight supervision arrangements.

The awarding bodies appreciate there may be logistical challenges for candidates with extra time and/or supervised rest breaks. One possible solution is to vary the starting time for the afternoon session as per paragraph 6.4 of the Instructions for Conducting Exams (ICE).

If this is not possible and centres have queries about individual candidates, the relevant awarding body should be contacted for advice.

These arrangements do not apply to CCEA and WJEC AS Further Mathematics, AS Mathematics, A level Further Mathematics and A level Mathematics examinations.