Dear Parent/Carer,
Year 11 summer exams are now beginning. Since returning from Easter, it has been really positive to see how hard students are working and how seriously they are taking their preparation.
Some students have already completed exams in Performing Arts, Photography and Art. From Monday 11 May, the main exam period begins, starting with English, and there will be several whole year group exams each week.
During this exam period, it is very important that students attend school every day. Being in school allows them to receive direct support from their teachers, take part in focused revision lessons and feel more confident going into each exam.
To support students as fully as possible, we have changed the Year 11 timetable. The normal timetable has been paused and replaced with an exam and intervention timetable. This means students will focus on the subjects they are about to be examined in. For example, on the day before a Maths exam, students will attend Maths revision lessons rather than their usual subjects. This approach helps students revise the right subject at the right time, spend more time with subject specialists and reduce stress and anxiety.
Because of this, 100% attendance is expected throughout the exam period. The attendance team will continue to request evidence for any planned absences during this time.
Alongside the school day, we will continue to offer extra support and strongly encourage all students to attend. This includes Period 6 revision sessions, May half-term revision sessions (details will be shared soon) and pre-exam breakfast booster sessions.
We know this can be a stressful time for students. While revision is important, so is wellbeing. Please encourage your child to take breaks, eat healthily and get enough sleep. Attending school is especially important during this period, as it allows us to support students if they need it. Our pastoral team is available every day to support Year 11 students for any reason.
The link below provides access to the Year 11 Summer Exam and Intervention Timetable:
https://ems.bhcet.org.uk/files/documents/exams/GCSE_Exam_-_Intervention_Timetable_2026.pdf
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
Mr M Doyle
Assistant Headteacher
