Examinations
Kennet School is proud of its impressive examination results over the years. This reflects the school’s philosophy of valuing each and every pupil, giving them the appropriate challenge and support. Pupils sit different exams depending on their course of study and their year of education. Whilst assessments take place throughout a child's education, our pupils undertake the following formal examinations:
In Years 10 & 11
Pupils start their two-year GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) or Vocational Qualifications in School Years 10 & 11 (15/16 years of age). At Kennet School, all pupils must study English, Maths, Science and Ethics & Philosophy, but they also study their chosen options (selected in Year 9).
GCSEs
GCSEs are taken in the Summer term of Year 11. Pupils will sit a series of exams and if they have specific access arrangements, these will be catered for. There are foundation and higher tiers of entry in Maths, Science and Modern Foreign Languages. Results are usually awarded in August and pupils will receive a numerical grade 9-1 with 9 being the highest awarded.
Level 1 / Level 2 Vocational Qualifications
Kennet School also offers a number of Level 1/Level 2 vocational courses alongside GCSEs. The exam elements of these courses may be sat during the January exam series or in the Summer.
Most pupils leave Kennet School with 10 or more GCSEs and/or vocational qualifications and continue with their study at Kennet’s Sixth Form..
In Years 12 & 13
Pupils in the Sixth Form will study A Level or Level 3 courses. A Level courses are either delivered as a two-year linear course with exams at the end of Year 13. The qualifications that are studied in Years 12 & 13 are often used to gain access to University and Higher Education.
A Levels
A Levels are sat in the Summer of Year 13 and are used as entrance grades for universities for most Year 13 pupils.
Level 3 (Vocational Qualifications)
Level 3 vocational qualifications also have external exams. These may be taken in the January exam series or during the Summer.
T Levels (Technical Qualifications)
To achieve a T Level, pupils will need to complete the two assessed components from the technical qualification: the core component and the occupational specialism, as well as a set project which forms part of their industrial placement with an employer. The results from these components and the employer project determine the overall T Level grade achieved.
Examining Boards
There are several examination boards (also known as awarding bodies) that can set and award qualifications. All exam boards follow strict guidelines from Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) to regulate standards and ensure parity, but the layout, content and format of exams varies from board to board. Schools and colleges, therefore, have a choice of which exam board they will use for each subject, and must look carefully at each specification to decide which awarding body and qualification they will choose. It is therefore important that pupils follow the correct specification when revising.
Examination Timetables
Personalised examination timetables for each exam season are distributed via email to each candidate. The personal details on these documents need to be checked very carefully. If any amendments need to be made, the Examinations Officer must be notified before the examination takes place. Any changes that are requested after this time will incur a charge from the Examination boards. All pupils are advised to inform the Exams Office if they have any clashes.
All candidates who are sitting examinations at Kennet School are made aware of the policies, procedures and regulations required.
Examination Results
There are set days for exam results to be announced, the majority in mid-August, when pupils collect their results from school.
Find out how Kennet’s pupils have performed >>
Certificates
Certificates are awarded a few months after the publication of exam results at a dedicated presentation evening. Pupils may also collect their certificates from the school after this event and may be asked to provide photographic identification. A third party may collect certificates on a pupil’s behalf, provided that they have written authorisation to do so. Unclaimed certificates will be retained by the school for one year. Applications for replacement certificates must be made directly to the relevant awarding body. A charge will apply for this service.
Lost Certificates
If you have previously collected your certificates but have since lost or misplaced them, please use the link below for guidance on obtaining replacement certificates or official proof of your qualifications.