Contingency plan for the examinations system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Following concerns about the spread of swine flu in the UK, Ofqual, the regulators in Wales and Northern Ireland, awarding bodies, JCQ, QCDA, UCAS and government in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have 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 exam system. This joint plan is intended to complement these, not to replace them