A statement from the DCSF (Department of Children Schools and Families) regarding exams in light of recent travel disruptions:

“We now have clear advice in relation to GCSEs and A levels. Ofqual has been in touch with the Awarding Bodies who should now be approached by individual schools to discuss the arrangements to be made for individual pupils, depending on their individual circumstances.

We understand that the approach will be flexible but we expect assessments to be rescheduled where possible with deadlines extended as necessary. We expect Awarding Bodies to consider sympathetically requests to extend coursework deadlines - as 7 May is the first of the deadlines for GCSE this is uncomfortably close. Written exams start on 17 May and we would expect children to be back in the country by then, barring further ash falls. Postponement of sessional exams is almost never an option in any circumstances.”