Exams & Assessments
Below is an overview of the internal assessment strategies that we use at Harris Academy. Specific dates for assessment windows can be found below or on our calendar.
Key Stage 3 Assessments
In years 7, 8 and 9 we assess students' understanding formally using two different types of assessment: Part A and Part B Assessments.
Part A assessments are sat by students at two points during the academic year. They usually take the form of Multiple Choice Tests and are designed to measure students retention of key facts specifically taught and learned throughout thier study of the subject.
Part B assessment refers to the continuous assessment that is done in class by the students individual teacher. This could be in the form of an end of unit assessment or based on a specific piece of work that the students completed in lesson (e.g. a written essay, demonstration of a skill in PE, or performance of a particular piece of music). This is designed to recognise the continuous effort and improvement that students make throughout their time at Harris Falconwood.
Key Stage 4 Internal Assessments
In years 10 and 11 students are assessed using more formal examinations. These will likely be in the form of past exam papers or a paper created by their teachers to reflect the style of thier exam.
Year 10 students sit two formal exams each year, one towards the end of the Autumn Term (primary sat during lesson time) and the other in the Summer Term (sat in formal conditions in the exam hall).
Year 11 students have one set of formal mocks which take place in the Spring Term. These are sat in formal exam conditions and aim to reflect the GCSE exams in terms of setting, duration, and level of challenge. There are also two 'mini-mock' windows where students may sit an additonal condensed mock exam in some subjects based on specific need of the subject. Students will sit no more than two formal mocks in each subject.
Key Stage 5 Internal Assessments
In years 12 and 13 students are assessed using more formal examinations. These will likely be in the form of past exam papers or a paper created by their teachers to reflect the style of thier exam.
Year 12 students sit three formal exams each year, an induction test sat in the first half term, and two mock exams: one in the Spring Term (primary sat during lesson time) and the other in the Summer Term (sat in formal conditions in the exam hall).
Year 13 students sit two formal exams each year, one in the Autumn Term and the other in the Spring Term. Both mock exams are sat in formal conditions in the exam hall.
External Examinations (GCSE & A-Levels)
External examinations, including GCSEs and A Levels, are a key part of our students’ academic journey. These exams are scheduled annually by the relevant exam boards and typically take place during the summer term, from early May through late June.
At Harris Academy Falconwood, all written exams are conducted in the Sports Hall, providing a formal and consistent environment for all candidates. Please note that exam dates, start times, and end times are set by the exam boards and cannot be changed by the school. This means that on some occasions, students may finish later than the normal school day if they have an afternoon exam.
We encourage all students and families to check the official exam timetable provided by the school and ensure punctual attendance for every session.
The proposed timetable of internal assessments and mock examinations is below, but is subject to change to meet the needs of the Academy. Exact timetables will be published to students in the build up to each series.
| Autumn Term 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Year 12 Induction Tests | 29 September - 3 October 2025 |
| Year 13 Assessments | 17 - 28 November 2025 |
| Year 12 & 13 CTEC Mocks | 17 - 28 November 2025 |
| Year 10 Assessments | 01- 12 December 2025 |
| Year 8 Part A Assessments | 01- 12 December 2025 |
| Spring Term 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Year 11 Mock Examinations | 19 January - 6 February 2026 |
| Year 7 & 9 Part A Assessments | 12 - 30 January 2026 |
| Year 13 Mock Examinations | 25 February - 13 March 2026 |
| Year 12 Assessments | 09 - 27 February 2026 |
| Summer Term 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Year 7, 8 & 9 Part A Assessments | 8 - 26 June 2026 |
| Year 10 & 12 Mock Examinations | 15 June - 1 July 2026 |
| GCSE & GCE Subjects | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 | Year 13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | AQA 8700 | (GCSE Resit AQA 8700) | ||
| English Literature | AQA 8702PN | EdExcel 9ET0 | ||
| Mathematics | Foundation Tier AQA 8300F Higher Tier AQA 8300H |
EdExcel 9MA0 (GCSE Resit AQA 8300F) |
OCR H640 (GCSE Resit AQA 8300F) |
|
| Combined Science Trilogy | Foundation Tier AQA 8464F Higher Tier AQA 8464H |
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| Biology | Foundation Tier AQA 8461F Higher Tier AQA 8461H |
AQA 7402 | ||
| Chemistry | Foundation Tier AQA 8462F Higher Tier AQA 8462H |
AQA 7405 | ||
| Physics | Foundation Tier AQA 8463F Higher Tier AQA 8463H |
AQA 7408A | ||
| Art & Design | EDUQAS C650QS | EDUQAS A650QS | ||
| Citizenship | AQA 8100 | |||
| Computer Science | OCR J277 | OCR H446 | ||
| Dance | AQA 8236 | |||
| Design & Technology | EDUQAS C600QS | |||
| Drama | EDUQAS C690QS | |||
| Food Preparation & Nutrition | EDUQAS C560P1 | |||
| Further Maths | EdExcel 9FM0 | OCR H245 | ||
| Geography | OCR J384 | AQA 7037 | AQA 7037 | |
| History | EdExcel 1HI0BR | EdExcel 9HI0E5 | ||
| Italian | Foundation Tier AQA 8633F Higher Tier AQA 8633H |
|||
| Media Studies | OCR J200 | |||
| Music | EDUQAS C660QS | |||
| Physical Education | OCR J587A | |||
| Politics | EdExcel 9PL0A | |||
| Product Design | AQA 7552E | |||
| Psychology | AQA 7182 | |||
| Religious Studies | AQA 8062NA | |||
| Sociology | EDUQAS C200QS | AQA 7192 | ||
| Spanish | Foundation Tier EdExcel 1SP0F Higher Tier EdExcel 1SP0H |
AQA 7692T | ||
| Statistics | EdExcel 1ST0H | |||
Vocational Qualifications
| Cambridge National Subjects | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 | Year 13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technologies Level 1/2 | OCR J836 | |||
| IT Data Analytics Advanced National Extended Diploma Level 3 | OCR H119 | |||
| Technical Award Subjects | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 | Year 13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health & Fitness Level 1/2 | NCFE 603/7007/5 | |||
| BTEC National Subjects | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 | Year 13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music Performance Level 3 Extended Certificate | EdExcel RQF3 |
| Cambridge Technical Subjects | Year 10 | Year 11 | Year 12 | Year 13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Extended Certificate Level 3 | OCR 583500 | |||
| Business Diploma Level 3 | OCR 583700 | |||
| Digital Media Extended Certificate Level 3 | OCR 584400 | |||
| ICT Introductory Diploma Level 3 | OCR 584000 | |||
| Sport & Physical Activity Extended Certificate Level 3 | OCR 582700 | |||
| Sport & Physical Activity Diploma Level 3 | OCR 582900 | |||
| Sport & Physical Activity Extended Diploma Level 3 | OCR 587200 | |||
The proposed timetable of formal external examinations is below, but is subject to change to meet the needs of the Examination Boards. Exact timetables will be published to students in the build up to each examination series.
Students should be available for exams between the dates below, including the National Contingency Day. Please DO NOT book any holidays before the last date shown.
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Date of first GCSE (or equivalent): 07/05/2026
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Date of first A-Level (or equivalent): 11/05/2026
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Date of last GCSE (or equivalent): 23/06/2026
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Date of last A-Level (or equivalent): 23/06/2026
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National Contingency Day: 24/06/2026
| English & Maths Resits | |
|---|---|
| English Language |
Paper 1 1h45 04/11/2025 AM |
| Mathematics | Paper 1 Non Calculator 1h30 05/11/2025 AM Paper 2 Calculator 1h30 07/11/2025 AM Paper 3 Calculator 1h30 10/11/2025 AM |
| Cambridge Nationals* | |
|---|---|
| Information Technologies* | 1h30 09/01/2026 PM & 15/05/2026 PM |
| *students get up to two opportunities to sit this examination, with the best result being taken forward | |
| Technical Awards | |
|---|---|
| Level 1/2 NCFE Health & Fitness | 1h30 22/05/2026 PM |
| Level 1/2 BTEC Music Practice | Speak to Head of Subject |
| Cambridge Technicals* | |
|---|---|
| Level 3 Business* |
U1 2h 07/01/2026 PM & 12/05/2026 AM |
| Level 3 Extended Certificate in Digital Media* | U1 2h 08/01/2026 PM & 13/05/2026 PM U2 2h 13/01/2026 PM & 15/05/2026 PM U6 1h30 15/01/2026 AM & 22/05/2026 PM |
| Level 3 Introductory Diploma in Information Technology* | U1 1h30 07/01/2026 AM & 11/05/2026 AM U2 1h30 09/01/2026 PM & 14/05/2026 PM U3 1h 14/01/2026 AM & 20/05/2026 PM |
| Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sport & Physical Activity* Level 3 Diploma in Sport & Physical Activity* Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Physical Activity* |
U1 1h30 08/01/2026 AM & 11/05/2026 PM U3 1h 12/01/2026 PM & 14/05/2026 PM U4 1h30 14/01/2026 PM & 20/05/2026 AM U21 1h30 16/01/2026 AM & 04/06/2026 AM |
| *students get up to three opportunities to sit these examinations, with the best result being taken forward | |
| Nationals | |
|---|---|
| Level 3 BTEC Extended Certificate in Music Performance |
Speak to Head of Subject |
| GCSEs | |
|---|---|
| English Language |
Paper 1 1h45 21/05/2026 AM |
| English Literature |
Paper 1 1h45 11/05/2026 AM |
| Mathematics |
Paper 1 Non Calculator 1h30 14/05/2026 AM |
| Combined Science Trilogy |
Biology Paper 1 1h15 12/05/2026 PM |
| Triple Science Biology |
Paper 1 1h45 12/05/2026 PM |
| Triple Science Chemistry |
Paper 1 1h45 18/05/2026 AM |
| Triple Science Physics |
Paper 1 1h45 02/06/2026 AM |
| Art & Design | 2 Days - speak to Head of Subject |
| Citizenship |
Paper 1 1h45 07/05/2026 PM |
| Computer Science |
Paper 1 1h30 13/05/2026 PM |
| Dance | 1h30 12/06/2026 PM Performance submit by 07/05/2026 |
| Design & Technology |
2h 10/06/2026 PM |
| Drama |
1h30 08/05/2026 PM |
| Food Preparation & Nutrition |
1h45 11/06/2026 PM |
| Geography |
Paper 1 1h15 13/05/2026 AM |
| History |
Paper 1 1h20 15/05/2026 AM |
| Media Studies |
Paper 1 1h45 18/05/2026 PM |
| Music |
1h15 05/06/2026 PM |
| Physical Education |
Paper 1 1h 22/05/2026 AM |
| Sociology |
Paper 1 1h45 08/05/2026 AM |
| Spanish |
Listening F35/H45m 09/06/2026 AM |
| Statistics |
Paper 1 1h30 02/06/2026 PM |
| GCEs | |
|---|---|
| English Literature |
Paper 1 2h15 13/05/2026 AM |
| Mathematics |
Paper 1 2h 03/06/2026 PM |
| Biology |
Paper 1 2h 04/06/2026 PM |
| Chemistry |
Paper 1 2h 02/06/2026 AM |
| Physics |
Paper 1 2h 20/05/2026 PM |
| Art & Design |
SPEAK TO HEAD OF SUBJECT |
| Business Studies |
Paper 1 2h 13/05/2026 PM |
| Computer Science | Paper 1 2h30 10/06/2026 PM Paper 2 2h30 17/06/2026 AM |
| Design & Technology: Product Design | Paper 1 2h30 22/05/2026 AM Paper 2 1h30 10/06/2026 AM NEA submit by 15/05/2026 |
| Further Maths |
Pure Core Paper 1 1h30 14/05/2026 PM |
| History |
Paper 1 2h15 19/05/2026 PM |
| Politics |
Paper 1 2h 21/05/2026 AM |
| Psychology |
Paper 1 2h 15/05/2026 AM |
| Sociology |
Paper 1 2h 18/05/2026 AM |
| Spanish |
Paper 1 2h30 04/06/2026 AM |
| Results Days | |
|---|---|
| A-Level & Level 3 Vocational Subjects |
13/08/2026 |
| GCSE & Level 1/2 Vocational Subjects | 20/08/2026 |
Harris Academy Falconwood is a JCQ Registered Exam Centre, National Centre Number 14154.
Examination Rules & Regulations
Candidates taking external exams should be aware of the exam rules and regulations listed below. Please read through these carefully and watch the video below.
Queries about external exams should be directed to our Exams Officer, Mr A Watkins. The Exams Office is located by the Staff Room upstairs.
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Examination Results Days
The Academy holds to main results days after the summer season for Year 11 and Year 13 results.
Y13 Results Day - Thursday 13th August 2026
Y11 Results Day - Thursday 20th August 2026
Exam results are officially property of the student and we are not allowed to release them to anyone else without their permission. Should students not be available to collect their results, they have three options available to them:
- the student emails the Academy from their own/Academy email and requests the results are emailed to them
- the student emails the Academy from their own/Academy email with the details of a nominated person to collect on their behalf - the nominated person must bring a copy of the email and proof of ID when collecting
- the student provides the Academy a C4 sized self-addressed envelope with large letter postage attached with a signed note asking for the results to be posted
Examination Certificates
Students are welcome to the Academy to collect copies of their examination certificates from main reception during normal Academy opening hours. Students will be required to bring along a form of photo ID when collecting.
Examination certificates are officially the property of the student, and we are not allowed to release them to anyone else . Students may nominate another person to collect their certificates on their behalf, providing:
- the student has emailed the Academy from their own email with details of the person collecting
- the person collecting must bring a copy of the email and proof of ID
The Academy will also post certificates to students; please send a self-addressed addressed C4 size envelope with large letter postage to the Academy with a signed note from the student asking for the certificates to be posted.
In line with the JCQ Guidelines, the Academy retains certificates for 12 months after issue, after which they are securely destroyed.
Replacement Certificates
The Academy cannot order or issue replacement certificates. We can provide a Statement of Results which should suffice in most cases as proof of results in place of the certificate.
Individual exam boards can also produce an official Statement of Results, and these will need to be ordered with each exam board directly by the student. Details of how to do this can be found at www.gov.uk/replacement-exam-certificate. Note that exam boards will generally charge for this service.
Policies & Documents
Examinations