It may be possible for schools to remain open for the purpose of examinations in the event of a closure. Any decisions about school closures will be taken by the school Principal in conjunction with the Public Health Agency and the Department of Education.

This could create significant difficulties if large numbers of candidates were involved. CCEA should be contacted to discuss the feasibility of such an arrangement.

Invigilators are suitably qualified and experienced adults who must not be current students at the centre. Although the head of centre may decide who is suitably qualified and experienced, any relative of a candidate in the examination room must not be the sole invigilator. Invigilators need to be appropriately trained in their duties andit may be possible to recruit additional suitable people from within the local community.

Any teacher who has prepared the candidates for the subject of the examination during the academic year of the examination must not be the sole invigilator at any time during a written examination in that subject.

If a student feels unwell for any reason before or during an examination, the invigilator should follow the existing guidelines for dealing with such a scenario. More information in the CCEA Examinations Administration Handbook.

CCEA has tried and tested processes in place to deal with situations where a candidate is unable to complete an examination for any reason.

‘Special consideration’ allows an awarding body to award a grade where an exam cannot be taken, provided that there is sufficient evidence to make a reasonable judgement. This is the fairest possible approach for all candidates and established processes are in place. Medical evidence is also required to support the application.

The requirements for special consideration are agreed in conjunction with the Joint Council for Qualifications and the qualifications regulators in Northern Ireland, England and Wales. Code of Practice for GCSEs and GCEs.

CCEA can award a grade by applying ‘special consideration’ based on the assessment a candidate has already completed. To ensure the grade reflects what a candidate has demonstrated he/she can do there is a minimum level of assessment required. For example, in the case of an AS award 50% of the assessment will need to have been completed. More information.

Candidates are eligible for ‘special consideration’ if they have a medical certificate or have received written instruction from their school or college advising them not to attend an exam. Schools and colleges should make sure that candidates are clear about the ‘special consideration’ requirements. More information.

Should this situation arise, please contact CCEA to discuss options that may be available. In exceptional circumstances, other, appropriate evidence of attainment may be accepted. CCEA will ensure that the integrity of the examination is maintained. More information.

When a ‘special consideration’ request is made, a grade is only awarded when sufficient evidence is available. The published grade does not have any indication of ‘special consideration’ having been applied. These grades have the same status as those awarded normally and will be accepted. These are not ‘estimated grades’.

There are no plans to re-schedule examinations. Normal arrangements for re-sitting examinations will be available where this is the most appropriate option.

‘Special consideration’ requests are processed to the same timetable as examination awarding so there should be no impact on the date of the publication of results.

It is very unlikely that all examinations will be cancelled. We are keeping the situation under close review. If the position changes, we will consider all options, to ensure that all candidates are treated fairly. A contingency plan has been agreed centrally by the awarding bodies, the qualifications regulators and the government departments in Northern Ireland, England and Wales. View the contingency plan.