Exams, results and support

When will exams happen?

Exams at the College can take place throughout the year. Your tutor will let you know when yours will be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summer 2025 GCSE English and Maths exams

GCSE English and Maths exams will take place in May and June. You will receive a timetable for the exams you have been registered for. Please check with your tutor if you are unsure. There are three Maths papers and two English papers.

Practice GCSE exams will take place on 03, 04 and 06 March.

You must register for your exam at Main Reception between 08:30 and 09:00.

You should familiarise yourself with the rules you must follow for your exams. Please read the Information for Candidates from JCQ:

• IFC Written Examinations
• IFC On Screen Examinations

What happens on the day of the exam?

Make sure that you are prepared and ready to take your exam.

• You must bring your student ID
• You must be on time for all your examinations. Please ensure that you arrive at least 30 mins before the start of your exam
• Check and bring with you all the equipment you will need for the exam. For example, a black pen, pencil, ruler, rubber, protractor, compass.
• Check your calculator is working before the exam. You are responsible for making sure it meets the awarding body’s regulations. Check with your tutor if you’re not sure. You must remove the case/cover before the exam.
• You can not borrow equipment from other students in an exam, but the Invigilator may have spares.
• Possession of a mobile phone, any smart device or other unauthorised material is not allowed even if you do not intend to use it. You will be
  subject to penalty and possible disqualification from the exam/qualification. See the unauthorised items which must NOT be taken into the exam room.
• You must not talk to, attempt to communicate with or disturb other candidates from the moment your enter the examination room.
• You must follow the instructions of the invigilator.
• You must not sit an examination in the name of another candidate.
• You must not become involved in any unfair or dishonest practice in any part of the examination.
• If you are confused about anything, only speak to an invigilator.
• You are expected to stay for the full duration of your exam.

Exam tips

• Read instructions carefully: Before you start answering questions, read the instructions thoroughly. This will help you understand what you're expected to do and avoid mistakes.
• Time management: Keep an eye on the time and try to allocate it appropriately. Don't spend too long on one question if you're struggling - it might be better to move on and come back to it later.
• Answer as much as possible: If you're stuck, try to write something - partial marks are better than no marks.
• Double-check your answers: If you have any time left, review your answers and correct any errors.

How should I prepare?

• Don't leave revision to the last minute: Starting early will allow you to cover everything thoroughly and give you time to clear any doubts or queries with your tutor(s).
• Create a study plan: Break down your revision topics into manageable chunks and plan when you will study each. Remember to include breaks to avoid burnout.
• Practice with past papers: Past papers are a great resource to familiarise yourself with the exam format and question styles. Your tutor(s) may be able to provide you with past papers.
• Get help with exam stress: Don't bottle up your anxiety. Access support and resources to help with the stress at mind.org.ukmind.org.uk

When will I get my results?

Newbury College students should receive their GCSE exam results by email to their college email address on Results Day:

Thursday 21 August 2025

You should not come to the College to collect your results. If you have not received your grades by the end of Results Day, you should contact the Exams Officer.

For issues accessing your college email, please contact IT Support on 01635 845 244.

For Year 11 and Year 13 students at school, your school should have already contacted you with instructions on accessing your results.

What if my grades are not what I expected?

Your actual grades may be higher or lower than you expected. It is important to understand how this might affect your choices and your options. Whether you have just missed the mark or exceeded your expectations, there are many ways to access your chosen career through further and higher education. Please arrange a 1:1 with a member of our careers team to discuss your options, or call us on 01635 845000.

Appealing results / Review of Marking

If you are concerned that a grade you have received at Newbury College is wrong, our  pdf Assessment Appeals Procedure (339 KB) provides information on how to appeal. Please read this carefully, so you are aware of the grounds required to appeal. Instructions on how to request access to your script or a review of marking can be found in your results notification email.

If you received your grades at school or another provider, please contact them for information on how to appeal.

Going to another college or university?

If your chosen course is with another college or university, you may be able to go through 'clearing'. Clearing is how some universities and colleges fill any places they still have on their courses. Our careers advisers can help you to understand the clearing process.

For more information on clearing, visit the UCAS website.