External Examinations
Students who have sat external examinations in January so far have approached them in a calm and mature manner. They have demonstrated well-established routines, positive attitudes, and a clear understanding of expectations. We are very proud of the way they have conducted themselves and the seriousness with which they approached these important assessments.

Mock Examinations – w/c 19th January 2026
Mock examinations will take place the week commencing 19th January 2026 for most Year 2 A-Level and Level 3 Foundation GCSE subjects in addition to some T Level and fast-track A-Level courses. Individual mock exam times, locations and seat numbers are on the students’ Cedar profile by clicking on Exams & Results > Mock Exam Timetable. However, seat numbers may not show until closer to the mock exam time. Further guidance on mock examinations can be found here: Mock guidance: Student Guidance Mocks – January 2026.pdf.

These mock examinations will replicate the external exam conditions operating in Summer 2026. It is vitally important that students prepare themselves well for these mock examinations so they provide an accurate picture of their progress and enable staff to intervene to close any gaps in knowledge, understanding and skills. Note that, like real exams, unless there is a clash with another exam, mocks cannot be moved or rescheduled. Failure to attend a mock exam, without extenuating circumstances, will result in an “X” grade being issued.

During the mock examination week, Year 2 and Level 3 Foundation students will only need to attend their mock examinations and there will be no formal lessons for all courses (including Vocational & T-Level). There may be some local arrangements for students on some courses to attend specific sessions that have been organised by their subject teachers and details and expectations will have been communicated in advance.

Year 1
For clarity, during mock week (which is predominantly for Year 2 students) all Year 1 lessons and PPD sessions will proceed as normal, from Monday 19th January to Thursday 22nd January inclusive. Attendance is expected unless students have a timetabled external or mock examination.

On Friday 23rd January, to help facilitate our Year 9 Aspire event, students will engage in independent learning from home. Staff will set and communicate tasks with students in advance of this day.

Progress Data – All Years
Current Progress data will be available for all year groups shortly before half-term in February via Cedar. You will find a current working grade, predicted grade and effort grade (1-4 with 1 being Outstanding and 4 being inadequate) for all courses. If you have any questions about these grades, please contact subject teachers or Progress Coaches.

LRC’s
Over the next few months, based on your feedback, you’ll start to see changes to the LRCs. Different areas will be set up for different types of study, with clearer signage so you know what each space is for. We’ll also be adding new TV screens to share key information and updates. You’ll hear more about this in PPD sessions and around college.

For now, a quick reminder: LRCs are quiet study spaces. As we move into the spring term and closer to exams and final deadlines, please be mindful of others who are working. Food and drink are not allowed in the LRCs, so please eat in the canteen, or in the social study space.

Key Dates
Half-Term – Monday 16th – Friday 20th Feb 2026
Staff INSET – Monday 23rd February – College closed to students
End of Term – Friday 27th March 2026
Y1 Parents Evening (online) – Thursday 26th March 2026
Y2 & L3F Parents Evening (online) – Wednesday 11th February 2026

Please feel free to contact us at college if you need any further clarification about any of the items raised in this letter.

Yours faithfully,

Andy Barker
Director of Student Experience