Bishop Challoner Parent Letter
Tuesday, 13th January 2026
GRADE INDICATOR WEEK: 19th January – 23rd January 2026 (Year 12)
Dear Parent/Carer,
From 19th January, Year 12 A Level Students will be sitting their Grade Indicator exams (mock exams). The purpose of these exams is to measure the progress your child has made since the start of their A level courses. They also provide an important opportunity to prepare for the formal exams at the end of the academic year.
The school day will start at the usual time of 8.25am. During the registration period, students will make their way to the Sixth Form reception where they will leave their bags and take only required equipment.
Exams start on Monday 19th January. Morning exams start at 9:00am. Students will need to arrive at school by 8:25am at the latest and be registered at 8:30am by form tutors. During the registration period, students will make their way to the Sixth Form reception where they will leave their bags and take only required equipment. Afternoon exams start at 13:00. Students will have their lunch at 12:10, (during period 4) and line up for their afternoon exam by 12:45. This will ensure a prompt start to the exams. Students that are more than 30 minutes late will not be able to sit the exam. All exams are sat in full school uniform.
After morning exams students will go straight to break. After break students will make their way to Lesson 3 and 4, as normal. During Lesson 4 students who have an PM (13:00) exam will be registered by their teachers and will then make their way to the Sixth Form Café for lunch. Students are then required to report to the Sixth Form reception to register for their exams and leave their bags before making their way to the exam hall.
*please note there will not be enough time to go off site for lunch, during the exam period for those students that have a PM exam. The Sixth Form café will provide an earlier lunch service.
Please see the Y12 GI schedule below In addition, these are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Do the students have study leave?
No. Students will attend lessons between their exams where they will have an opportunity to revise for the next exam supervised by their classroom teacher.
What equipment does my child need?
All students should have a black pen, pencil and ruler. These may be brought in a clear plastic pencil case. Please ensure your child has a scientific calculator, protractor and compass if required, as these are also required for some exams.
Students are not allowed electronic devices such as mobile phones, earphones or digital watches. If they are found to have them in their possession this will lead to disqualification and confiscation.
If your child wants to bring a water bottle it must be clear plastic with no label. Students that fail to bring the correct equipment may be disadvantaged as we will not be providing spare equipment to them. This is to ensure students get into the routine of being organised and ready for their public exams next year.
What if my child is ill?
If your child is ill, please follow the usual school procedures and phone the school on 0207 791 9500.
Will BTEC students have GI exams in this window?
No, this is because BTEC students are either currently completing Coursework units, or have completed externally examined exams for their courses. BTEC students should attend lessons and school as normal during this time.
We wish your child every success in their Grade Indicator Exams and thank you for your continued support.
Yours faithfully,
Miss L Griffiths
Head of Sixth Form
Acting Assistant Headteacher
