How to run mock exams

Most schools and colleges host mock exams during the Autumn term. Mock exams don’t just benefit students, they give centre staff an opportunity to dry run the delivery of exams too.

Another reason why they’re so important is Ofqual’s guidance to schools and colleges on collecting student performance evidence for general qualifications. Ofqual asks that schools and colleges make sure that students sit mock exams in exam conditions before their formal exams, and that their papers are kept as evidence. The same guidance applies to our vocational, technical and other qualifications (VTQs).

There’s lots to think about when it comes to mock exams and every centre will have its own requirements and preferences, so here are some points that might help you to plan your upcoming sessions.

1. Encourage involvement of Senior Leadership in the process, meet with them to discuss their requirements and create a plan together of what the mocks should look like.
2. Think about the planning of your timetable and who is responsible for those decisions. Do you need to work around certain things in your school or college, like breaks and lunchtime?
3. Who will be invigilating the internal mocks, and do you need to train these staff in readiness?
4. Consider what spaces you will be using and whether these need any adjustments for the exam including seating, lighting and equipment.
5. Make sure you keep completed mock exams as part of your resilience process.

Mocks are also a time for reflection, evaluation and an opportunity to fix something you aren’t completely happy with before the real thing. Sharing feedback with Senior Leadership can be a positive way to implement changes before the official season starts.

We wish you the best of luck during this busy period, and if you have any questions or need support, please call us on 0800 197 7162.