Examinations
This page contains information about the annual exams that students in Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 will take. The documents towards the bottom of the page contain important information relating to examinations.
We would like to inform you that the Summer 2025 Examination Certificates will be available for collection at our premises from reception from Thursday, 13th November 2025.
In order to collect your certificates, candidates who have now left the school must present valid photo identification. If you are nominating someone else to collect the certificates on your behalf, please ensure that the certificate form below is completed in full, signed, and given to the front desk.
The designated collector must also provide their photo ID (passport, driving license, or college/university ID card).
For the convenience of those unable to collect their certificates in person, we offer a postal service at a nominal cost of £5.00. Should you choose this option, kindly ensure that the name of the student, the year, and the correct postal address are provided within Parent Pay : - https://app.parentpay.com/ParentPayShop/Foc/Default.aspx?shopid=3704. This will be available from 13th November 2025 - 28th November 2025.
It is imperative to note that, in accordance with JCQ regulations, certificates will be retained for a period of six months, after which they will be securely destroyed.
Remember – The only verified evidence of your qualifications are your certificates. Employers and training providers will need to see them throughout your career and, therefore, it is vital that you collect your certificates and keep them safe.
We emphasise the importance of treating exam board results certificates as crucial legal documents and advise all recipients to store them securely. In the unfortunate event of certificate loss, information on the process for obtaining exam board documentation can be found on this link : - https://www.gov.uk/replacement-exam-certificate. Please be aware that exam boards may charge for this service.
If you have any issue, please email Exams Officer at Exams@davenant.org.
The dates for public examinations will be made available to students on Talaxy by the end of the Spring Term.
A Guide to the NEA (Non-Exam Assessment)
This guide provides an overview of Non-Exam Assessments (NEA), explaining what they are, how they are assessed, and the rules and regulations set by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).
What is a Non-Exam Assessment (NEA)?
A Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) has replaced what was previously referred to as “coursework.” Essentially, it involves research, project-based work, or practical assessments that contribute to a student’s final grade. NEAs provide an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired throughout their course, as well as their ability to conduct independent research and produce their own projects.
Completing an NEA also helps students develop valuable life and work skills. For our students, the NEA is completed at home, with access to a range of research resources, including textbooks, journals, television, radio, and the internet. Importantly, students are also guided on how to properly reference and attribute the sources they use.
Rules Students Must Follow
The NEA must be entirely the student’s own, original work. Students are required to sign a declaration to their examination board confirming this, and teachers must also sign to authenticate that the work is genuinely the student’s. This process is known as authenticating the work.
It is important to understand that the NEA is designed to demonstrate a student’s ability to independently plan and complete a project using their own initiative and resources. Subject teachers will provide guidance on the specific rules that apply to each course and will ensure students understand the assessment criteria, so they know what is required to earn marks.
There is a careful balance between the support a teacher can provide and the marks a student may need to forfeit if the support is excessive. It is essential to discuss this clearly with the teacher to ensure expectations are fully understood.
Students and parents are also strongly encouraged to read the JCQ document, “Information for Candidates – Non-Examination Assessments”, to become familiar with all rules and regulations.
Are Students Allowed to Quote from Books or the Internet?
Students are encouraged to use a variety of research sources, including books, websites, and television programs, to support their NEA. Any information, quotations, or evidence taken from these sources must be properly referenced.
Plagiarism, copying, purchasing essays, or colluding with others is strictly prohibited and is considered cheating. Such actions could result in disqualification. Examination boards now use sophisticated tools to check work for plagiarism, so it is essential that students submit their own original work.
Students should be encouraged to use their own words wherever possible. If they do include quotes or refer to someone else’s work, they must use quotation marks and provide accurate references. Teachers can provide guidance and examples of correct and incorrect referencing. Proper referencing not only supports academic integrity but also ensures students avoid any accusations of cheating.
Deadlines for NEAs
Deadlines for NEAs are set by the subject teacher in consultation with the Head of Department, in accordance with the requirements of the relevant exam board. It is essential that students submit their work by the specified deadline. Work submitted late may not receive marks, which could negatively impact the student’s overall grade.
NEA deadlines are not included in the official exam timetable. Students and parents will receive this information directly from the subject teachers. Any questions regarding NEA deadlines should be directed to the appropriate teacher.
Marking and Moderation
After the submission deadline, NEA work is marked by the subject teacher and internally moderated to ensure consistency across the school. Scores are shared with the student. Please note that it is often not possible to provide a fully accurate final grade at this stage, as grade boundaries can change each year.
In certain circumstances, students may request a re-mark of their work. Appeals should follow the guidance outlined in the school’s Internal Appeals Policy, available on the school website. The purpose of internal moderation is to ensure consistent and fair marking across the school.
Once internally assessed, NEA work is also moderated by the awarding body to ensure consistency in marking between different schools. This external moderation process may result in changes to the marks awarded. It is important to note that this stage is outside the control of Davenant Foundation School and is not covered by the school’s appeals procedure.