Public Examinations

The John Warner School is currently approved as a centre for four examination boards:

• Edexcel
• Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA)
• OCR
• Welsh Joint Education Committee
• NCFE

This means that The John Warner School has access to all of the courses run by these boards and the associated assessments – usually examinations. Departments choose the courses they wish to follow and most choose courses from the first three in the list.

General Certificate of Secondary Education

All students sit GCSE Exams, BTEC Technical Awards or Cambridge National Awards at the end of Year 11.

Our vocational subjects may require units to be taken during Year 10. 

For some subjects which include an NEA component, this may also be started during Year 10.

We are also able to support students who choose to sit a GCSE in their community language. Taking a GCSE in a native language is a great way to earn a valuable qualification and enhance future university and career options. We can provide guidance, practice materials and mock exams to support these students. If your child is fluent in reading, writing, listening and speaking in a language outside of the core language options and would like to sit an exam, please contact our Exams Office or MFL department to discuss their options. 

General Certificate of Education

'A' levels are taught over 2 years and most are examined in the final year. In Year 13 most students specialise in 3 subjects. 

Access Arrangements

JCQ guidance for parents, carers and students about access arrangements: https://www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/JCQ-Parent-guidance-information-sheet-2025_26.pdf

The Examinations Department

Exams at The John Warner School are managed by Ms Carol McGrath. Please contact her in the first instance on any exam matters on exams@johnwarner.herts.sch.uk

Link to Ofqual 2026 student guide: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ofqual-student-guide-to-exams-and-assessments-in-2026