Candidate Terms & Conditions

2. Application Submission vs. Confirmed Examination Entry

An examination entry is legally and operationally confirmed only when all of the following conditions are fulfilled:

• Our Examinations Officer has verified subject syllabus codes, paper component combinations, and timetable compatibility.
• Original photographic identification and prerequisite documentation (including UCI/ULN) have been verified.
• All applicable examination, invigilation, and late entry fees have been received in cleared funds.
• The centre has transmitted the formal EDI entry file to the awarding body and generated your official Statement of Entry.

3. Fees, Deadlines & Settlement

Standard entry fees for examinations at Sydenham Exams are set out in our published fee schedule:

• GCSE Mathematics / English Language: £225
• Other GCSE / IGCSE Subjects: £200
• GCSE / IGCSE Modern Foreign Languages: £300
• GCSE Double Award Science (6 papers): £375
• GCE AS-Level: £210
• GCE A-Level (Standard): £320
• GCE A-Level Modern Foreign Languages: £420
• Functional Skills Level 1: £125 | Level 2: £150

Payment Methods: Examination fees must be settled via direct Bank Transfer (quoting your application reference number) or Cash at Centre by appointment. We do not process credit or debit card transactions online. Full payment must be received by the date specified in your Fee Confirmation Notice; failure to pay on time will result in late fees or cancellation of your provisional entry.

Late Entry Surcharges: Applications received after awarding body deadlines incur late entry fees: Stage 1 late (+£60 GCSE/FS, +£120 A-Level); Stage 2 very late (+£120 GCSE/FS, +£240 A-Level); Stage 3 emergency (+£180 GCSE/FS, +£360 A-Level).

4. Cancellations, Amendments & Refund Policy

5. Identification & Attendance Rules

• Mandatory Photographic ID: Candidates must present an original, valid government-issued photographic ID (Passport, UK Driving Licence, or Biometric Residence Permit) at every single examination session. Candidates under 18 may present a Birth Certificate accompanied by parent/guardian photographic ID. No candidate will be admitted without approved ID.
• Arrival Times: Candidates must arrive at the centre 15 to 30 minutes prior to the published examination start time. This ensures identity verification, bag storage, and briefing can be completed.
• Late Arrivals: Candidates arriving after the published start time may be refused entry. Under JCQ regulations, candidates arriving more than one hour after the official start time (or after the paper has finished for exams shorter than one hour) will not be admitted under any circumstances.
• Absence: Candidates who fail to attend an examination for any reason forfeit their entry fees. No replacement sitting or refund is available.

6. JCQ Regulations & Candidate Conduct

All examinations are conducted under the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) General Regulations and Instructions for Conducting Examinations (ICE).

• Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, electronic devices, notes, and unauthorised materials are strictly prohibited in the examination room. All devices must be switched off and handed to invigilators.
• Malpractice: Any attempt to cheat, communicate with other candidates, possess unauthorized materials, or disrupt the examination will be reported immediately to the awarding body. Penalties can include zero marks for the paper or disqualification from all examinations.
• Equipment: Candidates are responsible for bringing their own black ink pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, and approved non-programmable calculators in a clear, transparent pencil case.

7. Access Arrangements & Reasonable Adjustments

Candidates requiring access arrangements (e.g. 25% extra time, rest breaks, reader, scribe, word processor, separate room) must declare their requirements upon initial application and submit valid supporting documentation (such as an up-to-date Form 8 or specialist medical report).

All arrangements must be formally approved under JCQ regulations before the awarding body deadline. The centre cannot accommodate access arrangements requested after the deadlines or without compliant specialist evidence.

8. Results, Post-Results Services & Certificates

• Results Release: Provisional examination results are released on national JCQ results days. Candidates can access results via the Candidate Portal or in person.
• Post-Results Services: Enquiries About Results (EAR) and access to scripts are subject to strict awarding body deadlines and additional fees set by the exam board plus a £40 centre administration fee.
• Certificates: Official certificates are issued approximately 3 months after results. Certificates may be collected in person free of charge. If postal delivery is requested, a recorded courier fee of £15 applies.

9. Limitation of Liability & Force Majeure

Sydenham Exams shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, or failure to perform obligations where caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including extreme weather events, utility failures, industrial action, transport disruption, or changes to examination timetables imposed by awarding bodies. In any event, the total liability of the centre shall be strictly limited to the fees paid by the candidate.