All candidates will receive a summary copy of these instructions prior to the start of their examinations.

A summary copy of this policy and a map showing the escape route and meeting point for exam candidates will be displayed in every examination room.

Candidates will be reminded of the evacuation procedures as part of the instructions to be read out before each exam.

Where papers have not yet been laid out, the invigilators may – if it is safe to do so – take the question papers with them during the evacuation (ensuring that security is maintained throughout by using the blue security envelopes) and hand them over to the exam office staff for use in an alternative venue if required as part of the Exam Contingency Plan.

Some alarms do not signify an emergency evacuation situation.

In exceptional situations, where candidates might be severely disadvantaged or distressed by remaining in the exam room, the emergency evacuation procedure may also need to be followed. This might include situations where there is severe disruption in the exam room, serious illness of a candidate or invigilator or similarly serious incidents.

If the disruption is brief and a member of Property Management confirms that the situation is safe, then candidates will be permitted to continue with their exam.

The Examinations Officer will ensure that Invigilators are fully trained on the evacuation procedure.

An application for Special Consideration due to the disturbance may be applied for if appropriate.

In the event of an emergency alarm, the following procedure will be followed:

* The examination must be stopped immediately and the invigilator should note the time on the incident log and collect and keep the attendance register and log in their possession;

* Candidates must immediately stop writing, put down their pens, close their booklets and await instruction from the invigilator;

* If the candidates are to be evacuated then the invigilators, exam office staff, and any available centre staff, must escort the candidates from the examination room. Candidates must be reminded that exam conditions remain in force throughout the evacuation and communication must be limited to urgent matters, and directed to invigilators and / or exam office staff only;

* The senior invigilator (or sole invigilator) must ensure that the attendance register is taken from the room, and that the door is closed behind the last person to leave the room;

* Candidates must leave in silence and remain in the order in which they are seated;

* Candidates must be kept separate from other building users, and as far as is possible away from the public throughout the evacuation. They must be kept under strict supervision at all times;

* Papers should remain within the examination room if they were already laid out on desks, and where the number of candidates (or situation) would make it unsafe for the invigilator (s) to collect and take them with them;

* Upon return to the examination room or to an alternative venue as stated in the exam contingency plan, the exam should be restarted. The Senior Invigilator (or sole invigilator) or Examinations Officer should log the emergency and calculate the remaining time from the time of the disruption;

* The Awarding Body must be informed of the disruption as soon as possible, and an application for Special Consideration made on behalf of the affected students as appropriate.

This policy should be read in conjunction with the Stay Put Policy

Stay Put

Where the centre has been notified of a potential threat or incident on the premises, invigilators will immediately be advised to go into Stay Put mode.

* The examination must be stopped immediately and the invigilator should note the time on the incident log and collect and keep the attendance register and log in their possession;

* Candidates must immediately stop writing, put down their pens, close their booklets and await instruction from the invigilator, exam conditions remain in force;

* Invigilators must where possible lock the door of the examination room from the inside and pull down any blinds or other coverings on accessible windows / doors.  Candidates must remain properly supervised throughout this process.

*Invigilators should be aware of any potential hiding places should they become necessary – for example alcoves, storage areas within the exam room, or under desks if required.  These will not need to be used unless it becomes absolutely necessary for safety purposes, exam conditions may not be possible in the event of a hiding place becoming necessary – in this event the exam would not be able to continue after the disruption.

*Only when notified by the Head of Centre that the incident has passed, invigilators should advise candidates that the incident has passed and allow time for them to settle.  Once any remaining exam time has been calculated, candidates should continue and complete their exam. The time of the re-start and brief description of incident must be logged.

*If during Stay Put a fire alarm is activated, invigilators and candidates must follow the usual fire evacuation procedure.