Exams, Assessments & Reporting

We were delighted to see the progress made by Orchard students this year. Almost all of our students came in for a really vibrant results day, and it was wonderful to hear about their varied and brilliant post-16 destinations. We wish them the very best of luck for the future.

Exams

All exams related queries must be sent to exams@orchard.ampedu.co.uk

You can see our performance on the government's School Performance website here.

Results

Key Stage 4 Results - Summer 2025 Outcomes

Progress 8 (predicted using our data analytics program, SISRA) until the Department for Education published the official figure	-0.48
Percentage 9 - 5 in English and Maths	36.5%
Percentage 9 - 4 in English and Maths	55.7%
A8	4.2
EBacc Average Point Score	3.8
Percentage entering EBacc	50.9%
Percentage staying in education or employment	87%

Click here for the JCQ Post-Results Services document.

Click here to the school performance website.

Results Day

Exam Results Day - Thursday 19th August 2027

Public examinations begin on 10th May 2027. School will be open between 9.30 am and 11am on Thursday 19th August for you to come in to collect your GCSE Results. 
 
Members of staff will be present to celebrate your results with you, but also to provide any support you may need with moving into post-16. Our Careers Advisor and members of the Senior Leadership Team will also be on hand to help, and specific support will be provided from 11am-12:30pm for any individuals who may need to contact a college/6th form immediately.

There will be an opportunity on the day to discuss remarks and resits of papers, especially where students are close to a grade boundary. For more information on this, please see this document created by the examining board: Remarks & Resits

Donation of School Uniform

As mentioned at the end of term, we use donated school uniform to upcycle for students who need support with this. We would appreciate it if you could check whether you have any uniform you could donate - blazers and ties are particularly useful, but all elements of the uniform are welcome. Thank you in advance.

Return of Items
As previously communicated, any laptops, locker keys and library books that are still in your possession will need to be returned on Results Day. It is vital that we are able to use this equipment for other students in the future, and any outstanding items may be charged directly to you.

Information about Exams

Internal Assessment Appeals Procedure

Please find the procedure for appeals against internal assessments of work here

exams appeals against internal assessments of work procedure.pdf

Post Results Services

Enquiries about Results (EAR's)

Please see the information above with the link to JCQ document. Below is a summary of the process for enquiries about exam results. Please email exams@orchard.ampedu.co.uk if you have any queries about results.

All exam boards offer a service for enquiries about results; the reviews available for individual students are

Clerical recheck and review of marking

Based on the marks awarded and the grade boundary set by the Exam Board your teachers may decide to ask for your exam paper to be reviewed; if this is the case, you must complete a consent form to show that you understand that the mark may go down as well as up when it is remarked.

If you are concerned about the grade you have been awarded, you should discuss this with your teacher or the Head of Faculty as soon as possible to see if they think a review would be appropriate. Requests for reviews must be made within three weeks of the date results are issued to meet the Exam Board deadlines. All requests must be made through the School, via the exams officer, you cannot make a request to the Exam Board yourself.

Exam Boards make a charge for the review service; if you want an Exam paper reviewed the School may charge you for the cost of the review.

The Exam Boards deadline for completion of reviews is the 24th September.

The exam Board will contact the school with the result of all reviews. We will then write to you to let you know the outcome of the review.

GCSE Exam Timetable 2027

gcse summer 2027 timetable.pdf

Exam timetables including upcoming mock examinations - linked diaries

3 Nov 2026
08:00 to 10:40

Mock Exam - English Literature
3 Nov 2026
12:35 to 14:20

Mock Exam - French and Spanish Writing
4 Nov 2026
08:00 to 10:40

Mock Exam - Biology
4 Nov 2026
12:35 to 14:20

Mock Exam - Hospitality and Catering Written
4 Nov 2026
15:00 to 15:45

Mock Exam - Prep
5 Nov 2026
08:00 to 10:40

Mock Exam - Geography
5 Nov 2026
12:35 to 14:20

Mock Exam - History Paper 1
5 Nov 2026
15:00 to 15:45

Mock Exam - Prep
6 Nov 2026
08:00 to 10:40

Mock Exam - Maths Non-Calculator
6 Nov 2026
11:00 to 14:20

Mock Exam - Hospitality and Catering Practical
9 Nov 2026
08:00 to 10:40

Mock Exam - Chemistry
9 Nov 2026
12:35 to 14:20

Mock Exam - RS
10 Nov 2026
08:00 to 10:40

French and Spanish Listening
10 Nov 2026
12:35 to 14:20

Mock Exam - Health and Social Care
11 Nov 2026
08:00 to 14:20

Mock Exam - 3D Design
12 Nov 2026
08:00 to 14:20

Mock Exam - Art
13 Nov 2026
08:00 to 14:20

Mock Exam - 3D Design
16 Nov 2026
08:00 to 14:20

Mock Exam - Graphics
16 Nov 2026
08:50 to 14:20

Mock Exam - French and Spanish Individual Speaking Slots
17 Nov 2026
08:50 to 14:20

Mock Exam - French and Spanish Individual Speaking Slots
18 Nov 2026
08:00 to 10:40

Mock Exam - Maths Calculator
18 Nov 2026
12:35 to 14:20

Mock Exam - Classics
19 Nov 2026
08:00 to 14:20

Mock Exam - Graphics
19 Nov 2026
15:00 to 15:45

Mock Exam - Prep
20 Nov 2026
08:00 to 10:40

Mock Exam - English Language
23 Nov 2026
08:00 to 10:40

Mock Exam - Physics
23 Nov 2026
12:35 to 14:20

Mock Exam - Music
24 Nov 2026
08:00 to 10:40

Mock Exam - Further Maths
24 Nov 2026
12:35 to 14:20

Mock Exam - History Paper 2
25 Nov 2026
08:00 to 10:40

Mock Exam - Drama
25 Nov 2026
11:00 to 14:20

Mock Exam - Hospitality and Catering Practical
26 Nov 2026
08:00 to 10:40

Mock Exam - French and Spanish Individual Speaking Slots
26 Nov 2026
11:00 to 14:20

Mock Exam - 3D Design
27 Nov 2026
08:00 to 14:20

Mock Exam - 3D Design
10 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - German Paper 1 (35 mins)
10 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - German Paper 1 (45 mins)
10 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - German Paper 3 (45 mins)
10 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - German Paper 3 (1 hr)
11 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Biology Paper 1 (both tiers) (1 hr 45mins)
11 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Combined Science: Trilogy - Biology Paper 1 (both tiers) (1 hr 15 mins)
11 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Urdu Paper 1 (45 mins)
11 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Urdu Paper 3 (1 Hr)
11 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Chinese: Paper 1: Listening and understanding Chinese Higher Tier (45 mins)
11 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Chinese: Paper 3: Reading and understanding in Chinese Higher Tier (1 hr 5 mins)
12 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - English Literature Paper 1 (1 hr 45 mins)
13 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Religious Studies A Paper 1 (1 hr 45 mins)
14 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Mathematics Paper 1 (non-calculator) (both tiers) (1 hr 30 mins)
14 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Drama: Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice (1 hr 45 mins)
17 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Chemistry Paper 1 (both tiers) (1 hr 45 mins)
17 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Combined Science: Trilogy - Chemistry Paper 1 (both tiers) (1 hr 15 mins)
17 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Sport Science: Reducing the risk of sport injuries and dealing with common medical conditions Written Paper (1 hr 15 mins)
18 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Geography Paper 1 (1 hr 30 mins)
18 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - German Paper 4 (1 hr 10 mins)
18 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - German Paper 4 (1 hr 15 mins)
19 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - English Literature Paper 2 (2 hrs 15 mins)
19 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Classical Civilisation: Myth and Religion Written Paper (1 hr 30 mins)
20 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - History Paper 1: Thematic study and historic environment (1 hr 20 mins)
20 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Polish Paper 1 (45 mins)
20 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Polish Paper 3 (1 hr)
20 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Chinese Paper 4: Writing in Chinese Higher Tier (1 hr 25 mins)
20 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Portuguese Paper 1: Listening and understanding in Portuguese Higher Tier (45 mins)
20 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Portuguese Paper 3: Reading and understanding in Portuguese Higher Tier (1 hr)
21 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Religious Studies A Paper 2 (1 hr 45 mins)
24 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - English Language Paper 1 (1 hr 45 mins)
24 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Arabic paper 1: Listening and understanding in Arabic Higher Tier (45 mins)
24 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Arabic Paper 3: Reading and understanding in Arabic Higher Tier (1 hr 5 mins)
25 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Physics Paper 1 (both tiers) (1 hr 45 mins)
25 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Combined Science: Trilogy - Physics Paper 1 (both tiers) (1 hr 15 mins)
25 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Urdu Paper 4 (1 hr 15 mins)
26 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - French Paper 1 (35 mins)
26 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - French Paper 1 (45 mins)
26 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - French Paper 3 (45 mins)
26 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - French Paper 3 (1 hr)
26 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Geography Paper 2 (1 hr 30 mins)
27 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Mathematics Paper 2 (calculator (both tiers) (1 hr 30 mins)
27 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Russian Paper 1: Listening and understanding in Russian Higher Tier (45 mins)
27 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Russian Paper 3: Reading and understanding in Russian Higher Tier (1 hr 5 mins)
27 May 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Music Comp.3 (Appraising) (1 hr 15 mins)
28 May 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - History Paper 2: Period study & British depth study (1 hr 50 mins)
7 Jun 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Health and Social Care: Principles of care in health and social care settings written paper (1 hr 15 mins)
7 Jun 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Arabic Paper 4: Writing in Arabic Higher Tier (1 hr 25 mins)
7 Jun 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Russian Paper 4: Writing in Russian Higher Tier (1 hr 25 mins)
8 Jun 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - English Language Paper 2 (1 hr 45 mins)
8 Jun 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - French Paper 4 (1 hr 10 mins)
8 Jun 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - French Paper 4 (1 hr 15 mins)
9 Jun 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Spanish Paper 1 (35 mins)
9 Jun 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Spanish Paper 1 (45 mins)
9 Jun 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Spanish Paper 3 (45 mins)
9 Jun 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Spanish Paper 3 (1 hr)
9 Jun 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Classical Civilisation: The Homeric World Written Paper (1 hr 30 mins)
9 Jun 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - History Paper 3: Modern depth study (1 hr 30 mins)
10 Jun 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Biology Paper 2 (both tiers) (1 hr 45 mins)
10 Jun 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Combined Science: Trilogy - Biology Paper 2 (both tiers) (1 hr 15 mins)
10 Jun 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Geography Paper 3 (1 hr 30 mins)
11 Jun 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Further Mathematics L2 - Paper 1 (1 hr 45 mins)
11 Jun 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Polish Paper 4 (1 hr 15 mins)
11 Jun 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Portuguese Paper 4: Writing in Portuguese Higher Tier (1 hr 20 mins)
14 Jun 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Mathematics Paper 3 (calculator) (both tiers)
14 Jun 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Hospitality & Catering Written Paper (1 hr 20 mins)
15 Jun 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Chemistry Paper 2 (both tiers) (1 hr 45 mins)
15 Jun 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Combined Science: Trilogy - Chemistry Paper 2 (both tiers) (1 hr 15 mins)
16 Jun 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Spanish Paper 4 (1 hr 10 mins)
16 Jun 2027
13:00

GCSE Exam - Spanish Paper 4 (1 hr 15 mins)
17 Jun 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Further Mathematics L2 - Paper 2 (1 hr 45 mins)
18 Jun 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Physics Paper 2 (both tiers) (1 hr 45 mins)
18 Jun 2027
09:00

GCSE Exam - Combined Science: Trilogy - Physics Paper 2 (both tiers) (1 hr 15 mins)

Adding dates to your calendar

Subscribing via Outlook

Follow the relevant instructions below, using the feed address https://www.orchardschoolbristol.co.uk/ical.ics

Outlook Office (desktop) (section: Add internet calendars)
Outlook.com (section: Subscribe to a calendar)
Outlook via a web browser (section: Subscribe to a calendar)

Subscribing via Google

On your computer, open Google Calendar
On the left, next to "Other calendars" click 'Add' followed by 'From URL'.
Click this button to copy the feed address to your clipboard and paste it into the 'URL of calendar' field
Click 'Add calendar'. The calendar will appear on the left side under "Other calendars"

It might take up to 12 hours for changes to show in your Google Calendar.

Subscribing via iPhone

Click this link and click 'Subscribe' in the popup message

Assessment

The following is a summary of agreed practice across the Heads of Faculty at Orchard, to summarise our approach:

At Orchard School, we use 'diagnostic' and/or formative assessment frequently - this identifies progress and gaps in learning, including individual support needs.

This occurs frequently within the classroom - through circulating and reading learner's work, questioning and mini-whiteboards.

We then also ensure that each class gets formative feedback designed to close major gaps in skills or knowledge typically by halfway through a unit, and again at the end of the unit, with clear improvements suggested. Generally, the end of a unit signifies an assessment. This may be peer marked or teacher marked. However, the teacher will ensure that they look at student work and give feedback.

For subjects with smaller or shorter units, this may mean formative feedback given to the class occurs at the end of two units. Teacher feedback is indicated by green pen or a green sheet printed in to books. Student self-assessment is indicated by red pen.

Reporting

Throughout the year, all parents/carers will receive three reports regarding student attainment, attendance, and behaviour statistics and these reports will always follow a data capture from staff within school. Wherever possible, reports will be issued at a Parent Consultation Evening, but they will otherwise be posted out to the address we have on the system.

Behaviour data for all year groups will indicate the number of House Points your child has received, alongside the number of detentions. There will be an overall percentage for your child's attendance, and we will indicate how many times they have been late to school.

School reports will include 4 key areas:

1. Progress

This tells you how quickly your child is learning in each subject.

Rapid Progress - Learning is going faster than expected
Expected Progress - Learning is on track
Below Expected Progress - More support may be needed

2. Attainment (what level your child is working at)

Years 7-9:

Greater Depth - Working above the expected level
Working At - Working at the expected level
Working Towards - Working below the expected level

Years 10-11:

We will show:

Current Working Grade - What grade your child would likely get now
Most Likely Grade - The grade they're most likely to get in Year 11

3. Approach to Learning

This shows how your child learns in class.

Excellent - Work is high quality and always on time
Good - Work is mostly on time and done well
Variable - Work is sometimes late or rushed
Cause for Concern - Rarely completes homework or puts in little effort

For Year 10 and Year 11 Parents:

We will also include:

A Target Grade - A goal set at the start of GCSEs based on your child's ability and previous results
Judgements about how your child is progressing towards their target (Rapid, Expected, or Below Expected)

Collection of Examination Certificates

Any student who left Orchard in summer 2025 and is yet to pick up their certificate will need to contact exams@orchard.ampedu.co.uk and provide a suitable date and time for collection.

Knowledge Retrieval Booklets

Term 2

Term 3