GCSE and A-Level exams 'likely to be put back three weeks'

This would mean students due to take exams in May would sit them in June or even later that month, despite months of missed schooling.

At a people scrutiny committee meeting last night, the council’s corporate director of people Adrian Loades recognised exams are worrying students.

He added the council is seeing an increase in the number of young people referred with mental health problems.

Around 2,800 Redbridge pupils are currently at home self-isolating, whether because of suspected coronavirus or due to vulnerability reasons.

Read more: Less than seven per cent of Redbridge Covid tests positive

Mr Loades told the committee: “The plans are being put in place for exams to happen and I know that’s a considerable concern for a lot of pupils and parents at the moment.

“Exams will happen but there’s a lot of water to go under that bridge first.

“We are seeing a high level.... of referrals relating to young people’s mental health. It’s safe to say that Covid-19 is behind some of those concerns.”

A report by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation published on August 2 notes there is “support for delaying the exams to allow more time for teaching”.

However, it adds: “A number of risks and issues were highlighted... including concerns about the likely impact on the dates by which results could then be published.”

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