What you can and can't take to your exam
Bags are not allowed at Exam Halls, it's best to leave your bag and other items at home.
Lockers on campus (none available at the Exam Halls) are limited, but if you have to bring a bag or other items, you will need to find a locker to store your items.
For your in person exam you will need:
- Student ID card - Take note of your exam number in red. You will need to refer to this to find your seat. You will also need to write it on your exam scripts.
- Basic stationery (eg pens, pencils) in a clear pencil case.
- A clear bottle of water with no labels.
- Analogue watch (optional)
- Calculator (if permitted) that follows your School's guidelines. If you aren't aware of this guidance, please get in touch with your School.
You can also bring in:
- Small electrical devices but these must be turned off and placed under the desk. This includes mobile
phones, smartwatches, FitBits, headphones and Airpods.
- Keys
- Wallets and purses
- Coats
You can't bring in:
- Bags
- Notes, textbooks or literature (unless otherwise advised by your School)
- Laptops
- Tablets
Lockers and bag drops
Bags are not allowed into Exam Halls and there is no bag storage there either. Please try not to bring any bags with you, leave it at home. If you have to, find a locker on campus to use.
You can take small items, such as your phone or wallet in the exam hall with you. Your phone and other small electrical devices must be turned off and placed under the desk. See what you can and can't bring into the exam hall.
Free day lockers are available in Canterbury at Templeman Library and in Grimond, and at Medway in the Medway Building. The Reception Welcome Desks and Nexus are there if you need help.
Getting to your exam
Aim to get to your exam 15 minutes before it is due to start and wait outside. The exam invigilators will let you know when you can go in.
Make sure you leave plenty of travel time and check you know how to get to the right place on campus for your exam.
If you are late, don’t panic, you will still be allowed in the exam hall, although you won’t be given extra time.
Seating plan
At the entrance to the exam hall you will find a seating plan. To find your seat you need to use your exam number which is the red number on your student ID card. Your seat number will also be displayed on your exam timetable on KentVision.
Entering the exam hall
The exam invigilators will let you know when you can go in the exam hall.
Before entering the exam hall, please turn off your mobile phone and make sure you don't have any items that aren't allowed in.
Large exam halls will display signs labelling the rows alphabetically from left to right to help you find your seat.
You can identify your seat by the ticket found on the top right of the desk.
You must display your student ID card top right beneath the seat number.
The exam paper and answer booklet will already be on the desk. Do not touch this before the start of the exam.
Exam etiquette
Once you enter the exam hall you must remain silent, this includes the time leading up to and after exams.
It is possible you will be sharing the exam hall with others sitting longer exams than you so please try not to disturb them when you enter and leave the exam hall.
You must not try to copy others in the exam hall or bring in any notes or crib sheets that haven't been permitted.
Arriving late
You can still enter the exam if you are late but you won't be granted any extra time.
If you are over 30 minutes late, the invigilators will let your School know so it can be considered by exam boards.
During the exam
When the invigilator announces the start of the exam you may turn over your exam booklet.
Write your exam number on your exam scripts. Do not write your name or student number on your script. Your exam number is the red number on your student ID card.
If you need to use the toilet during the exam, raise your hand and an invigilator will accompany you to the nearest bathroom.
You can’t leave the exam room within the first and last 30 minutes of the exam, to check attendance and make sure others aren’t disturbed.
The invigilator will announce the end of the exam and at this point you must stop writing. The exam paper and answer booklets will be collected. You are not allowed to take your exam paper or answer booklet from the room.
When you leave the exam hall please make sure to take all your personal belongings and remain quiet as exams may be taking place nearby.
Inclusive Learning Plan (ILP) for exam arrangements
If you have an Inclusive Learning Plan (ILP) for exam arrangements, your timetable will detail the general area you need to report to.
When you arrive, a member of the exams team will advise you on what to do.
If you need any assistance regarding your ILP or exam adaptive arrangements, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing.