Manchester schools given authority to postpone exams in wake of terror attack

Following the tragic events in Manchester on Monday 22nd May, official education board Ofqual has issued a statement giving Manchester schools and colleges the power to postpone GCSE and A level exams if they see fit.

Ofqual's ruling comes a day after the tragic terror attack at the Manchester Arena during an Ariana Grande concert. The singer, who found fame as a child star on the Disney channel, has a strong following of young people, and it's thought that many teens and children are amongst the victims of the attack.

As such, Ofqual have reasoned that there is likely to be a significant proportion of the Manchester student body who may be affected by the horrifying incident, which has left 22 dead and 59 more injured at last count.

In the statement, Ofqual say: 'Many students and teachers are likely to have been affected by the tragic events in Manchester last night. Headteachers are best placed to decide whether exams should go ahead as planned.'

Traditionally sat over May and June, thousands of young people across the country will be in the middle of exam-related stress at the moment, and a national tragedy like this is likely to cause a lot of disruption.

Measures are being taken to ensure that students wishing to claim extenuating circumstances can either postpone or forgo their exams, the education authority says, so that 'no student is disadvantaged.'

'We will consider with the exam boards how the provisions that are normally made for students who are unable to sit their exams when planned, or who take their exams but whose performance might be affected, will be applied.'

It is now at the discretion of individual schools and colleges to contact exam boards directly to discuss next steps.

'Schools and colleges affected by the bombing should contact the relevant exam boards. Students affected should speak to their teachers,' continued a spokesperson.

If you're concerned about how to explain this incomprehensible act to your little one, we've got more information on how to handle such a difficult subject.

Have you or has someone you know been affected by the events in Manchester? Let us know in the comments below