As we move towards the beginning of the formal exam period on Tuesday, we know centres may have questions around public health guidance in relation to COVID-19.

This email provides advance information on the Scottish Government’s public health guidance, which is set to change in Scotland from 1 May, as well as an update on the Examination Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service.

Public Health Guidance

For exams taking place before 1 May, the current public health guidance remains in place with PCR testing available for individuals who are symptomatic, and contact tracing and isolation guidance also remaining in place. Population wide asymptomatic testing (LFD universal offer) ended in mid-April, including in schools.

What is changing from 1 May?

From 1 May, advice to people with respiratory symptoms including COVID-19 will change in Scotland in line with the Test and Protect Transition Plan published on 15 March 2022. The general public will no longer be advised to seek a test if symptomatic.

From 1 May, people with symptoms of respiratory illness in Scotland, including COVID-19, will be asked to follow general public health guidance which will be available on 1 May. As set out on the Public Health Scotland website, this new guidance will be published on NHS Inform and will broadly align with the current UKHSA ‘Stay at Home’ Advice.

Information for parents, carers and learners

We understand that parents and carers may be anxious about the impact public health guidance may have on whether learners should attend exams if they feel unwell, and we know that many will look to you for advice. To that end we encourage you to use the following information with your networks:

The exams taking place over the next six weeks are a chance for all learners to demonstrate their hard work, skills and knowledge. Please continue to follow public health guidance, including during the exam period. The Scottish Government’s current public health guidance remains in place up to and including 30 April.  This asks individuals to self-isolate if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID and to book a PCR test. However, as per the Test and Protect Transition Plan published on 15 March 2022, public health guidance is set to change in Scotland from 1 May. As set out on the Public Health Scotland website, this new guidance will be published on NHS Inform on 1 May and will broadly align with the current UKHSA ‘Stay at Home’ advice that asks children and young people to stay at home if they have a high temperature and feel unwell. It is important that you speak to the school/college if you cannot attend the exam for any reason so that you get the advice and support you need on next steps. More information about attending exams can be found in ‘Your Exams 2022’ on the SQA website.