New learner's guide

• Equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusiveness
• Trust, fairness, mutual respect and helping others
• Safe, healthy, creative and sustainable learning
  and work environments.
• Achievement of personal potential (social and family
  responsibility, good citizenship and independent living)
• Achievement of skills (skills for employment and
  progress to jobs or further study)
• High expectations and high performance

CALAT is committed to the advancement of equality and diversity throughout all of its activities and centres of learning.

We encourage everyone to respect other people with particular regard to the protected characteristics of the Equalities Act 2010.

CALAT is an open and inclusive place to study, all are welcomed regardless of faith, age, gender expression, race ability, disability, sexual orientation and economic status.

We challenge and eliminate discrimination and prejudice in all its forms to help create a stronger and fairer community and we value and encourage all learners and staff to succeed and move forward positively in their lives.

We are an equal opportunities training provider, which means that we are committed to a policy of equality of opportunity aiming to offer a high quality service no matter what your personal circumstances.

The Learning Support Service is here if you have a specific learning disability or difficulty, or you require specialist assistance on an accredited course.

The Learning Support team can:

• discuss with you and assess the support you may need
• arrange support where possible within the classroom either by the loan of equipment, technology or by one of our experienced support staff working with you in the classroom
• support and advise you and your tutor during your course
• BSL interpreters / note taking
• Advise and support learners to make access arrangements for exams, such as extra time or the provision of a scribe

Additional tutor support for learning

Once you are attending a course, we can provide additional learning support and study skills for learners with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties.

Our tutors can provide additional support for your learning, such as 1-1 sessions after class. Please talk to your tutor if you have not already approached the Learner Support team on enrolment to your course.

Dyslexia Support

We provide initial advice and guidance to support learners. Dyslexia support is offered on a one to one basis by the tutor. Assistive technology may be provided as appropriate such as computers in class or coloured in-lays.

Please inform us if you need dyslexia support on enrolment or within the first week of attending your course by speaking to your tutor.

Can you spare two hours a week?

We need volunteers to work alongside learners with disabilities and learning difficulties who need extra support in the classroom. Can you commit to work 2 hours per week, for a 10-week term?

Please email learnersupport.referrals@croydon.gov.uk if you can help.

Confidentiality

CALAT and the Learner Support department gives you every opportunity to disclose your disability, learning difficulty or medical condition. The information that you give us will be classed as ‘sensitive’ and will not be passed on without your consent.

You have the right to confidentiality, including complete confidentiality. The right to confidentiality can only be breached in exceptional circumstances under Safeguarding procedures.

Our aim however, is to gain as much relevant information about you as possible in order to provide you with the most appropriate support to ensure you have a good learning experience and achieve your learning goals and qualifications.

Safeguarding our learners, staff and visitors is an important issue, CALAT is committed to providing a secure environment for students, where learners feel safe and are kept safe.

All staff at CALAT recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility irrespective of the role they undertake or whether their role has direct contact or responsibility for learners or not.

You have the right to feel safe where you learn and it is the responsibility of every learner and every member of staff to respect other people’s right to safety, not to hurt or abuse others and not to threaten others.

If you have a concern, have witnessed or have knowledge of abuse please speak to your tutor or use our Safeguarding contact form.

As an education provider CALAT has a duty to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and radicalisation. To fulfil this duty CALAT will not accept expressions of extremist views of any kind or source from learners, staff or visitors to our centres. In addition we are committed to safeguarding our learners who may be vulnerable to radicalisation.

We will follow the procedures as set out by Croydon Council and
Croydon’s Safeguarding Children’s Board agreed processes and criteria for safeguarding individuals vulnerable to extremism and radicalisation and ensure that they are given appropriate advice and support.

CALAT ensures that fundamental British values are actively promoted
throughout your course. These are: democracy, rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

If you have a concern, have witnessed or have knowledge of radicalisation taking place please speak to your tutor or use our Safeguarding contact form.

CALAT actively seeks to involve learners and other users in all aspects of its service delivery. We believe that listening and engaging with learners and other users and responding to feedback is a key method of improving the quality of provision and outcomes.

CALAT uses this feedback to plan improvements to the service and the learner experience. The following methods of consulting with learners are currently in place:

• Course Evaluation forms
• Observation of teaching and learning
• Complaints, compliments and comments forms
• Surveys and questionnaires
• Learner consultations

All policies are available here or on request from a centre office.

You are encouraged to follow us through our social media channels on:

Facebook (@CALATCroydon)

Instagram (calatcroydon)

The ICT Acceptable Use Policy prohibits learners abusing the ICT facilities. Use of ICT facilities is monitored and inappropriate use will result in learners being excluded from all CALAT centres in accordance with The CALAT Contract. In particular, learners are not allowed to:

• Access or view websites which contain pornographic or
  offensive material.
• View, send or retrieve inappropriate files.
• Use e-mail or any social media in an inappropriate manner, for example to send menacing, abusive or harassing communications or to attach illegal files. This applies to emails sent from a CALAT site or sent to CALAT staff or learners from another location.
• Use the CALAT learning platform, Google Drive / Google Classrom, in an inappropriate manner.
• Download, add or remove software and/or take any action that could
  destroy, modify or abuse hardware or software.
• Use a computer for any form of illegal activity, including music,
  gambling and software piracy.
• Attempt, successfully or not, to gain access to another persons email files or data.
• Change or attempt to change the settings on any computer except with tutor supervision.
• Use their own memory stick, CD / DVD Rom or any other storage
  device without running a virus check first.
• Use chat rooms, play games, listen to audio or any other inappropriate use of the internet except with Tutor supervision.
• Use mobile phones, video and digital cameras to take any pictures of video film of learners or CALAT employees and visitors without their knowledge and permission having been first obtained.
• Post video or photographic material obtained during your course (i.e. videos of fellow learners or other people) on to YouTube, Facebook, or any other public site, unless it is part of your course and is posted to a private area within the relevant site and has the agreement of all involved.

You will be made aware of online security during your course and will agree to abide by any rules or requests made by CALAT in order to keep you and fellow learners safe online, as well as the regulations of the sites you access. 

Some tutors will allow use of your own devices (e.g. smart phones or tablets) during the class and some courses will in future encourage this. Please note that you bring your device at your own risk and that you will never be required to bring a device.

During classes where mobile devices are used please note the following:

• Mobile devices are to be used only for work relevant to the class and not for personal communication.
• All the points above should be followed while using your own device during a class.

Please do not send friend requests for your Facebook or other social media accounts (such as twitter). Tutors will not accept these requests. Your accounts are personal and for your own safety you should limit them to your own family and friends.

As new technology becomes available, we will review this policy to ensure that both learners and CALAT are kept digitally aware and safe.

Learners are reminded that they must abide by Government legislation relating to ICT, for example The Computer Misuse Act, Copyright laws, Data Protection Act.

In the event of hardware failure, software failure, or virus outbreaks, CALAT cannot be responsible for any damage occurring to a learner’s property.

Your learning entitlement

As a learner we want your time with us to be enjoyable, stimulating
and successful.

You have a right to:

• A wide choice of courses with up-to-date information, advice and
  guidance and sources of financial help.
• A step-by-step introduction to the course.
• Teaching and learning methods to meet your needs, with teaching by
  experienced and qualified staff using a varied range of learning styles,
  including e-learning.
• Extra help and support if appropriate, and an individual learning plan
  when needed.
• Appropriate learning material and equipment.
• Regular reviews of progress, opportunities to progress and a
  recognition of achievement.
• Equality of opportunity and treatment with respect, with a serious response from CALAT if you are discriminated against.
• A safe and healthy learning environment, and access to all learner services including the canteens, reception and information areas.
• Opportunities to comment on the quality of the service.
• Information on all our policies, including the CALAT Learner Code
  of Conduct.*
• Access to the CALAT Examination Policies & Procedures.

Your learner responsibilities:

When you join a course you will be asked to complete necessary paperwork in order that we can claim the government funding that subsidises your course. Once you have completed your enrolment, you will have a 14 day cooling off period during which you can cancel your course and request a full refund of any fees you have paid.

Once the cooling off period has expired, CALAT will not refund fees unless we cancel your course or there is a service failure. In some circumstances, you may be able to transfer your enrolment to a different CALAT course. Please see our refunds page or course transfer page for full details.

We expect you as a learner to:

• • Take responsibility for your own learning and to talk with your tutor if you think you are not achieving your learning goals.
  • Seek additional support if you think you need it.
  • Arrive on time and attend your class regularly.
  • Tell us if there are any important changes, for example, if you move house.
  • Respect the values of others and their right to learn.

Additional learner responsibilities:

• Do not accept any form of discrimination and report it if it happens.
• Respect property belonging to others, including that of CALAT.
• Comply with health and safety requirements.
• Participate in learning surveys to let CALAT know how it can improve.
• Switch your mobile phone off during classes and refrain from taking food and drink into classrooms.

Our Learner Support Fund can pay for 90% of your course and exam fee up front and can pay your childcare (OFSTED registered) costs while you are attending classes at CALAT.

If you are on a low income paying the full fee and on a course leading
to a qualification, you may be eligible to apply for the Discretionary Learner Support Fund.

When you enrol on the course – 90% of the course fee (including any exam fee) will be deducted up front, you will only need to pay 10% of the total fee at the time of enrolment. You will be contacted by a CALAT member of staff to make this payment or be sent a Croydon Council invoice.

The fund could help pay towards the cost of course tuition fees, exam fees, course materials and childcare. A new application will need to be submitted for each new enrolment on a CALAT course when your course reference number changes.

Applications for funding must be made via the the online form here.

Adults with learning difficulties or disabilities (Independent Living) may be eligible to apply for support with travel costs.

For details of eligible courses please use the CONTACT US form or ask at one of our receptions.

Please be aware, if you receive Learner Support funding but do not complete the course you will be liable to pay back the Learner Support fund amount that you were granted.

Paying for your course by instalments:

CALAT may offer the option of paying for their course in a limited number of instalments if their course costs over £120 (after any deductions) and runs for 6 weeks or more. 

Further information on payment methods can be found here. 

We will normally offer 2 payments of 50% of the fee for each payment but this can be negotiated at the time of enrolment. All payments must be made before the course end date. Payments will be requested by card over the telephone.

If you need assistance in job searching, obtaining information about additional training opportunities, apprenticeships, or guidance on creating CVs, completing application forms, and improving interview techniques, you have four options to access confidential and unbiased career advice and guidance:

1. You can access one to one employment support at our Croydon Clocktower centre on Tuesday mornings between 10.00am and 1.00pm. To book appointment: email: Andrew.gee@croydon.gov.uk
2. The National Careers Service – provides free, personalized advice and guidance. To book an appointment call: 0800 100 900 or visit their website.
3. Croydon Works – Job and Training Hub offer a free recruitment service. They have a range of vacancies, apprenticeships and traineeships and work experience placements. To register: visit their website or contact them via email: info@croydonworks.co.uk or Tel: 020 8604 7471

How CALAT will use your information in accordance with Data Protection law

CALAT are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy when you use our services. All your personal data is treated in strict confidence and dealt with in accordance with Data Protection Law in particular the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). To ensure that the service you receive is effective, we may need to share your information with our partner organisations.

This data sharing, among other things, supports our funding and financial planning; monitoring performance and our educational attainment policy; enables us and our partners to produce statistics and research; determine the destinations of our learners after they have completed courses with us; and evaluate Government- and European-funded programmes. Your personal data may be converted (‘anonymised’) into statistical data in such a way that ensures that you cannot be identified from it .

CALAT collect personal information about you to pass on to the Department for Education and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). The EFSA’s Privacy Notice can be read here. The information collected on your enrolment form is a requirement to fulfil the funding contract with the ESFA and will be retained for 6 years from the point of enrolment, and for the purposes of the Department for Work & Pensions as a data controller, where learner data is used to match on the 2014-20 ESF programme, the data will be retained until 31st December 2030, so that the ESFA can claim match funding from the European Social Fund (ESF). The ESF supports and invests in a number of projects aimed at raising skills and job prospects.

Your data will also be used to enter you for exams with awarding bodies. CALAT also collect your data to share internally with the Council’s Finance Department to process standing orders and refunds, and to access the Discretionary Learner Support Fund. Anonymised data is also used to report to the CALAT Governance Board, the Council’s Senior Management Teams and Ofsted. Your information may also be shared internally with the Council’s
Complaints Team, Business Intelligence Team, the Finance Team and others so that they can carry out their roles and support our service.
Data Protection Law gives you a number of rights to control what personal information is used by us and how it is used by us. Additional information about your information rights is listed in the Council’s Corporate Privacy Policy which can be found here.

You will be contacted after you have completed your programme of learning to establish whether you have entered employment or gone onto further training.

Your data is stored on a secure database and this form will be destroyed after 3 months.

Code of Practice: Suspected Malpractice, Maladministration and Use of Artificial Intelligence

Overview

• Malpractice, including maladministration, refers to any action that compromises the integrity or validity of an assessment or exam, or the related quality assurance processes. This include:
• failure to follow awarding body procedures
• maladministration by centre staff
• candidate malpractice.

As part of maintaining academic integrity, this policy also sets out expectations for appropriate use of Artificial Intelligence.

Liability

• Candidates
• Tutors
• Assessors
• Administrators
• Internal and external verifiers
• Other third parties
• Practical assistants

Examples of Centre or Exam Staff Maladministration

• Failure to maintain records
• Failure to advise awarding bodies of centre changes
• Withholding information
• Failure to keep evidence and exam or external assessment papers secure
• Unauthorised changes to the exam timetable
• Moving the time or date of a fixed assessment without prior agreement
• Internal verifiers not following awarding body instructions
• Failure to carry out actions identified by external verifiers
• Introduction of unauthorised materials
• Allowing use of mobile phones
• Allowing use of AI
• Unclear desks, additional paper or materials left on desks
• Improper assistance to candidates

Examples of Candidate Malpractice

• Fraudulent claims or false information
• Forgery of evidence
• Impersonation
• Plagiarism, including undisclosed use of AI
• Unauthorised copying, amendments or distribution of information
• Disruptive behaviour
• Use of mobile phones during assessments
• Talking during exams or assessments
• Unauthorised use of AI

Investigating Suspected Malpractice or Maladministration

All allegations must be reported within 24 hours to the CALAT Strategic Service Manager, Programme Managers and the relevant awarding body. Reports must be submitted in writing by assessors, invigilators, quality reviewers, managers, tutors, candidates or members of the public.

CALAT will carry out a full investigation following the specific procedures of the relevant awarding body. Investigations may include an initial review by independent staff or direct referral to the awarding body. The Strategic Service Manager oversees all investigations and ensures accountability for the procedures used.

Awarding bodies may require reports that include:

• Details of the circumstances, including time and date
• Written statements from staff or candidates involved
• Any unauthorised materials found
• Work or material relevant to the investigation
• Findings of the investigation
• Details of procedures used to inform those being investigated

Those under investigation must be given time to prepare a response, be informed of evidence and understand the procedures and potential outcomes. Interviews may be offered. Some evidence may be withheld to protect informants.

Outcomes

Awarding bodies will issue decisions in writing. CALAT is responsible for communicating these outcomes to those involved.

• Possible outcomes include:
• Disqualification of the paper or the full award
• Permanent withholding of results or certificates
• Loss of marks
• Written warnings
• Sanctions against the centre or candidate, recorded permanently
• Removal of centre approval

Where qualification integrity is at risk, awarding bodies may share information with regulators or police. CALAT may take additional internal action where necessary.

Appeals

Appeals should be made to the CALAT Strategic Service Manager, who may appeal on behalf of the centre or candidate. Appeal information will be provided with outcome notifications.

Examples from JCQ

Centre Malpractice

Security breach:
An invigilator supervising learners during a timetable clash mistakenly handed out the live A-Level Economics paper. Learners studied it knowingly. They were disqualified and staff received written warnings.

Deception:
A tutor altered Health & Social Care work without learners’ knowledge to improve moderation results. Additional amendments were discovered. The tutor was barred from involvement in qualifications for four years.

Improper assistance:
A tutor gave direction to learners during an Art exam and allowed music through headphones. Their work was rejected. The tutor was barred and the invigilator required to undertake additional training.

Maladministration:
A Head of Art allowed mobile phone use, incorrect exam timings, music, work after the exam and tampered with learners’ paintings. She was barred from delivering qualifications for four years.

Candidate Malpractice

Unauthorised materials:
A learner used a mobile phone during a Business exam and was awarded zero marks.

Copying and collusion:
Two learners produced similar answers. One admitted copying. The learner was disqualified and the invigilator was required to undergo training.

Social media:
A learner photographed a live paper during a timetable clash and posted it online. They admitted the action and were disqualified.

Plagiarism:
Two learners copied factual content into coursework. Tutors had taught them about plagiarism. The learners received formal warnings.

Additional Information: Use of Artificial Intelligence

During assessments, mobile phones, smartwatches and internet-enabled devices are not permitted unless specifically authorised. Unauthorised use may be treated as malpractice.

AI use refers to any use of AI tools to produce content or information for assessments. As AI tools can generate inaccurate or inappropriate content, their use must be carefully managed.

AI chatbots can answer questions, analyse or improve text, write content, produce ideas, write code, translate languages and generate text in specific formats or styles.

AI Misuse

• Copying or paraphrasing AI-generated content
• Using AI to complete parts of assessments
• Producing work that does not reflect the learner’s own analysis or evaluation
• Failing to acknowledge use of AI tools
• Providing incomplete or misleading references
• Submitting work with misleading bibliographies or intentionally missing information

Any of the above may constitute malpractice.

Acknowledging AI Use

• Where AI provides source details, learners must verify and reference these.
• Where no sources are given, learners must independently verify information and reference the sources they used.
• Learners must clearly show how AI was used.
• Learners must keep copies of prompts, questions and AI-generated content. These must be submitted with their work.
• If this evidence is missing and AI use is suspected, an investigation will be carried out.

During assessments, mobile phones, smartwatches and internet-enabled devices must remain switched off and stored away unless authorised. Unauthorised use may be treated as malpractice.

CALAT is committed to providing quality learning opportunities to prepare candidates for accreditation.

The purpose of this exam policy is:

• To ensure the planning and management of accreditation is conducted efficiently and in the best interests of candidates
• To ensure the operation of an efficient accreditation system with clear guidelines

The Examinations Manager will review this exam policy annually.

The qualifications offered:

The qualifications offered by CALAT are decided by the Curriculum Team Managers and approved by SMT.

The qualifications offered are City & Guilds, EDEXCEL, Signature, CACHE/NCFE, OCN, Ascentis, ABC (sEGA), AQA, OCR, Trinity and AAT.

Exam/timetables

External exams are scheduled in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, December and on demand.

Accreditation Entry

CALAT will prepare all candidates for the appropriate accreditation, and will carry out on-course assessment to ensure that candidates are well prepared for the particular qualification they are aiming for. All learners enrolled on accredited courses are expected to take the accreditation provided that they reach the required level. However, where the tutor assesses that a candidate is not ready to take accreditation, CALAT reserves the right to refuse entry, provided that there has been consultation with the candidate and that there is evidence to show that further preparation is needed in order to achieve the qualification.

Candidates are selected for their exam entries by the subject tutors.

IMPORTANT: The exams office will only accept amendments and changes of level up to the date set by the awarding body.

Late entries

IMPORTANT: Late entries are authorised by the Curriculum Manager/Examination Manager. The Examination Manager will accept entry amendments up to the dates set by the awarding body.

CALAT does not accept entries from external candidates.

CALAT does not normally act as an exam centre for other organisations.

Candidates should:

For written exams:

• Complete confirmation of identity / signing of entry forms
• Read through coursework regulations
• Sign declaration that authenticates the coursework is their own
• Provide photographs if relevant
• Provide medical evidence of any special considerations for exam procedure
• Inform exams office/centre office if unable to attend on day of exam
• Commit to taking accreditation if on an accredited course

For portfolio-based assessment:

• Check regulations for portfolio-based evidence
• Produce portfolio work re-guidelines
• Ensure all work is identifiable
• Provide work for internal and external moderation when required
• Learners will only have access to evidence uploaded to an e-portfolio for a limited period and should therefore keep copies of any evidence they may require in the future

Retakes:

• Candidates are unable to retake AS and GCSE examinations.
• Retake decisions are made in consultation with the Curriculum Manager/Examinations Manager.

Exam fees

• Normal registration and exam fees are paid by the candidates.
• Late entry or amendment fees are paid by whoever is responsible for the need to make a change.
• Retake fees are paid by the candidates – this includes the examination retake costs and any associated administrative costs.

Portfolio evidence

• Candidates who have to prepare portfolio evidence should do so by the required date.
• The subject tutors will ensure all evidence is assessed and referenced to the qualification learning outcomes at the correct time.
• The exams office will keep a record of what has been sent, when and to whom.

Results, enquiries about results (EARS)

Results

All individual candidates’ statements of results will be posted to candidates’ home address or they can be collected from the examinations office at Strand House.

EARS – Enquiries about results

• EARS for general qualifications may be requested by CALAT or candidates if there are reasonable grounds for believing there has been an error in marking.
• The candidate should write in to the exams office with their enquiry and the exams office will contact the examination board. There is a fee for this service.

Certificates

• Certificates are presented in person, or collected and signed for. Certificates can also be issued by e-certificate service depending on the awarding body. Certificates are only posted (second/recorded delivery) in exceptional circumstances and costs may be passed onto the individual.
• Certificates may be collected on behalf of a candidate by a third party, provided they have written, signatory consent and appropriate identification.
• CALAT retains certificates for one year.

Accreditation Appeals Policy

CALAT has robust quality assurance for all qualifications. Many of our courses are internally assessed and then quality assured by experienced Internal Quality Assurance Officers who are experts in their field. Awarding bodies carry out external quality assurance checks at least once a year to ensure that CALAT continues to assess learners’ evidence in a fair and robust process. It is important that assessment is fair for all candidates and CALAT recognises the right of all candidates to appeal against assessment decisions.

The appeals process is composed of the following steps:

Step 1
Contact their tutor/internal quality assurance officer or Examinations Manager in writing within 20 working days of receiving the decision. Wherever possible CALAT will try to resolve all appeals at this stage.

Step 2
In the case of unresolved appeals, the matter will then be forwarded to an Appeals Panel made up of independent assessors who will review their work and attempt to find a satisfactory solution.

Step 3

• Unresolved appeals will have to be forwarded to the Awarding Body.
• Candidates should refer to their tutor or the curriculum manager for a more detailed appeals process for their particular qualification.
• There are fixed timescales for all these stages, so candidates must act promptly.
• Candidates will be charged for this process, but the costs may be reimbursed if the original decision is overturned.
• If a candidate wishes to appeal externally assessed or marked work, they should contact the Examinations Manager, who will forward it to the awarding body. There will be a non-refundable charge for this service.

Accreditation Appeals Policy – Subject Specific Procedure

• If a candidate wishes to appeal against an internal assessment decision, the appeal should be lodged with the Examination Officer or tutor/internal quality assurance officer within 20 working days of being notified of the assessment decision.
• The tutor/internal quality assurance officer will attempt to find a solution with the candidate, for example through reconsideration of the evidence/work. If unresolved, the programme manager will:
• Set a date for the appeal to be considered by an appeals panel within 20 working days of the appeal request being received.
• Inform the candidate in writing of the date and advise them of the procedure and timescales.
• Notify the Internal Quality Assurance Officer that an appeal has been lodged and provide details of the hearing and panel composition.

The appeals panel will:

• Ensure it has full accounts from all parties involved.
  Ensure the original assessing tutor is not part of the panel.
  Demonstrate objectivity and independence and may invite an assessor from another department or centre.
• The candidate will be informed of the panel’s decision within 5 working days.
• If the candidate does not accept the findings, they must respond in writing within 10 working days so the matter can be forwarded to the awarding body’s external quality assurance team.
• Records will be kept of all dealings and made available upon request.
• Candidates may be charged a fee, refunded if the appeal is successful. Additional costs will be estimated before the appeal proceeds.

Accreditation appeal policy – Internally Assessed Practical Components

• Appeals against practical assessments cannot be handled in the same way as exam or portfolio-based assessment; responsibility remains with CALAT. Marks and grades cannot be appealed; the tutor’s assessment is upheld.
• Candidates may appeal against assessment procedures only.
• For some qualifications, practical assessment is carried out by external verifiers and appeals remain their responsibility.
• The candidate may be asked to provide video evidence and must cover all costs.
• Upon appeal, the internal verifier and tutor will review the case; if unresolved, the external verifier will investigate.
• A written appeal must be received at least 2 weeks before the final external exam.

Examination/Assessment Fee Refunds

Examination fees may be refunded (subject to awarding body agreement) when the candidate:

• is prevented by accident or illness from taking the exam/assessment (medical certificate required)
• Refund requests must be made in writing within 14 days of the exam date. Withdrawal before the exam does not guarantee a refund.
• Boards do not refund registration fees, late entry fees or transfer fees. Fees cannot be moved to another exam series.

CALAT Examination Re-sit Policy

• Learners may receive one free re-sit where offered, but additional re-sits are chargeable.
• All Examination Board costs plus a fixed £40 fee apply.
• Candidates should discuss re-sit suitability with their tutor before contacting the exams office.
• Candidates should contact the centre within 15 working days of receiving results.
• Re-sit dates are set by CALAT; candidates must attend or risk losing the opportunity unless exceptional circumstances apply.
• CALAT may not always be able to offer re-sits.

Examination Private Candidate Entry Policy

• Acceptance of private candidates is at the discretion of the exams office/curriculum managers.
• All exam board and administration costs must be paid in advance, including a £100 non-refundable admin fee.

CALAT will only accept private candidates when:

• The correct fees and documents are received by the CALAT deadline
• The exam is already being run for CALAT learners
• There is available space/equipment
• Assessment of work by CALAT staff is not required
• Non-attendance means no refund and no further entry unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Contact the Examinations Manager for initial enquiries.

CALAT GCSE Appeals Procedure

Written Examinations

• Candidates must contact the Examinations Manager within 10 working days if dissatisfied with results.
• They may request an Enquiry Upon Result within 4 weeks. Costs are refunded if marks change (result may go up, down or stay the same).
• Appeals against enquiry decisions must be made within 14 calendar days.
• Candidates may request access to scripts by 21 September; charges apply.

Internally Assessed Work

CALAT ensures:

• Internal assessments are conducted by appropriately skilled staff
• Evidence is authenticated
• Standardisation follows awarding body requirements
• Staff attend mandatory training
• Appeals relate only to procedures, not marks or grades.
• A written appeal must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the last external exam.
• The investigation will be carried out by the Examinations Manager, curriculum manager and tutor.
• Candidates will be informed of outcomes in writing.

Statement for candidates:
“If at any stage during your exam courses you have concerns about the procedures used in assessing your internally marked work (coursework/portfolios) you should see the Examinations Manager as soon as possible.”

CALAT Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism includes failing to acknowledge sources and submitting work not your own, including AI-generated content.

Examples include:

• copying another person’s work
• copying text without referencing
• using phrases found elsewhere
• submitting work of another candidate
• getting someone else or an agency to write work
• using AI to produce assessed work
• using text, figures or images from the internet without acknowledgement

Cheating is unacceptable; disciplinary procedures will be followed.

All learners must sign the Candidate Agreement.

Malpractice/Maladministration Policy

Malpractice includes any action compromising assessment integrity.

Learners are directed to CALAT’s website for full policies.

Exam letters include JCQ warnings and malpractice information.

Tutors confirm receipt and understanding with learners.

Investigation procedures:

• All allegations must be reported within required timescales.
• Awarding bodies must be informed before investigations begin.
• Full investigations follow awarding body guidance.
• Those being investigated must be told the procedures and evidence, and may be interviewed.

Awarding body decisions are issued in writing.

CALAT may take additional action.

Centre staff maladministration examples include:

• Failure to maintain records
• Withholding information
• Allowing unauthorised materials
• Improper assistance
• Security breaches
• And more

Candidate malpractice examples include:

• Fraudulent claims
• Impersonation
• Plagiarism
• Disruptive behaviour
• Mobile phone use
• Talking during exams
• Unauthorised materials

Outcomes can include:

• Disqualification
• Withholding results
• Loss of marks
• Warnings
• Sanctions
• Centre approval removal

Appeals go to the Strategic Service Manager.