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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

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Original poster

GCSE contingency day

15 replies

Themoles14 · 06/02/2026 18:28

Would really like to get away on holiday once my son’s exams are finished on the 15th. Understand there is a contingency day on 24th June and we would be back by then. Is this ok? The school says we should be available every day up to and including the 24th. But chances of it being used are so slim, it would have to be because of a major event nationwide which means exams need to be rescheduled. It would just be so good to get away for a few days after exams finish 😩. Opinions?

OP posts:

WeirdyBeardyMarrowBabyLady · 06/02/2026 18:35

It’s a big risk tho isn’t it? We are going away after contingency day.

Muchtoomuchtodo · 06/02/2026 18:38

Ds and his mates have booked to be away for contingency day! They know the risks.

i have never heard of needing to be available between dc’s last exam and contingency day though. If you can get something that works for those dates and doesn’t clash with prom I’d go for it!

Snorlaxo · 06/02/2026 18:38

Does your son know about your plan? He may be missing some parties and stuff like prom?

Onthesofawithmydog · 07/02/2026 07:18

We have booked flights from Heathrow on 24th June at 8pm! So realistically my dd would be able to do a morning exam but not afternoon. I’m not worried really as I looked it up and I don’t think it’s ever been used in recent history and so unlikely to have a weather event in June, which is probably the most likely reason to have a national school closure. You’ll be fine if you’re around for that day anyway. Our school has some leavers assemblies and events between end of exams and 24/6 so that’s why I thought we’d go after. Fingers crossed all will be well!

Holdonforsummer · 07/02/2026 07:41

Yes we are waiting until after contingency day, flying on 28th. It’s a long shot but no way would my daughter want to miss an exam if the worst happened.

Thewonderfuleveryday · 07/02/2026 07:42

Just wait. And check when prom is as your son may want to go, even change his mind at the last minute.
If he likes his friends and gets on at school ok then that takes priority over a holiday.

IceIceSlippyIce · 07/02/2026 08:02

If he's got no exams between the 15th and the 24th, go for it. There might be some college intro days or prom, but they are nice to have, not essential.

newornotnew · 07/02/2026 08:05

It's a risk I wouldn't take personally.
It's only a nine day wait.

HawaiiWake · 07/02/2026 08:17

Holiday, would this be overseas and far away or still in UK? Not great if going to US, Australia, Asia if you do need to change plans. Also, teenagers have parties, BBQ etc and hang out with pals.

ByDenimKoala · 07/02/2026 11:14

It may not have been used in the past but my understanding is that the contingency day was introduced after the Grenfell Tragedy. This same question was recently discussed on another thread amd the point was made on there that if the King or another senior royal died during June then exams might have to be cancelled on the day of the funeral. Certainly in London region it would be very difficult for kids to get to or from school on that day. I would wait until after contingency day to go away.

LadyLapsang · 07/02/2026 20:15

I wouldn’t. Doesn’t the school run some sessions to prepare for sixth form? If he is hoping to remain in the same setting and dropped a grade, would they be less likely to offer him a place because of taking a term time holiday? Also, going on holiday is just one more thing to sort out. He should be focussing on his exams.

Something low key once all the exams have been taken is different, a few days camping or YHA with his friends out of term time. He can enjoy a summer holiday after the end of term.

Bess91 · 07/02/2026 20:29

My first worry would be the king dying 😖

Bombinia · 07/02/2026 20:31

Check when prom is, and when college into days are, before you book anything. We went away after contingency day but missed the college intro day as we didn't know about it till too late.

JaffavsCookie · 07/02/2026 20:47

I would risk it if it is between end of exams and contingency day. We run intro to sixth form days after that date, as do other local schools a some subjects run right up to contingency day so we would not do them before then. ( Never known it be used either)

lanthanum · 07/02/2026 20:48

The chances of it being used are slim; you could gamble on it not being used, but you'd then have to put up the costs incurred/holiday missed it if it is. If you're not too far away it might just be a question of a bit of revision for that final exam while away and paying for a train/flight to come home a bit early. You might need to work out the plan B in advance, so that everyone understands and there are no arguments if it happens, and you have the money set aside for any extra costs.

In our area, prom and taster days were after the contingency day, so if they haven't got exams in that last week or so, it may be a better time to go than afterwards.

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