Schools are warning pupils sitting exams not to travel by train next week.
Strike action by railway workers is set to cause huge disruption in Worcestershire, with the majority of train services in the county not running between Tuesday and Saturday (June 21-25).
There will also be a reduced service on Monday (June 20).
Students taking their GCSEs or A-Levels will be among those affected, with schools suggesting they find alternative methods of transport.
READ MORE: Severe disruption expected on trains as Worcestershire prepares for RMT rail strikes
Contingency plans are being put in place for those who arrive late for exams.
RGS Worcester has told students they will be allowed to start up to an hour late without any negative consequences if transport disruption causes them to be late.
Students must sign in at the school reception then, in line with exam board rules, wait for a member of staff to escort them into the exam room.
Pupils who suspect they are going to be late are advised to call the school as early as possible.
Julie McCulloch, policy director at the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “We are concerned about the potential impact on exam students of the industrial action affecting train services planned in June.
“The majority of students live local to schools and colleges and tend to take buses rather than trains so we are hopeful that the impact will be minimal,” she added.
Heads can relocate GCSE exams if necessary
“However, it is important that families are conscious of the industrial action and make alternative arrangements where students are reliant on train services.
“We would urge anybody who is concerned about their ability to attend an exam to talk to their school or college at the earliest opportunity to discuss the options that are available.”
Heads have been told to relocate A-level and GCSE papers if they cannot go ahead in the exam hall and that exams may begin up to half an hour later than scheduled to mitigate disruption.
The Joint Council for Qualifications said: “You should make sure that any exam or timetabled assessment takes place if it is possible to hold it”, adding: “This may mean relocating to alternative premises.”
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