Exam and assessment season is here – here’s what you need to know

14 May 2026

It’s exam and assessment season - one of the biggest moments in our academic calendar, and teams right across the University are getting ready. The exam period commences on Monday, 18 May and ends Wednesday, 10 June.

Behind every timetable slot and assessment brief is months of planning and teamwork. From designing assessments and building schedules, to invigilation, marking, moderation and student support, there’s a lot happening - both in the exam room and behind the scenes. And every role helps make sure exams and assessments are fair, smooth and supportive for students.

Whether you’ve worked on exams before or facing this period for the first time, thank you for the focus, care and commitment you bring - what you do really matters.

Support available for students

Exam and assessment season can be challenging for students, and colleagues play a vital role in helping them feel supported and informed. A range of support is available, including:

• Exam support microsite: Includes guidance on timetables, revision techniques, policies and more.
   
• Students sitting in person-exams can also find their in-person timetable on the revamped timetable page, along with a link to the full list of all exams taking place.

• Library support - The Library is offering exam and assessment support for students for the upcoming exam and assessment period. You can direct your students to our Exam and Assessment support area on the library website.
  
  A link to our Library Support for Assessment package can be embedded in Canvas at School or programme level. To request please complete our online request form or speak to your Engagement Librarian. 

• Alternative study spots: From the John Rylands Library to quiet spaces across campus and the city, there are plenty of options beyond the busiest buildings. Sign post students to the best alternative study spots around the city. 

• We’re offering lots of free breakfasts, snacks and drinks across campus to keep students going throughout the exam and assessment period, as well as free Wednesday breakfasts over at the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons to keep students going throughout the exam and assessment period.

• Remind students that they can drop into their nearest Student Support Hub for practical advice, wellbeing support, or help connecting with services – no appointment needed. 

Your support and reassurance can make a real difference, particularly for students who may be feeling anxious or under pressure.

Support available for colleagues

We also recognise that this is a demanding time for colleagues, often involving high workloads, tight deadlines and competing priorities. Support is available throughout the exam period, including:

Here are some useful resources for colleagues: 

• Staff assessment guidance – Stay up to date with important policies and guidance including academic integrity, and mitigating circumstances. 

• Inclusive practice and marking support – Guidance on our assessment framework including marking and moderation, effective feedback and guidance on examination boards is available through the Teaching and Learning Delivery Team. 

• Staff wellbeing – Confidential support is offered through our Employee Assistance Programme (Health Hero) and University Counselling Service.  

Thanks once more to colleagues for their hard work, and lots of positive energy to our students in the weeks ahead!