Manchester attack: Schools can postpone GCSE and A-level exams

Teenagers across the country are sitting their exams this week but a statement from the Joint Council for Qualification said schools could decide whether they should go ahead.

The council, which is made up of all awarding bodies, said no students will be “disadvantaged”.

The statement said: “Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by last night’s terrible incident in Manchester.

“GCSE and A level examinations are taking place today across the UK but, understandably, some students, schools and colleges will have been affected by the bombing. 

“School leaders are best placed to decide if exams should go ahead and, if they decide they are not, exam boards will make sure that no student is disadvantaged. This is known as Special Consideration and more information.”

“Schools and colleges affected by the bombing should contact the relevant exam boards. Students affected should speak to their teachers.”

It comes after 22 people, including children, were killed and 59 injured in a suspected suicide attack at a Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena.

The explosion happened at 10.35pm on Monday at the end of a concert by the US pop singer.

Police said the attack was carried out by one man, who died when he detonated an improvised explosive device.

Families continue to use social media in the hunt to find missing loved ones.