Please see below a statement from Ofqual on examination contingency planning in event that swine flu causes disruption to the examination system.

"Ofqual, regulators in Wales and Northern Ireland, awarding bodies, QCA, UCAS and government in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland met yesterday to give further consideration to existing contingency plans for the examination system in case of an escalation in the swine flu outbreak. At this time, the exam system continues to run as normal.

"We are confident that the existing plans that awarding bodies have in place are more than adequate to cope with the current level of flu outbreak. Awarding bodies have well established procedures in place which are capable of coping with significant levels of disruption to the exam system should the current situation escalate.

"Yesterday's meeting considered the centrally co-ordinated contingency plan. Further information on this plan will be published next week.

"We would encourage students who will be taking their examinations in the next few weeks to continue to prepare as normal for their examinations."

Notes to editors

1. Ofqual in its interim form is part of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). On 2 April 2008, the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, announced that the government intended to legislate to make Ofqual a separate statutory authority reporting directly to Parliament.
2. For further information, journalists should contact the Ofqual press office on 0300 303 3342, or 07798 924552 outside office hours. Members of the public should call the Ofqual helpline on 0300 303 3346.
   

Further information and updates can be found at:

• Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF)
• Emergency planning guidance (Teachernet)
• Latest updates (Teachernet)
• Questions and answers (Teachernet)