Following the temporary reintroduction of face coverings in classrooms, the public health guidance to support exams was updated on Sunday 2 January. This is the information provided by the Department for Education on the use of face coverings in examinations and assessments, including mock exams:

This guidance sets out that we would not ordinarily expect candidates and invigilators to wear face coverings during exams and assessments, but only on arrival and departure. Both candidates and invigilators may wear face coverings if they wish to do so. 

We recommend centres also follow this guidance for mock exams and other assessments taking place under exam conditions or as close to exam conditions as possible, including those taking place to gather evidence for Teacher Assessed Grades under the guidance published by Ofqual on Thursday 11 November. This includes circumstances where these assessments take place in classrooms.

For vocational and technical qualifications where the exam or assessment may require more interaction with an invigilator or others, such as a practical demonstration, centres have the flexibility to recommend that face coverings be worn if they deem this appropriate.

The infection prevention measures detailed in the public health guidance to support exams help to ensure a safe environment for students and staff. These measures continue to apply and should be adhered to.