Manchester attack: GCSE and A-level exams could be cancelled in wake of suicide bombing at Ariana Grande concert

GCSE and A-level exams could be delayed or cancelled in the wake of the Manchester bombing.

Schools have been advised to contact exam boards if they believe it would not be appropriate for tests to go ahead this week, while pupils affected by the blast may be eligible "special consideration".

Thousands of young people were among the crowds leaving Ariana Grande's concert when a suicide bomber detonated outside Manchester Arena last night killing 22 people.

A joint statement from the UK's main seven exam boards 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."

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) spokesman said students caught affected by the bombing could be eligible for "special consideration".

He added: "Schools and colleges affected by the bombing should contact the relevant exam boards. Students affected should speak to their teachers."

While affected students are likely to be mainly from Manchester, the spokesman said the bombing may also have an impact on pupils from other areas who travelled to the concert.

Twelve children under the age of 16 were among the 59 people taken to hospital after the bombing, according to North West Ambulance Service. Some of those killed were also children.

Exams due to take place on Tuesday included GCSE Chinese, design and technology, Latin, law, leisure and tourism, media studies and religious studies.

A-Level exams scheduled to be held included German, physical education, physics, sociology and history.

Exams regulator Ofqual said: "Many students and teachers are likely to have been affected by the tragic events in Manchester last night. Head teachers are best placed to decide whether exams should go ahead as planned.

“Students and their parents should seek advice and information from their schools. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.”

The PSHE Association issued advice to schools on discussing terror attacks with pupils.

It said: "In light of last night’s tragic events in Manchester we wanted to highlight guidance to help you respond to your pupils, who may want to discuss what has happened and could be experiencing a wide range of emotions."