GP’s do not provide sickness certificates for school children.

When children are absent from school owing to illness, schools may request a letter from a parent or guardian, and this is no different during an exam period.  A GP cannot provide sick notes for children who have missed exams due to illness.  Aside from the fact that parents/guardians are responsible for excusing their children from school, GP’s cannot provide retrospective sickness certification.

When a child suffers from a long-term condition, any certification will be provided by the responsible specialist.

If a student was absent from an examination as a result of illness and has the support of the school or centre to be absent, special consideration will be granted on that basis. Awarding organisations do not insist that medical proof is provided.