THOUSANDS of pupils have had next month's GCSE exams postponed due to the late decision by Education Minister Peter Weir to close schools for an extended mid-term break.
Exam papers in biology, chemistry and physics were due to be sat from November 11 to 13.
The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) has told schools they will be postponed until November 23 to 25.
A spokeswoman said Mr Weir took the decision "following the Northern Ireland Executive's recent decision that all schools should close for an extended mid-term break, due to the ongoing health situation in Northern Ireland".
No decision has yet been taken on maths and English language GCSE exams in January and science GCSEs in February, although the start of the main summer A-level, AS and GCSE exams have already been put back one week, although they will still finish by June 30.
The minister has told the CCEA to consider "back-up" arrangements and GCSE pupils are expected to sit fewer tests during this academic year - although they and teachers still await details.
