Easy paper and hard paper

[ToadMum]

The backup date is for students who were ill on the day.

Surely your sister can't have more than one friend who was ill on the day and had to attend the backup date? DG

DG, due to pressure of numbers, some later applicants were booked from the outset onto the reserve date (It would never have happened in the past, but over the past few years, two schools - CCHS and Cecil Jones, have left the consortium, taking with them two exam venues). Also, I think at least one person reported having solved their 'problem' of wanting their child to take two exams in two completely different geographical areas which had the same exam date by being allowed to book for the CSSE reserve date. Again, that would never have been allowed in the past, but who knows?

[piggys]

but doesn't making two papers create that risk?

No it doesn't, if the exam providers are reputable and employ qualified staff to design the papers. Every year there are GCSEs, A levels and so many other types of exams - you wouldn't automatically assume one year's paper was 'easier' or 'harder' than another year would you?

It definitely sounds like a case of perception trumping the facts. I'm afraid.