Can’t face your assessment? It’s not too late to tell King’s.
How can the mitigating circumstances policy help you?
KCLSU Advice is completely separate from King's. We offer free, impartial and confidential advice to all King’s students on issues affecting their studies.
We support lots of students who are dealing with difficult situations that mean they haven’t been able to do their best in an assessment. We help students navigate the Mitigating Circumstances procedure to access support. We can explain what is considered under the policy and how it might be able to help you.
What are Mitigating Circumstances?
Sometimes, situations beyond your control happen and affect your ability to complete assessments to the best of your ability.
King’s defines Mitigating Circumstances as situations that are significant, relevant and unavoidable.
These situations can include things such as:
- Serious short-term illness or injury
- Worsening of an ongoing condition or disability (including mental health conditions)
- Bereavement or significant illness of a close friend or relative
- Becoming the victim of a crime or witnessing something traumatic
- Religious holidays
- Having to attend court
Sometimes, students experience mitigating circumstances without realising it. When you’re trying to balance everything during assessment season, it can be difficult to recognise when you might need support.
For example, you may have recently taken on caring responsibilities (formally or informally) or needed to work additional hours due to significant financial stress. If you’ve experienced major changes in your life that have affected your wellbeing, revision, exams or assignments, you may benefit from submitting a mitigating circumstances form.
What often isn’t considered as Mitigating Circumstances?
Remember that King’s considers whether circumstances are relevant, significant and unavoidable. Whilst every case is unique and there can sometimes be exceptions, the following are not usually considered mitigating circumstances:
- Pre-booked holidays or house moves
- Minor illnesses (e.g. colds or hayfever)
- Minor transport disruption
- Typical exam stress or multiple deadlines close together
- IT issues where work should have been backed up
- Misreading an exam timetable or deadline
What happens if I submit a Mitigating Circumstances Form (MCF)?
You can submit an MCF via Student Records either before your deadline or up to 7 calendar days after the date of your assessment.
When submitting an MCF, you’ll be asked to write a short statement and provide evidence relating to your situation. KCLSU Advice can provide guidance on this.
Outcomes should normally be given within seven calendar days of your initial submission. Possible outcomes include:
- Rejected – You would need to sit your exam as originally planned, or if you have already completed it, it would be marked as normal. You can appeal a rejected MCF once results are ratified.
- Accepted – King’s must offer some form of mitigation. For example, you may receive an extension or be able to defer your assessment.
KCLSU Advice can offer guidance on your statement and the evidence you may need to submit. MCFs are often faculty-specific, so it can also be helpful to contact your Faculty Wellbeing Advisor.
Looking After Yourself
If you need to submit an MCF, it may also be a sign that additional support could help. For some students, this may be wellbeing support. For others, it may be money, housing or visa advice. Student Services Online is a good place to explore the support available. If you would like help finding the right service, you can contact KCLSU Advice via our contact form or make an appointment with a Faculty Wellbeing Advisor.
Remember, the Mitigating Circumstances procedure exists to help ensure students are able to complete assessments fairly and to the best of their ability. Many students use the procedure every year. If you think it could help you, or if you want to discuss your circumstances, please contact KCLSU Advice for support.
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