Periods during exams were a ‘nightmare’

Natalie Brown, who works with the Welsh Institute of Performance Science, has surveyed teachers and pupils about period education in schools.

“Sixty-four per cent of teachers said it just affected general learning and I think it was 45% of teachers said that it specifically affected exam results and exam performance in schools,” she added.

The research associate at Swansea University said children in primary school had told her it would “be the worst” if they had their period during exams, with pain being the biggest concern for many.

“Just being able to sit still for long enough in an exam… it’s a real distraction when you’re trying to perform at your best,” she added.

Qualifications Wales said learners could apply for special consideration, where appropriate.

“Any learner who is temporarily unwell or experiences another event beyond their control… to the extent that it is reasonably likely to have detrimentally impacted their ability to sit the exam or to demonstrate their normal attainment can request an awarding body process known as ‘Special Consideration’,” a spokesperson said.

They added this process involved potentially making minor post-exam mark adjustments dependent on the timing, nature and severity of illness or event.