Exams can be stressful enough at the best of times but for hundreds of students across Kent the snow looks set to make them even more testing.

Students due to sit crucial GCSE and A level exams are being told they must make it in regardless of the weather conditions.

Schools across the county are advising students to turn up today even if their school is closed after it was announced exam timetables cannot be changed.

The decision not to delay the tests has been taken by the exam boards - Edexcel, AQA and OCR - in conjunction with Ofqual - the independent regulator of exams and qualifications.

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Despite Kent being one of the worst hit counties for snow and ice, Ofqual senior manager Pauline Sparkes, said they cannot make an exception and change the schedule. Students will have to wait until the summer for another chance to take the tests.

She said: "The exams will take place as timetabled. Where candidates are unable to get in for the exam they will have a chance to resit in the summer.

"We recognise the stress and strain candidates are under when they realise they may not be able to take the exams. I know it's disheartening for them but they shouldn't lose motivation."

For some students taking A levels exams it will be their last chance to sit the papers. In some cases they may be given special consideration and may not have to sit the exam at all.

Mrs Sparkes added: "If candidates are taking an exam for the last time and haven't got another opportunity to do it, provided they've got some units in the bag they can apply for enhanced grading. If they've got enough units in the bank it may be the case they will not have to take the paper."

Rainham School for Girls, Oakwood Park Grammar School in Maidstone, Archers Court in Dover and Chatham Grammar School for Girls are just some of the schools asking students to come in to take exams despite being closed to the rest of their pupils.