Examination failure is extremely rare in Cambridge, but it does occur, and is very serious.
The College rules state: If in the yearly examination appropriate to her course a junior
member fails to be classed, or fails to pass an examination which is not classed, she will
not be allowed to continue her course and her status as a student of the College and any
Licence agreement she may have with the College will automatically terminate [28] days
(or such later time as the Council may determine) after she has received notification to
her of such failure unless there has been special permission given by the Council.