Private Candidates -
Exam Access Arrangements

Exam access arrangements (EAA) are ‘reasonable adjustments’ for students who have a disability or a special educational need that significantly affects them in exams.

 

Access arrangements

• Do not change the skills or knowledge being tested

• Must not give an unfair advantage, but…

• Do give a level playing field so students can show their knowledge

 

There are a variety of access arrangements that can be provided, including:

• Support for reading (e.g. a reader, text-to-speech software, a reading pen)

• Support for writing (e.g. a scribe, speech-to-text software, a word processor)

• Support for working to time (e.g. 25% extra time, rest breaks)

 

Any arrangements that are used in exams are based on the normal way of working in the classroom and in tests and exams. Wherever possible, access arrangements that enable a student to work independently are encouraged.

 

Evidence is needed for some access arrangements and these need to be applied for and approved before they can be used in external exams

 

Please note: assessments that have been carried out without prior contact with the school/college cannot be used for access arrangements.

 

Please also note that an application for exam access arrangements does not automatically warrant and grant the requested EAA. 

 

The application for EAA request will be reviewed by Impact North West Schools LTD, in line with the JCQ regulations and the decision made by Impact North West Schools LTD as to whether the threshold is met for the requested EAA is final.

 

We will always seek to work with students and parents to ensure the most appropriate outcome for all students.

 

Please contact our Private Candidates team via privatecandidates@impactnorthwestschools.org.uk if you have any concerns and we will be happy to advise.