Access Compass guide
Exam access arrangements & reasonable adjustments
Your child may get extra help in public exams and assessments. This can include extra time, a reader (someone who reads the questions aloud), or a scribe (someone who writes the answers). This guide explains the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) rules, called 'Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA)'. The rules apply to all schools, including independent schools.
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Step by step
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Understand JCQ rules
The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) 'Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA)' framework sets criteria for access arrangements. Schools must show that the arrangement reflects the student's normal way of working.
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Gather evidence
Assessments by a specialist teacher or educational psychologist may be needed for extra time or scribe. Medical evidence supports adjustments for physical or mental health conditions.
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Discuss with school
Speak to the SENCo or exams officer as early as possible. Ask how the arrangement is used in normal classroom and internal-test work, and check the centre's deadlines because they vary by qualification and arrangement.
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Confirm arrangements
The centre completes the relevant JCQ evidence and approval process. Form 8 is used for some arrangements, not all; ask the exams officer which evidence and form apply and confirm what has been approved.
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Independent special schools
Independent special schools follow the same Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) 'Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA)' framework for evidence and 'normal way of working.' Ask the SENCo/Exams Officer for the centre's deadlines and what classroom evidence they'll gather (note: some independents have on-site specialists who can help collate evidence efficiently).
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Renew and appeal
Arrangements need to be renewed; keep copies of approval letters. If an application is rejected, ask for reasons and seek advice from SENDIASS or the awarding body.
Useful links
Source: https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/access-arrangements-and-reasonable-adjustments/