Some students require Access Arrangements in order to access tasks in lessons and exams in GCSEs, Access to level 3, Level 3, A-Levels and BTECs.
Access Arrangements are put in place to make it fair for all students and remove any disadvantages they may have. Access Arrangements must reflect the normal way of working in lessons.
Exam access arrangements are designed to ensure students are not disadvantaged because of a disability or learning need. At St Brendan’s, all arrangements follow national regulations and are based on evidence.
Access arrangements are adjustments that may be put in place for exams and assessments, such as:
- Extra time granted for the completion of exams (typically 25%)
- Reader
- Scribe
- Word-processor
- Rest Breaks
- Alternative rooming
- Other reasonable adjustments
These arrangements support fairness, not advantage.
How decisions are made
All access arrangements:
- Follow JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) guidance
- Are evidence‑based
- Are reviewed regularly
- Are not automatic or guaranteed
Arrangements may change as students develop independence.
Students can discuss access arrangements with the Inclusive Learning Team. Evidence may be required, and applications are made within set deadlines.
The Exam Access Arrangements Co-ordinator (EAA Co.) makes applications at the start of Year 12 for students that require Access Arrangements.
Information is collected by the EAA Co. in partnership with teachers, in-class support staff and previous educational settings if students are carrying their Access Arrangements forward in to College. This must show:
- Evidence of need
- History of need
- The Access Arrangement being applied for is the student's normal way of working in College
We communicate clearly with parents and carers so expectations are understood and decisions are transparent.
If a parent/carer or teacher feels that a student is disadvantaged in a particular area and feels they would benefit from having a new Access Arrangement in their subject exams, they need to refer to the EAA Co. Referrals must be made during the student’s first year at College.
The EAA Co. will then investigate this further, collect evidence from teachers and staff and discuss their findings with the teacher and parents/carers. Psychometric assessment may be necessary for any new extra time and scribe requests.
In all cases written evidence in support of applications must be provided and must cover the dates appropriate to the claim.
Exam Access Agreement
FAQs
Exam access arrangements are adjustments that help ensure students are not disadvantaged in exams because of a disability or learning need. Examples include extra time, rest breaks or use of a computer.
No. Access arrangements must be reviewed in line with JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) guidance and supported by appropriate evidence. Arrangements are not automatically carried forward from GCSEs.
Decisions are based on evidence, professional judgement and how a student’s needs affect assessments at post‑16 level. Arrangements are reviewed regularly and may change over time.
No. Access arrangements are designed to support fairness, not advantage, and ensure assessments reflect a student’s knowledge and understanding.
Parents and carers can contact the Inclusive Learning Team or the Exam Access Arrangements Coordinator for advice and guidance.
