Access Arrangements in Assessment and Examinations

1. The National Curriculum

Assessment tests (known informally as SATs) are administered at the end of Key Stage 2 at 11 years. Notification is required for extra time and other arrangements to the Local Authority or Standards Testing Agency (STA).

Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6)

Details of Access Arrangements cand be found in Chapter 5 of Assessment and Reporting Arrangments.

Also further advice on arrangements for extra time in Key Stage 2.

2.Common Entrance Examinations

Parents should discuss special arrangements with the new and existing schools.
Senior schools would normally require schools with candidates with a specific learning difficulty or any other special educational need to seek permission from the School for concessions at Common Entrance. An Educational Psychologist or specialist dyslexia teacher report specifying appropriate arrangments should be sent with the special needs report to the new school.

For full detailed information see the section on SpLD candidates at: http://www.iseb.co.uk/schools.htm

3. GCSE, GCE 'A' levels and GNVQ Examinations

Where a candidate’s normal way of working is on a computer, the use of a computer with spell checker can be considered.

Full information of Access Arrangements is available on the JCQ website: http://www.jcq.org.uk Type in Access Arrangements in the Search Box.

For the current arrangements for extra time, JCQ have produced Extra Time Frequently Asked Questions

Applications to the Examination Boards, with the required evidence, must be made by the school in good time.

The school must be able and willing to implement the special arrangements, e.g. supervise candidates for extra time in a separate room and for those using computers.

For further information see the exam regulator Ofqual: http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/for-students-and-parents.

4. Further and Higher Education

Application for access arrangements can be made to the appropriate examination body or university.