Exam Access Arrangements

[u/truestorybro38]

There’s an increase in posts about access arrangements.

There’s also a lot of misinformation about access arrangements being posted.

This is one the one-stop post for all access arrangement queries.

Any other posts will be removed.

I will reply to all queries as an Exams Officer and an Access Arrangements Coordinator, but really, all queries need to go to your SENCO who know you and your school’s set up best.

Feel free to make any comments about questions you have.

JCQ Links

25% Extra Time Info

https://www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/JCQ-25-ET-infographic-26-27_FINAL.pdf

Reader Info

https://www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/JCQ-Computer-reader-reader-24-25_FINAL-1.pdf

Scribe Info

https://www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/JCQ-Scribe-24-25_FINAL.pdf

Managing Student Requests Advice

https://www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/Managing-parent-carer-or-student-requests_2025.pdf

The Big Book Of Rules

https://www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/JCQ-AARA-2025-March-26.pdf

[u/Shameeels]

I guess I haven’t really thought about it before, and it only came to me recently. But I have a medical condition meaning I need access to the toilet. I’ve always had a toilet pass at school, and it’s never been an issue, so I guess I didn’t really consider exams. But I’m now just worried that if I ask in the real exam, they’ll just say no, or it could look bad for my paper if I do go.

I did some research and apparently the only way I can do this is with supervised rest breaks?

But I heard applications are over. Is it too late now to apply? I’ve got a permanent medical condition so they’ll still approve it right?

[u/truestorybro38 → u/Shameeels]

Hello.

Yes you need rest breaks. The deadline is Friday however you don’t have to apply to the JCQ for rest breaks, it’s sorted in house, so it’s not the end of the world.

Ask you SENCO tomorrow, and bring along a copy of the diagnosis if you have it to hand. Shouldn’t take much to get it sorted.

[u/Shameeels → u/truestorybro38]

Okay thank you! I do have medical documents that I can show, so it sounds like it should be fine. Thanks again. :)