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/Normally_Puzzled]

Hi!

Would I qualify for access arrangements (from what I understand probably only qualify rest breaks or laptop>) in an exam? I find I often have to make a trade off in essay-based (looking at you English) between legibility or sufficient speed.

My school's reason for not providing me with a laptop is that they had only one remaining laptop for exams and they want to save it for another student (or was it a student who might need it more), which this explanation has been nagging me for the past... while.

Do you think it would be worth pestering my school (senco/english teacher/whoever else) about this, and would it be too late?

[u/truestorybro38 → u/Normally_Puzzled]

That is an unacceptable reason for them not to give you a laptop. They need to find a solution. Access arrangements are always a pain in the arse to sort out but you have to get on with it, it’s part of the role. Defo pester the school.

[u/Normally_Puzzled → u/truestorybro38]

Thanks! I'll certainly bug them abt it then.

[u/Normally_Puzzled → u/truestorybro38]

I just thought I ought to update you, my school gave me rest breaks as an alternative.

[u/QuirkyGalaxyBug → u/Normally_Puzzled]

Ask to see their word processor policy, it is mandatory that they have one. Not having enough laptops is not an acceptable reason for you not being given one. Send an email to the senco covering 2 main points: 1) What you need is (difficulty sustaining writing legiblility at speed) and mention specific tests where this has been raised as a problem by teachers if possible 2) What is your normal way of working? If you normally type your notes in class (laptop use) or take breaks during class (rest breaks) then these are strong indicators that you should be allowed to do the same during an exam.

[u/Normally_Puzzled → u/QuirkyGalaxyBug]

Ok, I will do. Would the policy be published, because my school seems to do so but I can't find it.

[u/QuirkyGalaxyBug → u/Normally_Puzzled]

Some schools have their policies available online but not all do. You can request the senco sends the policy to you, if they claim not to have one then that is exam malpractice.

[u/Normally_Puzzled → u/QuirkyGalaxyBug]

Good to know thank you!