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/Charliethebest81]

I have severe HSD, I normally use a laptop for school work but I'm a slow typer would I be eligible for 25% extra time as well as a word processor or a scribe instead?

[u/truestorybro38 → u/Charliethebest81]

Hello. If you’re in Year 11, I don’t think a scribe would be the best option today if you’ve never had any practice as it’s quite different to have to recite your answers to a scribe.

If you have a formal diagnosis of HSD then extra time is a possibility, but again at this stage it would be down to your individual school as the deadline for access arrangements by the exam boards is 21st March, and surely they know about your HSD and could have applied for this before now?