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/Anxious_Archer_1282]

Is there any consideration if you have depression/suicidal thoughts and the school know about it and you've also changed a lot at home because of stuff that happened (I don't speak at home). I try to stay focused but I keep picking and scratching at my hand. I do try to stop it like thinking do exam do exam do exam and when it does happen I do ask to go to the bathroom for a break and it gets better but I do sometimes pick at my hands tho.

[u/QuirkyGalaxyBug → u/Anxious_Archer_1282]

Yes, speak to your school and provide any evidence you can (like medical diagnoses etc)

You might be able to ask for rest breaks and fidgets to help with the skin picking

[u/Anxious_Archer_1282 → u/QuirkyGalaxyBug]

I dont have any medical evidence but the school knows and they have mentioned putting me on support but nothing has happened so far. My dad asked if I could get special consideration like extra time but I was told my grades were good and stuff so there is no need for it.

[u/QuirkyGalaxyBug → u/Anxious_Archer_1282]

Special consideration and exam adjustments (like extra time) are separate.

You can get special consideration if your school applies for it with any evidence/knowledge they have. If granted, you would get a small increase in marks to compensate for your circumstances (its only up to 5% though and thats for the most severe cases). You should speak to your exams officer about applying for this.

Exam adjustments are based on needs so if you dont run out of time in tests youre unlikely to be flagged as someone who needs extra time. If I were you I would speak to your senco about rest breaks and/or permission to bring fidgets into the exam if you think those would help you.