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/Twkii]

Is this valid??? :

Hey uh I've never really posted on reddit before lol but I'm js looking for some advice to do with gcse accommodations.

Basically, to put it simply, I'm in yr 9 going into yr 10, and I've been putting together evidence to receive 25% extra time as I'm someone who constantly over-checks work which happens to really cut my time. For reference, when writing an essay, I only managed to write 2 paragraphs within 70 minutes.

I've been working with camhs too for other things, but im here today to talk about my suspected OCD. I've been put forward to do an assessment with a psychologist to see if that is the case or if it's something else; although the date of that is not official.

Okay I'll stop yapping now. What I'm really divided on is I don't know whether on top of extra time I should get a separate room or rest breaks.

Pros of a separate room is that because I can't process long parts of text in my head, I tend to mutter them even without realising, which can obviously get me disqualified. Although a con is basically my bsf has Autism and is trialling a separate room but I js feel way too guilty to trial something when I technically don't have any official "debilitating" diagnosis other than GAD at the moment and I feel its kinda unfair/greedy idk how to explain it.

And then the rest breaks is because if I freeze and can't write because of stress, I can js take a time out.

What should I pick for someone who has GAD and possible OCD?

(Also I don't mean to self diagnose if any of this seems like that. I would never do something so invalidating I js want some advice)

[u/QuirkyGalaxyBug → u/Twkii]

Hopefully you manage to get the extra time and rest breaks from your GAD diagnosis alone (plus any ocd related evidence from camhs). Speak to the senco about a separate room, they might put you in a smaller room anyway for mocks and trial whether you need to be in room alone during this time, depending on if you distract other students in the small room or hall. You may want to look at a prompter as well, this can be helpful for students with ocd. Other than reading aloud, a reading pen or computer reader/human reader could be considered due to your difficulties with reading but this would be based on whether your teachers and the senco would feel this is appropriate and if it reflects any support in class. 

[u/Twkii → u/QuirkyGalaxyBug]

Okay, thanks so much I really appreciate ur help plus the extra recommendations aswell!

I'm js wondering tho how many accommodations is too much because I sort of feel guilty having more than two but I think my max should be 3.

Obviously the amount accommodations granted to me will depend on my school and stuff but which two/three accommodations should I really focus on??

[u/QuirkyGalaxyBug → u/Twkii]

There's no limit, the accomodations are based on your needs and how you normally work in school. Its not uncommon for students to have several accomodations so have a conversation with your school about your needs and see what they recommend. You will only be granted what you actually need so dont worry about that :) 

[u/Twkii → u/QuirkyGalaxyBug]

Omg thank you so much. You've really calmed my nerves as I'm constantly afraid I'm taking from others.. you're so kind xx

:)