What are Exam Access Arrangements for GCSEs and A Levels?

Struggling to finish exams on time? Finding it hard to concentrate in the exam hall? You might be able to get some extra help through something called exam access arrangements.

Don't worry - this isn't about getting an unfair advantage or "cheating" your way to better grades. Access arrangements are there to level the playing field, so everyone gets a fair shot at showing what they know.

So, what are exam access arrangements for GCSEs and A levels? This guide explains everything you need to know, from what they are to how you can get them sorted.

Key Takeaways

• Access arrangements are special adjustments made for students with learning difficulties, medical conditions, or disabilities to help them take exams fairly.

• Common arrangements include extra time, rest breaks, using a laptop instead of handwriting, or having someone read questions to you.

• Your school applies for these arrangements on your behalf, but you need proper evidence to back up your request.

• All arrangements must be confirmed through exam boards before your exams start - you can't just decide on the day.

What Are Exam Access Arrangements?

Access arrangements are adjustments that help students with specific needs take their exams. They're designed to remove barriers that might stop you from showing your true ability.

Think of it like wearing glasses. If you can't see the board clearly, glasses don't give you super vision - they just help you see what everyone else can see naturally.

These arrangements follow strict guidelines from something called the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) (opens in a new tab). They make sure everything's fair and consistent across all schools and exam boards.

The goal of access arrangements is inclusion. Everyone deserves the chance to show what they've learned, regardless of any difficulties they might face.

Your exam results look exactly the same whether you use access arrangements or not. Universities and employers will never know you had extra help.

Who Is Eligible for Access Arrangements?

Loads of different conditions might make you eligible for access arrangements. You don't need to have a formal diagnosis for everything, but you do need evidence that shows you genuinely struggle.

• Students with dyslexia often get extra time because they need longer to read and process information. Same goes for those with dyspraxia who might struggle with handwriting.

• If you have ADHD, you might find it really hard to concentrate for long periods. Rest breaks or extra time could help you focus properly.

• Autism can make exam environments overwhelming. You might need a separate room or breaks to manage sensory overload.

• Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or OCD can seriously affect your exam performance. Various arrangements can help reduce stress and panic.

• Students with visual or hearing impairments need specific adjustments like enlarged papers or sign language interpreters.

• Physical disabilities or medical conditions that affect your stamina, mobility, or ability to write might qualify you for different types of support.

The key thing is proving that your condition significantly affects your ability to take exams under normal conditions.

Types of Access Arrangements Available

Extra Time

• This is the most common arrangement. Most students get 25% extra time (opens in a new tab), which means a 90-minute exam becomes 112.5 minutes.

• Sometimes students with severe needs might get 50% extra time or even more, but this is pretty rare and needs really strong evidence.

• The amount you get depends on how much your condition affects your processing speed and ability to work under time pressure.

Rest Breaks

• These let you stop the clock during your exam to have a breather. Perfect if you get tired easily, anxious, or struggle to concentrate for long periods.

• Rest breaks don't add extra exam time - they just pause everything while you take a few minutes to regroup.

• You might go outside the exam room, under supervision, or just put your head down at your desk, depending on what works for you.

Use of Word Processor or Laptop

• If your handwriting is illegible or you struggle to write by hand, you might be allowed to type your answers instead.

• This isn't just for anyone who prefers typing. You need evidence that handwriting significantly disadvantages you.

• The laptop usually has spell-check turned off and no internet access. It's just a basic word processor.

Reader or Reading Software

• Some students need help with reading exam questions, either from a human reader or special computer software.

• This might be because of dyslexia, visual impairments, or other conditions that make reading difficult.

• The reader can't explain questions or give hints - they just read exactly what's written.

Scribe

• A scribe writes down your answers for you if you can't write by hand due to physical difficulties or learning differences.

• You dictate your answers word for word, and the scribe writes exactly what you say. They can't correct your grammar or suggest improvements.

• This arrangement is quite rare and needs strong evidence that you genuinely can't write your own answers.

Modified Exam Papers

• These include things like enlarged text for students with visual difficulties, coloured paper for those sensitive to bright white, or Braille for blind students.

• Your school's SENCO (opens in a new tab) (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) orders these well in advance of your exams.

How to Apply for Exam Access Arrangements

You can't apply for access arrangements yourself - your school has to do it for you. Start by having a chat with your form tutor or head of year about your concerns.

Your school's SENCO is the key person who handles these applications. They know the system inside and out and will guide you through everything.

• You'll need evidence to support your application. This might include reports from educational psychologists, doctors, or detailed records from your teachers.

• For some arrangements, you'll need a formal assessment. Your SENCO might arrange for a specialist teacher to test your processing speed or other cognitive skills.

• The school fills in something called Form 8 (opens in a new tab) if you need cognitive testing, then submits everything to the exam boards through an online system.

Timing is crucial. Applications need to be made well before exam season. Often, schools assess students in Year 9 or early Year 10 for GCSEs. For A levels, read our guide on how to get extra time in A Levels.

Don't leave this until the last minute. Good schools start thinking about access arrangements years before your actual exams. 

What Happens on Exam Day?

If you've got access arrangements, exam day might look a bit different for you. Don't worry - it's all perfectly normal and well-organised.

• You might sit in a separate room with other students who have arrangements, or sometimes you'll stay in the main hall but with different timing.

• The invigilators know exactly what arrangements you have and will make sure you get every minute of extra time you're entitled to.

• If you have rest breaks, just put your hand up when you need one. The invigilator will pause your time and let you step outside or just rest at your desk.

• Everything gets recorded properly so there's no confusion about timing or what help you received.

Remember, plenty of students use access arrangements. You're not unusual or different - you're just getting the support you need to do your best.

Myth-Busting: Common Misunderstandings

"Access arrangements are cheating" - Absolutely not. They're about fairness, not giving anyone an unfair advantage. You still need to know the material and write your own answers.

"You need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to get help" - Not true at all. Many students get access arrangements based on other evidence like psychological assessments or medical reports.

"Anyone can just ask for extra time" - Nope. You need proper evidence and your school has to prove you genuinely need the support.

"It shows on your certificates" - Wrong. Your GCSE and A Level certificates look identical whether you used access arrangements or not.

"Universities will treat you differently" - They won't even know unless you choose to tell them. Your results speak for themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who decides if I get access arrangements?

Your school's SENCO makes the application, but the final decision comes from the exam boards (like AQA, Edexcel, or OCR). They follow strict JCQ guidelines to make sure everything's fair and consistent. Your school can't just decide to give you extra time without proper approval.

Do I need a diagnosis to get extra time?

Not always, but you do need evidence that shows you have genuine difficulties. This might be a psychological assessment, medical reports, or detailed records from teachers showing how you struggle in normal lessons. Some conditions are obvious from school observations, while others need formal testing.

Can I use a laptop in all my exams?

If you're approved to use a word processor, you can usually use it for most written exams. However, some subjects like Maths or Sciences might still require handwritten answers for calculations or diagrams. Your SENCO will tell you exactly which exams you can type for.

Will universities know I had access arrangements?

No, universities won't know unless you choose to tell them. Your exam certificates and UCAS application don't mention anything about access arrangements. Some students do choose to mention their conditions in personal statements to show resilience, but that's completely up to you.

Final Thoughts

Access arrangements aren't about getting special treatment or an easy ride. They're about making sure everyone gets a fair chance to show what they've learned.

If you're struggling with exams because of a learning difficulty, medical condition, or disability: don't suffer in silence. Have a chat with your teachers or SENCO about what support might be available.

The earlier you start these conversations, the better. Schools need time to assess your needs and apply for the right arrangements.

Using access arrangements doesn't make you any less capable or intelligent. You're just getting the support you need to demonstrate your true ability - and that's exactly how it should be.

References

• Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) (opens in a new tab)

• SENCO (opens in a new tab)

• JCQ Overview of Access Arrangements (opens in a new tab)

• Form 8 (opens in a new tab)