What are Access Arrangements?

Access Arrangements are designed to give all students a fair chance to demonstrate their abilities

Exams are a stressful time for all students, and this is likely to be especially so for children and young people with Special Educational Needs (“SEN”) and/or disabilities. To ensure these learners have a fair opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, the Joint Council for Qualifications (“JCQ”) oversees a system of Access Arrangements with comprehensive guidance published and updated regularly.

Put simply, access arrangements are pre-exam adjustments (which can include reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 if applicable) based on evidence of need and a student's normal way of working. Examples include additional time, readers and/or scribes for students whose reading/writing is impacted by their SEND; modified question papers, e.g., in Braille or large print, and rest breaks. Eligibility is determined based on evidence of need and the student's normal way of working in school or college.

To secure access arrangements for your child or young person you should:

Start early: speak to the School's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) as they are responsible for coordinating access arrangements and will need time to assess your child's needs and gather evidence and

Provide supporting documentation which might include medical reports, psychological assessments, and/or evidence of SEN from external professionals such as Occupational Therapists.

The JCQ has made updates to its regulations for the 2024/25 academic year. Key changes include:

The introduction of digital systems like the Centre Access Portal (“CAP”) for simpler and faster submissions.

Clearer guidance on what constitutes valid proof of need.

Clarification of terms like "normal way of working," and who constitutes a SENCo for the purposes of making applications, ensuring consistency across schools.

To learn more about legal and educational processes, visit our blogs on EHC Plans and Appeals.

SEND Advocacy can help you to ensure that your child or young person with SEND receives the appropriate support that will enable them to thrive. If you need someone in your corner to help you secure the education your child deserves, contact SEND Advocacy today.