Home | College life | Exam Access Arrangements

Exam Access Arrangements

Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments are support measures put in place during exams to ensure students with additional needs are not disadvantaged.

These arrangements are not about giving an unfair advantage, but about removing barriers that may prevent a student from demonstrating their true ability. They are awarded based on individual evidence of need and in accordance with national regulations set by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).

Examples of needs that may qualify include:

· Specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia)
· Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
· Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
· Physical disabilities
· Sensory impairments
· Long-term medical conditions
· Mental health needs (e.g. anxiety, depression)

Support may include:

· Extra time
· A reader/scribe
· Use of a PC
· Rest breaks
· Small room for exams

Access arrangements are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be supported by appropriate evidence. This must be the student’s normal way of working in class.

What you need to do:

If you’ve had access arrangements for your GCSEs, please follow these steps carefully:

1. Indicate this on your application form.
Make sure you tell us about access arrangements when applying.

2. Request paperwork from your current school’s SENDCo.
You’ll need to collect and keep copies of:

· Form 8
· Form 9 (if applicable)
· Centre-Based Decision Form
· Any diagnostic or medical reports (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, ASD, diabetes)
· Any other evidence of difficulties you’ve experienced in exams or learning

3. Submit your documents to the College

You will have the opportunity to upload these documents when you receive your enrolment pack or bring in physical copies at enrolment.

Important Notes

· Your current school may not send this information directly to us. You must make sure we have received the paperwork.
· Access arrangements from your previous school do not automatically transfer to College. We must re-apply for it, and you may need to be reassessed by our qualified assessors.
· The paperwork listed in section 2 above is essential to begin this process.

To ensure we have time to assess, process, and apply for your access arrangements, you must provide your paperwork. If you do not provide this at the previous designated times (when you receive your enrolment pack or at enrolment) the latest by the dates below:

GCSE Resits and Vocational Courses

· If you’re resitting GCSEs or on a vocational course (ie.: BTEC/CTEC with January Exams), you must submit all relevant paperwork by 11th September.
· This ensures we can meet the first JCQ deadline.

Summer Exams

· If you’re sitting exams in the summer, you must submit your paperwork by the end of January.
· This allows us time to complete applications before the second JCQ deadline.

Providing your paperwork late could mean access arrangements cannot be put in place, so please meet these deadlines to avoid any issues.

FAQs

I had extra time at school. Will that automatically continue at College?

No. We will need to see the correct paperwork, and you may need to be reassessed. To do this, the College must have available evidence, which clearly shows that 25% extra time is still needed for A level and/or other Level 3 qualifications. This updated centre-based evidence must specifically relate to A level and/or other Level 3 qualifications. The College must have on file:

a sample of internal College tests/mock exam papers across relevant subjects showing the need for 25% extra time.
comments and observations from teaching staff in relevant subjects as to why the candidate needs 25% extra time and how they use the 25% extra time awarded as their normal way of working.

What if I can’t get the forms from my school?

Please contact us at eaa@qmc.ac.uk as soon as possible and we’ll guide you through the next steps.

I had a laptop in my GCSE exams. Will I get one at College?

Possibly, but not automatically. We need evidence from your previous school and may need to assess you to confirm if it’s still appropriate.

How long does the process take, once I send my paperwork?

It can take several weeks, especially during busy periods. That’s why it’s important to submit everything as soon as possible.

What happens if I don’t provide the paperwork?

We won’t be able to apply for access arrangements without evidence. This could mean you sit exams without the support you previously had.

Will I be told if access arrangements are approved?

Yes. You will receive a notification and you will be able to see this in the app under the Exams & Grades menu option.

What if my needs change during the year?

Please speak to your teachers. We may be able to review your arrangements or conduct further assessments if needed.

Is there a deadline for applying for access arrangements?

Yes. There are two key deadlines each academic year, in line with JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) regulations.

Can parents contact the College about access arrangements?

Yes, but once you’re enrolled, we’ll primarily communicate directly with you as a student, in line with data protection guidelines.

I didn’t have access arrangements in school, but I think I need them now. Can I still apply?

Yes. Even if you didn’t have support at school, you may still be eligible if there is evidence of need. You can speak to your teachers, who may refer you to us for an assessment. It’s important to do this as early as possible so there’s enough time to complete the process before the deadlines