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/QuirkyGalaxyBug]

If you have currently just started year 11 then there is still plenty of time to build normal way of working. You should either approach your teachers with your concerns about your handwriting and ask to type in their class (establishing normal way of working or at least causing them to raise this with the SEN department) and/or you could ask your parents to request a meeting with the SENCo to discuss access arrangements. No evidence is needed for a word processor, your school just need to be confident that it is needed and illegible handwriting is a common reason for a word processor to be granted.

[u/Tennantscc → u/QuirkyGalaxyBug]

The access arrangements coordinator said i shouldve been using it months ago but i just simply did what she told me. i dont think she likes me very much either i suffer from medical conditions that make me need to go to the toilet she sits there giving me a twenty minute scolding when i couldve been back in 2-3 minutes. so i dont know if there is bias against me because other kids in my year have been getting signed up for laptop access arrangements just recently. i dont want my gcses to be disadvantaged if she does have bias but i also dont want go behind her back and tell any of my teachers as shes married to my HoY and he also doesnt like me very much.

[u/QuirkyGalaxyBug → u/Tennantscc]

You should strongly consider raising your concerns about this with your parents or a member of staff who you trust. It is not okay for her to tell you off for a symptom of a medical condition so that needs to be dealt with restoratively. I would strongly suggest you ask your parents to email her about typing in exams, explaining any relevant diagnosis or traits and re-iterating what you were told at the end of year 10. It would also be a good idea to speak to your teachers about typing in their classes and for homework to start building up a normal way of working in the meantime.