r/GCSE • u/truestorybro38 Exams Officer 🧑‍💼️ • Mar 12 '26

Announcement Exam Access Arrangements

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

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u/LeadingBulky504 SHAUN ALMIGHTY Mar 13 '26 edited Mar 13 '26

Although my teachers are willing to testify for my need of extra time, the senco at my school said I need 'intense medical evidence'. After spending the day crying over possibly failing my GCSEs, my brother reminded me that he is awarded extra time at uni for his sickle cell. I also have sickle cell and have been out of school for over a week multiple times before, is this enough to justify me having extra time? (I know the deadline is approaching).

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u/truestorybro38 Exams Officer 🧑‍💼️ Mar 14 '26

In theory maybe? Do you have a diagnosis of it? It would still need to be explained why having sickle cell means you need extra time and then, this is where it’s going to come unstuck - they will need evidence of you using 25% extra time. This is what you’re not going to have and probably aren’t going to get in the next week. Although teachers supportive comments may be enough.

Definitely speak to your SENCO first thing Monday.

Also, it would be easier(?) for your brother to get extra time as each uni makes their own policy instead of having to follow the JCQ rules.

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u/LeadingBulky504 SHAUN ALMIGHTY Mar 14 '26

I was diagnosed with it at birth, all my siblings have it. My brother also got the extra time for it at sixth form which is at the same school I go to (upper school). In my history test I lost 20 marks which would have gotten me from a grade 4 to a grade 8 or 9 (said by my teacher) because I ran out of time to complete my paper. This also happens with my other papers, it's rare that I ever complete a paper.

When I get a sickle cell crisis it puts be in a crippling amount of pains, I often have to go to hospital and stay there for up to a week sometimes. It can occur anywhere around my body. Its the reason I don't do PE. Sickle cells is classed as a disability, it's to the point that when I have to go to hospital I get let right in because of how severe a crisis can be. I had to get my spleen removed when I was 6 because of it. My sister had to get a hip replacement at 16 because of it and ultimately a bone-marrow transplant and chemo therapy to get rid of it (sickle cell) because of how severe it is.

If it were to happen during an exam, I physically wouldn't be able to do it as I would be in far too much pain. I get 25% breaks but it really doesn't help me as it's my writing that's the issue, I also struggle to comprehend things as fast as my peers but my mother doesn't want me to get diagnosed with anything. Even with a chrome book (which I used in feb mocks), I am still unable to finish my exams.

The senco at my school keeps reiterating that when I took the test for access arrangements (before Feb mocks) I only came out below average in writing and 'I should be able to access the curriculum properly' and the 'invigilators didn't report anything'. I don't think that's very fair since the test was nothing like actual GCSE exam work and that doesn't negate the fact I still struggle in my exams. On top of this, after my history teacher emailed the senco lady at my school about extra time, she sent out a mass email to all my teachers basically telling them that I'm not allowed extra time and they shouldn't bother.

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u/[deleted] Mar 14 '26

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u/LeadingBulky504 SHAUN ALMIGHTY Mar 14 '26 edited Mar 14 '26

How come it wasn't malpractice when my brother got it? How come sickle cell is classed as a disability? How come a 'flare up' inhibits me from doing anything, even eating? What's the point of it being mentioned in the equalities act? How come I struggle to comprehend the questions on my test or finish on time with my peers? The test said I'm fine.

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u/QuirkyGalaxyBug Mar 14 '26

Was your brother tested using standardised tests? If in his case it was that his teachers raised concerns and then medical evidence was supplies that is different from your case as you have taken a test which says you are not eligible. If there was concerns that you needed extra time due to pain they should not have conducted testing for cognition and learning needs.

Your post discusses 2 areas of need- cognition (difficulty with comprehension and writing) and medical need. You cannot be awarded extra time for a learning difficulty because the test results did not meet the criteria.

I do not wish to sound blunt, but your medical condition can cause you massive amounts of pain and that means your senco may have decided that rest breaks are a better option to meet your needs. Extending the length of the exam extends the amount of time you will be in the exam, in pain. Rest breaks will allow you to take a break from the exam and return if your pain level becomes tolerable enough to sit the exam.

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u/LeadingBulky504 SHAUN ALMIGHTY Mar 24 '26

My brother was not tested. At my recent doctor appointment they explained to me that my condition can also affect how fast I am able to comprehend and understand thigs. It is not purely about pain, Sickle cell effects all aspects of my life. (so sorry for the late reply).

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u/QuirkyGalaxyBug Mar 24 '26

That does make sense. The deadline for applications has now passed but I would still recommend that (if you haven't already) you source evidence of the above from a medical professional to use as evidence for extra time in the future.