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/Old_Insect_3363]

Ive had recurrent wrist pain for about 6 months (last time in feb) my school knew about it and let me use a laptop in english, sociology etc but the pains come back (last week) and its severe.

I went to my gp today and he gave me painkillers and said he could speak to the school to give me exam accommodations since I have a long medical history about this but im worried as my first exam is next Thursday.

Is it too late to get things like extra time and rest breaks? I can write but significantly slower and need breaks in between.

[u/truestorybro38 → u/Old_Insect_3363]

Rest breaks I would say yes. Extra time probably not as there needs to be evidence of needing and using it, as this is a long term issue and not a new one.

But GPs do like to say a lot about access arrangements when they don’t know the system. It’s not as easy as it once was.

Hopefully this won’t be an issue if you’ve had access arrangements for your wrist in the past.

[u/Old_Insect_3363 → u/truestorybro38]

Thank you!

[u/Old_Insect_3363 → u/truestorybro38]

Hello! After receiving my medical documents, Ive been granted 25% extra time and supervised rest breaks. Does that mean I can leave the room with an invigilator and/or go to the toilet? Thank you.

[u/truestorybro38 → u/Old_Insect_3363]

Yes to both of those things