Exam access arrangements (EAA) are special arrangements that ensure, where possible, barriers to assessment are removed or reduced for candidates that prevent them from being able to demonstrate their true potential.
These barriers may place a candidate at a substantial disadvantage due to the persistent and significant nature of the difficulties and may include:
– Slow processing speed or rate of working
– Slow reading speed
– Reading accuracy or comprehension difficulties
– Difficulties in concentration, memory and ability to focus for long periods of time
– Poor or illegible handwriting
– Visual processing or visual perceptual skills difficulties
– Auditory processing difficulties
We are able to offer the following exam access arrangements:
– Supervised rest breaks
– 25% extra time
– Word processor/laptop
– Prompter
– Coloured overlay
– Enlarged script
Evidence needed for application for EAA
Candidates who feel that they need an EAA will require evidence of need and normal way of working. An updated assessment will also be required for candidates requesting supervised rest breaks, 25% extra time and/or prompter. The assessment is carried out by the in-house assessor, at a charge of £200 on re-selected dates in Birmingham. The assessment takes about 1- 1 ½ hours. Candidates will also be required to provide the following information:
– Evidence from a clinician where there is a medical need
– Evidence of normal way of working from previous setting or in the form of previous exams where the EAA has been provided e.g. extra time has been given in previous exams
– Evidence of need from examples of where their condition or barrier has been evident in prohibiting them from fulfilling their potential e.g. evidence of running out of time in exams
– Where prior evidence does not exist, there may be a requirement for an updated assessment including completion of a questionnaire
– EHCP: Evidence of current need and current EHCP
