Special arrangements for tests and exams

If your child goes to school in England, he or she will sit national curriculum tests at 7, 11 and 14. In England and Wales, GCSE or similar exams are taken at 16 years old.

The special arrangements for blind or partially sighted children taking these tests include:

  • accessible formats for test papers, eg enlarged print, modified enlarged print and Braille
  • additional time, which can be up to 100 per cent extra
  • technological aids
  • a scribe (also known as an amanuensis), reader or practical assistant
  • early opening of exam papers, if alterations need to be made to them.

Your child's school should apply for all of these special arrangements. Each situation is different, so your child's school will need to speak to the appropriate Awarding Body.

Special arrangements and papers in other formats

Where can schools get papers in other formats and find out about special arrangements?

For Key Stage examinations, they should read the booklets on Assessment and Reporting Arrangements, published by the National Assessments Agency. For GCE, VCE, GCSE and GNVQ exams, they should consult the Regulations and Guidance published by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).

Copies of these publications should have been sent to your schools examination officer or you can download the Assessment and Reporting Arrangements booklets

Last updated: 12 October 2009

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