Access Arrangements
Access arrangements are pre-examination adjustments for candidates based on evidence of need. Excellent Academy endeavours to support all students with Access Arrangement requirements, as outlined by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), but this is subject to receiving exam board approval.
What Evidence Do I Need to Provide?
Regulations set out by the JCQ require us to hold a file with evidence that a candidate would be put at a disadvantage without any assistance.
The list of board approved evidence includes:
• Any supporting reports from teachers
• Writing samples (produced within the centre)
• A mock exam paper (taken at our centre)
• An IEP or similar document detailing the need for support
• A current Educational Health and Care Plan
• A letter from a qualified professional confirming the presence of a disability
• The most recent Form 8 from your school or college.
Upon completion of evidence gathering, one of our team at Excellent Academy will apply to the awarding body for the Access Arrangements.
FAQs – have a question about Access Arrangements?
A range of support may be available to you during the exam however we would need to submit a valid doctor’s note and/or alternative evidence to see specifically what support you may be eligible for.
Yes, you are still able to complete your exams but we ask students to inform us of any medical conditions/potential medical complications so that we can make the correct adjustments to your exam setting so that you can complete your exams to your best ability. We may need some form of documentation to apply for further support if needed.
In most cases yes however we may need additional documentation to get you the full support you may be eligible for.
Examination boards require evidence of your Access Arrangements in practice therefore, we need a mock exam to demonstrate the use of these arrangements and their suitability.
Candidates with neuromuscular issues are eligible for a range of support such as utilisation of a computer or a scribe amongst other available resources so that your performance in the exam is not impaired in any way. However, we do need to submit documentation confirming your condition so we suggest discussing this with us in advance.
As a principle, any food or drink is not allowed into the exam hall with the exception of water in a transparent bottle without a label.
Yes, as this is a medical exception, you are permitted to bring glucose tablets or a glucose drink in transparent, unlabelled containers. If you need further support, you can discuss this with us and we will be happy to help.
Access Arrangement Application: £100
This fee covers the processing and submission of the application for access arrangements.
Additional Time Requests: Additional 25% fee
If the application involves requesting extra time or other time-related accommodations, a 25% surcharge will apply to cover the additional administrative efforts.
We reserve private rooms for students whose circumstances necessitate it (e.g. students with an exceptional medical condition or those who may have a scribe etc.), this is not the case for the vast majority of students.