Access arrangements for schools
Supporting SENCOs and school staff with the evidence needed to apply for access arrangements for pupils with dyslexia.
Access arrangements allow pupils with specific learning difficulties to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in examinations without being disadvantaged by their difficulties. As an APC-qualified specialist assessor, I can carry out the assessments required and sign the JCQ Form 8, providing schools with the evidence they need to apply for access arrangements.
What are access arrangements?
Access arrangements are adjustments made for pupils during examinations to level the playing field. They are not about giving an advantage — they are about removing a barrier. Common arrangements include extra time, a reader, a scribe, a prompter, use of a word processor, or rest breaks. They must reflect the pupil's normal way of working and be supported by appropriate evidence.
Who may qualify?
Pupils who have a diagnosed specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, or who have a significant and persistent difficulty with reading, writing, processing speed or working memory, may be eligible. Eligibility is determined by a combination of standardised assessment evidence and the pupil's normal way of working in school — both are required by JCQ.
How I can help
I carry out targeted assessments covering the specific areas required for JCQ access arrangement evidence — reading accuracy, reading fluency, processing speed and working memory. Following the assessment, I complete and sign the JCQ Form 8 on behalf of the school. Schools do not receive a separate written report — the signed Form 8 is the evidence required for the application.
Please note
Schools do not receive a separate written report. The outcome of the assessment is the completion and signing of the JCQ Form 8, which the school uses to submit the access arrangement application.
The process
Referral from school
The SENCO identifies a pupil who may benefit from access arrangements and refers them for assessment. I am happy to discuss suitability before any referral is confirmed.
Targeted assessment
I carry out a focused assessment covering the specific areas required for JCQ evidence — processing speed, working memory, reading accuracy and reading fluency. This is not a full diagnostic assessment and is shorter in duration.
Section 8 signed
I complete and sign the JCQ Form 8, providing the school with the assessor evidence required to submit the access arrangement application. Schools do not receive a separate written report.
Liaison with school
I am happy to liaise directly with the SENCO to discuss findings or answer any questions about the assessment evidence provided.
JCQ compliance
All assessments are carried out in line with current JCQ regulations for access arrangements. I hold the APC (Approved Practitioner Certificate), which is the qualification required by JCQ for assessors completing Section 8 of Form 8. The standardised scores I provide meet the evidential requirements set out in the JCQ regulations.
Discuss a referral
If you are a SENCO or school staff member and would like to discuss a pupil referral or find out more about the assessment process, I am happy to talk it through.