Exam Access Arrangements

Exam Access Arrangements are adjustments that allow learners with additional needs to access exams fairly. They do not give an advantage; they remove barriers caused by a disability, medical condition, learning difficulty, or mental health need. Common arrangements include extra time, rest breaks, a reader, a scribe or the use of a computer.

A learner may need EAAs if a long term difficulty affects their ability to work at the same pace or in the same conditions as their peers. This can include learning differences (such as dyslexia), medical conditions, mental health needs, sensory difficulties, or physical impairments. The aim is to ensure they can show what they know without their condition becoming a barrier.

We look at the learner’s normal way of working in class, any professional evidence (such as medical or educational reports), feedback, evidence from teachers and support staff. EAAs must reflect the support a learner already uses day to day, not something introduced only for exams. It is important learners attend all lessons so staff can collect enough evidence to assess and apply for any arrangements required.

Not always. Exam boards require arrangements to be based on the learner’s current needs and normal way of working at college. However, previous arrangements are helpful and will be considered as part of the process.

Support is tailored to the learner and may include:

• Extra time
• Supervised rest breaks
• Use of a computer
• A reader or scribe (where appropriate)

Parents can contact the Learning Support Team at Carlisle College. We are happy to discuss any needs, explain the process, and support you through any required evidence.

The link below provides more in-depth information under section 5 Access Arrangements and Adjustments 

JCQ-AARA-2025-March-26.pdf

Exam Access Arrangements are adjustments that help you take exams in a fair way if you have a learning difficulty, disability, medical condition, or mental health need. They don’t make the exam easier—they remove barriers so you can show what you can really do.

You might need support if you find exams harder because of things like anxiety, dyslexia, ADHD, medical issues, sensory needs, or anything that affects your focus, speed, or comfort. If you already use support in class, you may need similar support in exams.

Support is different for everyone, but common arrangements include:

• Extra time
• Rest breaks
• Using a computer
• A reader or scribe (in some cases)

Your support will match your normal way of working in lessons.

No. Exam boards only allow arrangements that level the playing field. They help you work in the way that suits your needs, not gain extra marks or make the exam easier.

You can speak to your tutor or Learning Support Team, we’ll look at how you work in class, talk to you about your needs, and check any evidence that might be needed. We’ll guide you through the whole process.

Yes. If you had exam support at school—such as extra time, Reader or scribe, rest breaks, or the use of a computer—it’s important that you tell us when you join Carlisle College. Exam Access Arrangements must be based on your current needs and your normal way of working, so we need to know what support you used before to make sure nothing is missed.

At enrolment, you should visit the Learning Support Desk and let the team know exactly what arrangements you had at school. This helps us check your evidence, and make sure the right arrangements are in place before your first assessment. If you don’t tell us at enrolment, there’s a risk that your support may be delayed, because exam boards require us to confirm your needs early in the year. Talking to the Learning Support Team as soon as you join college ensures your support continues smoothly and you feel confident going into your exams

Your normal way of working is the support you use every day in lessons to help you learn, stay focused, and complete your work. Exam Access Arrangements must match the way you usually work in class, not something new added just for the exam. For example, if you regularly use a computer for written work or take short breaks when you feel overwhelmed, these patterns show what support you genuinely need. Staff look at how you work overtime, not just on one day, so it’s important to use your support consistently. When your exam arrangements reflect your normal way of working, it means you can take your exams in a way that feels familiar, comfortable, and fair.