Exam Access Arrangement Testing for Schools

Working closely with schools to ensure exam access arrangements are in place for students that need them.

Call 07732 993197

Exam Access Arrangements

Full Diagnostic Assessment Package (Face-to-face)

Call 07732 993197

Exam Access Arrangement Testing (EAA)

As well as reasonable adjustments in the classroom, schools must put in place Exam Access Arrangements, which are reasonable adjustments for candidates who have the required knowledge and skills, but who can’t demonstrate this knowledge or skills due to their disability. These arrangements must not affect the integrity of the examination or give the learner an unfair advantage (BDA, 2023)

If you are a school that requires Exam Access Arrangement Testing (EAA), then Thanet Dyslexia Services can support you with this. As an experienced Level 7 SpLD (Dyslexia) specialist assessor, Jennifer is qualified to assess for Exam Access Arrangements. At Thanet Dyslexia Services, we work closely with schools to ensure exam access arrangements are in place for all students who need them.

We can complete educational testing to meet the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) requirements. This may include providing evidence to support applications for extra time and a reader or scribe.

Exam Access Arrangements testing is conducted in person, initially in small groups, and then individually 1:1 if required. A range of tests can be undertaken, but core testing includes handwriting speed, processing speed and comprehension speed. We use additional tests if the core tests do not provide sufficient evidence.

Our Services

Working in Partnership with Schools

School packages are competitively priced and available on request. Discounts are applicable to schools with multiple students who require this service. The package cost includes email support for EAA coordinators and SENCOs.

Please contact us for further information.

Jennifer undertakes annual updates to ensure she stays up to date with the latest JCQ guidance.

Call 07732 993197

Independant Advice

Exam Access Arrangements (EAA)

Many parents wonder whether their child may be entitled to exam access arrangements such as extra time, a reader, a computer or rest breaks. The process can be confusing, particularly because schools must follow strict JCQ regulations when determining eligibility.

I offer independent advice to parents who have concerns about exam access arrangements. This may include:

Understanding the current JCQ regulations
Discussing whether further investigation may be appropriate
Explaining the evidence schools are required to gather
Advising on the next steps to take with your child's school

If you are unsure whether your child may need support in examinations, I can guide you through the process and help you understand the evidence schools need to gather before making decisions about access arrangements. Kindly complete our contact form to arrange a consultation.

This service does not determine eligibility for access arrangements but can help parents better understand the process.

JCQ Parent Guide

Video Guide

Specialist Assessor

EAA Assessments for Pupils

In some instances, schools may request further testing by an external assessor. If this is suggested, I can help. I have established links with some local secondary schools and am happy to build relationships with others.

This is important because I must contact the school directly and receive the completed Form 8 Part A before undertaking an EAA assessment. This provides evidence of the student's normal way of working and current needs.

The school awards access arrangements, not a private assessor.

For this reason, parents seeking an exam access arrangement assessment should speak to their child's school, SENCo, or examinations officer first.

Testimonials

Parent

Year 9 Pupil

★★★★★

Thanet Dyslexia Services have provided an exemplary service throughout the Dyslexia assessment. They explained the process and cost clearly in advance, and the face-to-face tests were extremely thorough, carried out with care and compassion for my child, who has communication challenges. There were plenty of breaks to ensure that it was not overwhelming. The report was very detailed and clearly explained the basis for the conclusions, with practical recommendations for the school to implement. All in all, a highly professional and excellent service; I would not hesitate to recommend Thanet Dyslexia Services to others.

Parent

Year 7 Pupil

★★★★★

My daughter found the assessment to be incredibly relaxed with breaks throughout. Jennifer was so patient, and she adapted the assessment to my daughter's pace, which put her at ease. The report was extremely clear and thorough, with a high level of detail, practical tips and recommendations to aid in moving forward. I cannot recommend the service highly enough.

Parent

Year 5 Pupil

★★★★★

Jennifer is simply amazing. The assessment for my son was carried out in a relaxed and peaceful environment, meaning he felt comfortable throughout. The feedback was in-depth and knowledgeable, with recommendations for ongoing support, which was extremely helpful.

Parent

Year 6 Pupil

★★★★★

From our first conversation with Jennifer, I felt reassured that she really understood our son and his needs. The assessment was carried out in familiar, comfortable surroundings, and he was immediately put at ease, which made the whole experience really positive. The report was incredibly useful, giving us a much better understanding of how he learns, along with clear, practical recommendations that we could use both at home and at school. The service was supportive, personal, and professional, and I genuinely feel the assessment helped open up our son's world.