Assessing Access Arrangments

Access Arrangements are pre-examination adjustments for candidates based on evidence of need and normal way of working. Access arrangements are agreed upon before an assessment. They allow candidates with specific needs, such as special educational needs, disabilities or temporary injuries to access the assessment and show what they know and can do without changing the demands of the assessment. Access arrangements are the principal way in which awarding bodies comply with the duty under the Equality Act 2010 to make ‘reasonable adjustments.
JCQ requires that schools gather and report assessment evidence including up-to-date test information for each access
arrangement. Arrangements must be in place prior to commencing the examination.

About the Adviser

Marsha Blissett - Adviser, Services For Education Marsha firmly believes that a quality education is the basis for social mobility and has spent her extensive career working across the West Midlands conurbation catapulting the stunted ambitions of staff and students. Marsha has held several senior positions, most recently as a Deputy Headteacher transforming outcomes in one of the most deprived parts of the county. Marsha is a specialist in The Principles of School Leadership, Safeguarding, STEM Education and Behaviour Management this is complimented by her interest in cognitive science, not only the application to schema but also its application to the wider, often hidden curriculum.