Assessments for Access Arrangements

Access Arrangements

Access arrangements are intended to support candidates whose difficulties significantly affect their performance in examinations, by providing reasonable adjustments that ensure equality of access to assessment. They enable candidates to demonstrate what they know and can do, without altering the demands of the assessment.

Further information about access arrangements can be obtained from the following sources:

  • JCQ Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (the JCQ regulations), published annually and available from the JCQ website.

  • ‘Assessing the need for Access Arrangements in Examinations: A Practical Guide, Seventh Edition’, authored by Lia Castiglione Purchase from Patoss

Professional experience:

Lia has over twenty years’ experience in assessing learners to gather evidence for access arrangements and maintains a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).

She works with a wide range of centres, including secondary schools, colleges and training providers, and is familiar with the differing requirements and practical challenges presented by each setting.

In addition to assessment work, Lia has authored reference texts used nationally in access arrangements practice, designs and delivers professional training, and contributes to professional and regulatory discussions relating to access arrangements standards and frameworks.

  • Access Arrangement Assessment Process

    Assessments are carried out in close collaboration with the school or college to support a joined-up, evidence-led approach to access arrangements.

    Before the assessment, Lia provides the school or college with evidence of her qualification to assess. The centre supplies information outlining the student’s needs and normal way of working through JCQ Form 8 Part 1. This information is used to tailor the assessment to the student’s individual profile.

    The assessment session typically lasts between ten and forty-five minutes, depending on the areas assessed. Where appropriate, group testing may be used. Assessments can be carried out on site at the school or college, or remotely.

    Following the assessment, the school or college is provided with an individual assessment summary sheet and the relevant results are recorded on JCQ Form 8 Part 2. Lia liaises with the centre and makes evidence-based recommendations for access arrangements.

    Final decisions regarding access arrangements are made by the SENCo or Access Arrangements Coordinator, taking into account both the centre evidence and the assessment outcomes.



  • Access Arrangements Assessments with Lia

    Lia works with schools, colleges and training providers to carry out access arrangements assessments for students sitting GCSEs, A levels and other Level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications.

    Assessments are tailored to the student’s individual needs and may provide assessment evidence to support access arrangements such as extra time and/or a scribe. Assessments may also inform the need for a reader or computer reader.

    Assessments can take place in a quiet space within the school or college, or remotely using a secure digital online platform.

    A flexible approach is adopted to suit the needs of each setting and may include individual or group assessments. This enables between 8 and 25 students to be assessed in a full day, depending on the profile of need.

    Following the assessment session, the centre receives :

    - JCQ Form 8 Part 2
    - an individual assessment summary sheet for each student
    - an optional spreadsheet with scores for all students assessed

    Qualifications and Examinations Covered

    Assessments are provided for access arrangements relating to:

    - GCSE and A level examinations
    - Other Level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications (e.g. BTECs)
    - 11+ examinations
    - Senior school entrance exams

    Requests from Parents or Students

    Assessments are typically commissioned by schools, colleges or training providers. In some circumstances, requests from parents or students can be accommodated. Please contact Lia to discuss individual circumstances and requirements.

    Location

    Lia is based in the Midlands and works nationally across England and Wales. She also works internationally with schools and colleges offering UK examinations, either on-site or remotely.

Contact Lia