Celebrating Exam Results Success
At the start of this school year, we want to look back and celebrate the success of our CENMAC students who took exams last school year. Taking an exam is no mean feat for anyone, but for students with special educational needs, exams can be even more challenging. Our team of Advisory Teachers plan ahead for exams, suggesting the necessary access arrangements to ensure that students who need to use assistive technology to complete their exams can do so. It is necessary to demonstrate to JCQ that the assistive technology used is their “normal way of working” in advance of the exam.
Congratulations to the following students, who have sent us updates of their results:
Student: Phoebe
School: Hall Mead
Exam Level: GCSEs in 7 subjects and she achieved a 4, 5, 4 x 6s and a 7!
If Phoebe looks familiar that’s because she previously wrote a great blog about using the AV1 robot and she was also recently awarded Jack Petchey Achievement Award.
Phoebe studied seven GCSE subjects, including English, Maths, Religious Studies, History and Health and Social Care, and attended every lesson and revision session remotely using the No Isolation Robot, alongside laptop access for typing her exams.
This technology enabled her to stay connected with teachers, peers and learning throughout her lessons and to attend revision sessions while she couldn’t attend in person. This led to outstanding progress from being predicted 3s and 4s, to achieving amazing final grades including a 7 in H&S.
Phoebe is now moving on to Sacred Heart Sixth Form (her first choice) having exceeded the entry requirements entirely on her own merit.
Phoebe’s mum said: “A huge thank you from us all. It really made a difference having access to the lessons and being able to type her exams on the laptop. She could not have done it without all your support.”
Name: Ryan
School: Darrick Wood
Exam Level: A Levels and he achieved university entry!
Ryan completed A Levels in Business Studies, Economics, Psychology, and Government & Politics.
He used his CENMAC device for essay planning, note‑taking, research, coursework, and typing in exams, with teachers and his mother confirming how important this technology was to his progress. His typing speed, accuracy, and confidence grew steadily, helping him access a wider range of reading materials and strengthen his literacy.
He received his results in August and got a B,C and D which secured him a place at Lancaster University to study Business Law. His mum feels he is well-prepared for this next step and said: “Ryan’s device has been essential in helping him stay organised and work independently. Thank you ever so much for all the support you and your team have given Ryan over the years. Words cannot express how grateful I am for everything you have done.”
Student: Kelson
College: Barking and Dagenham
Exam Level: BTEC in Computer Game Design – Distinction!
Throughout the year, Kelson made exceptional progress with the support of the specialist equipment provided by CENMAC, enabling him to fully engage with the creative and technical demands of his course.
A key aspect of game design is drawing, developing and animating characters. These skills initially presented significant challenges for Kelson but with the right assistive technology and ongoing support, he overcame these barriers and flourished.
The transformation in Kelson’s work has been remarkable. At the beginning of our involvement, his drawings consisted largely of rough marks and basic sketches. Over time, through dedication, perseverance and effective use of assistive technology, his artwork developed dramatically. By the end of the course, Kelson was producing anatomically accurate human figures with an impressive level of precision, creativity and artistic style.
Kelson’s progress not only reflects his growing technical abilities but also his determination to succeed. Kelson’s achievements culminated in him being awarded a BTEC Distinction in Computer Game Design. This excellent result recognises the hard work he has invested throughout his studies.
Kelson should be immensely proud of what he has accomplished. His journey demonstrates how the right support, combined with talent and commitment, can unlock potential and create opportunities for success. We are excited to see what the future holds for him as he continues his education and pursues further study in this exciting field.
Student: Ruth
School: Pimlico Academy
Exam Level: GCSEs – Passed 7!
Some of you might recognise Ruth as she presented at our annual event Communication Works twice. She demonstrated how her equipment empowers her learning and gives her confidence. Her journey shows how the right tools, used well, can open doors and help students thrive.
Ruth has achieved impressive results passing seven GCSEs, including a strong Grade 5 in English Literature and Media Studies — ideal preparation for her next step into Media Studies and Screenwriting at Morley College.
She became highly skilled at using her CENMAC assistive technology throughout her time at secondary school. Her laptop supported all her written work; WordQ helped refine typing and spelling; and Read&Write boosted her literacy and enabled confident dictation. As an avid reader, she accessed books online, expanding her study resources. She also used her laptop in exams, ensuring consistency. Ruth hasn’t just used her technology — she has advocated for it.
Name: Avin
School: Ark Walworth
Exam Level: GCSEs in Maths 6, Science 6 6, Eng lit 5, Eng Lang 5 (3 marks off from grade 6, she is waiting for remarked grade!), Spanish 6, Persian 9, Music 5!
Avin’s GCSE success story is truly extraordinary. Arriving in England from Iran just two years ago, she faced the daunting challenge of learning in a completely new language and culture, without yet having a strong command of English. CENMAC supported Avin’s learning through the provision of a large screen iPad with access to English language support apps, dictionaries and the RNIB Bookshare library. Avin now celebrates fantastic GCSE results that reflect not only her academic ability but also her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to learning.
Her journey demonstrates what can be achieved through determination, hard work, and a refusal to let circumstances define the future. Avin is an inspiration to everyone who has had the privilege of witnessing her remarkable progress. She has now started in a sixth form to study A-levels in Music, Psychology and Business.
CENMAC’s Thursday Thirty – Thinking Ahead Around Exam Access
Date: 15th October 2026
Time: 15.30 to 16.00 (BST)
It’s not too early to start thinking about access arrangements for the 2027 exam series. Advisory Teacher Maureen De Longhi will be holding a 30-minute online session providing useful information about organising access arrangements for the 2027 SATs, Key Stage 2 tests and the GCSE exams.
