What forms of Assistive Technology are available for use in exams and student requirements
Download our PDF explaining requirements and technology available to students for exams.
This includes information about using:
• Laptops
• Voice-to-text
• Text-to-speech
• Literacy or typing support
Key Dates for Exam Access Arrangements*
*Please note: Information will be updated when dates for the 2026 exams series become available.
How do schools apply for Access Arrangements?
Schools apply for Access Arrangements using Form 8. It’s officially called the Profile of Learning Difficulties and is required by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) when submitting evidence for arrangements.
The SENCo can find further information about applying for access arrangements and JCQ’s Instructions for Conducting Examinations in this booklet.
This guidance sets out information about how schools can apply for Access Arrangements for KS4 and KS5 qualifications.
> Download the booklet(opens in new tab)
> Visit the JCQ website – Access Arrangements, Reasonable Adjustments and Special Consideration
Exam Access Arrangements Online Session
Thinking Ahead around Exam Access with Maureen De Longhi, Advisory Teacher
Recorded: Thursday 19th September 2024
In this online session CENMAC Advisory Teacher Maureen De Longhi provides useful information about organising access arrangements for the 2025 SATs, Key Stage 2 tests and the GCSE exams.
During exams, organising access arrangements can be a nightmare. Throw Assistive Technology into the mix and there is the potential for some students to miss out on arrangements that may better support their needs, because their teachers are either unaware of what assistive technologies are available or unsure of whether they would contravene the rules.
Schools may wish to consider the use of technology to a much greater extent than they do currently. Assistive Technology not only allows candidates to work more independently and is a far better preparation for further and higher education and the world of employment but is also a far more cost-effective way of supporting their SEND students through the exam period.
The aims of this session are to:
Outline the role of AT to improve the ability of students to communicate, learn and achieve as a usual way of working and explore some of the technology available
Look at JCQ guidance to schools and colleges with regard to the use of assistive technology for access arrangements and identify the key points
Consider how to make the necessary applications to enable students to use AT in exams.
Gov.UK – Optional Key stage 1 tests: access arrangements guidance
(Updated 2 December 2024)
This guidance sets out information about how schools can access and use the optional end of key stage 1 (KS1) national curriculum tests for the academic year 2024 to 2025. While the tests are completely optional, this guidance provides information about how schools can use the tests, including when they will be available and how to get the most out of them. This guidance is produced by the Standards and Testing Agency (STA), an executive agency of the Department for Education (DfE), and is relevant until the end of the academic year 2024 to 2025.
Gov.UK – 2025 key Stage 2 assessment and reporting arrangements
(Updated 12 December 2024)
This guidance sets out the statutory requirements for key stage 2 (KS2) national curriculum assessment and reporting for the academic year 2024 to 2025. It is produced by the Standards and Testing Agency (STA), an executive agency of the Department for Education (DfE) and is relevant until the end of the academic year 2024 to 2025.
> Primary Assessment Gateway for KS2 SATS
Useful information for students with vision impairment
UK Association for Accessible formats (UKAAF)
The Examination Subject Group meets to work on specific projects. The group holds responsibility for the Best Practice Guidance Document For Producers and Modifiers and publishes this document annually in consultation with the awarding organisations and OFQUAL.
Notably, the group has recently advised OFQUAL on standards and best practices for the development of modified papers. Members are either Qualified Teachers of the Visually Impaired (QTVI’s), VI professionals or exam modifiers.
RNIB Access to exams and tests
Key information to consider when preparing a young person with vision impairment for external exams.
Useful Websites
> JCQ Joint Council for Qualifications
Full details of the procedures to be followed for Access Arrangements and Special Consideration.
Full list of qualifications offered.
Information about access arrangements.
Details of the procedures to be followed for Access Arrangements and Special Consideration.
Information for young person with vision impairment for external exams.
Choices for accessing information with a visual impairment.