Ensuring Fair Access and Equal Opportunities for Every Candidate
Access Arrangements are adjustments made for candidates who have a disability, medical condition, learning difficulty, or temporary injury that affects their ability to demonstrate their true ability under standard exam conditions.
At The Tuition College Examination Centre, we follow the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) regulations to ensure every candidate is treated fairly and has equal access to assessment.
These arrangements are not designed to give an advantage, but to remove barriers so that all learners can perform to the best of their ability.
What Access Arrangements Mean
Access Arrangements can include:
Each arrangement must be supported by appropriate evidence and formally approved by JCQ before the exam entry is made.
Our exam centre can usually accommodate:
For candidates with learning difficulties, medical conditions, or disabilities that slow processing or written response speed. Must be supported by professional evidence. Authorised internally via Form 8 and SENCo assessment.
Suitable for candidates with medical, physical, or mental health conditions requiring breaks during the exam. Granted based on medical evidence or school history and managed by the Exams Officer and invigilation team.
Allowed where this reflects the candidate’s normal working method. Laptops are configured to JCQ security standards (no spell-check or predictive text). Limited availability; allocated on a first-come basis.
For candidates with anxiety, sensory needs, or medical conditions that make the main hall unsuitable. Spaces are limited and approved on a case-by-case basis following SENCo review.
For students who struggle to decode written text independently. Must reflect normal working practice and be supported through Form 8 evidence.
For candidates unable to write or type independently due to physical or medical conditions. Requires clear Form 8 evidence. Limited availability and may involve additional fees.
Large print, Braille, or coloured papers available on request when medically or educationally justified. Requests must be made at least 12 weeks before the exam session.
Fees and Support
Key Timelines
If you require any access arrangement — even a basic one — you must inform us before you submit your application form.
This ensures we can:
In most cases, JCQ regulations require supporting evidence to approve an access arrangement, such as:
All evidence must be recent (within the last two years) and clearly state the arrangement required.
It must also be provided in English.
When applying for exams, let us know if you feel you may need Access Arrangements such as extra time, a laptop, or a smaller room.
Our Exams Officer will discuss your needs and explain what evidence is required.
The £120 assessment fee is then payable to begin the process.
Our SENCo will
Your application and evidence are submitted via JCQ Access Arrangements Online or the awarding body. The decision is made by JCQ or the awarding body.
We will inform you of the final outcome. If approved, we confirm everything in writing and ensure the arrangements are ready for your exams.
If you would like to speak with our Exams Officer before you begin the application process, please contact us on:
Phone: 0161 224 0357
Email: Examsofficer@thetuitioncollege.co.uk
We’ll be happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process.