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Expert Access Arrangements Support
Sometimes pupils find exams harder not because they don’t understand the work, but because of how they process information. Psychometric assessments are specialist tests carried out in school to understand how a child learns, rather than what they have learned.
These assessments look at areas such as:
- Reading speed and accuracy– how quickly and easily a pupil can read exam questions
- Writing speed – whether handwriting slows them down in timed exams
- Processing speed – how fast the brain takes in and responds to information
- Memory and working memory– how much information a pupil can hold and use at one time
- Spelling and literacy skills– whether written recording creates an unfair barrier
The purpose is not to label a child, but to check whether they are at a substantial disadvantage in exams compared to their peers.
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If the assessment shows this, schools may apply for access arrangements, such as:
- Extra time
- Use of a laptop or word processor
- A reader or reading software
- A scribe
- Rest breaks
- Modified papers or prompts
Importantly, these arrangements are normal ways of working in school — they are not special treatment. They simply allow pupils to show their knowledge fairly.
Schools follow national rules set by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), and parents are informed before arrangements are applied for. Evidence must show that the support reflects the pupil’s everyday classroom needs.
As explained in the, [JCQ-Parent-guidance-information-sheet], the aim is to ensure exams measure a pupil’s understanding of the subject — not the impact of a learning difficulty or disability.
Enquire with us for advice and the following link: