Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) & Exam Concessions

GCSE, ‘A’ Levels and any other Examinations

If you have specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, ADHD, etc, you may be able to get concessions with your examinations. Every Examination Board has different rules and regulations. Therefore, the school or college should contact them in plenty of time to ascertain the individual board’s exact requirements.

You may be able to use a computer for your coursework and examinations. Other concessions you may be entitled to include:

• Extra time – extra time, up to 25%, as dyslexics process information more slowly, this puts them on an equal footing as non-dyslexics.
• Amanuensis / Scribe – an adult who writes for the student.
• Reader – an adult to read out the questions to the student.
• Word processors – some dyslexic students type faster than they can write.
• Voice Recognition Software.
• Or other arrangements.

To get entitlement for any of the above, the Examination Boards will require a current assessment report from an Educational Psychologist or a teacher with specialist qualifications to identify, assess, and teach pupils with specific learning difficulties. The school should arrange this for you; however, you may need to arrange this yourself if there is a delay.

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) is the single voice for its member awarding bodies. A Booklet on the regulations is available from www.jcq.org.uk.

You should request these concessions as early as possible.