Communicate-ed

Does your centre have a process for transferring Access Arrangements information to FE and Sixth Form colleges? 🎓

It's something that can easily get overlooked in the busy end-of-year rush — but for students who rely on access arrangements, it really matters. Receiving information from schools is a huge help to sixth form and FE college colleagues, who are often working to very tight timescales.

JCQ regulations are clear:
"Where the candidate changes centre, the original or a PDF of a fully completed Form 8, together with evidence of the assessor’s qualification, must be provided. SENCos must provide this evidence to assist their counterparts in FE and Sixth Form colleges. The Form 8 should be perceived as a ‘passport to access arrangements’ which travels with the candidate."

Have a think: is there a clear, consistent process at your school to make sure this happens? If not, now's a great time to put one in place before the summer transitions begin.

Feel free to share this with a SENCO who might find it useful! 😊

A student’s established normal way of working includes a reader, yet they are now saying that they do not want to use one in their GCSE examinations.

How would you manage this situation?

Professional judgement, candidate voice, evidence of need and regulatory compliance can all come into play in scenarios like this — which is why these discussions are so valuable.

Inside the Communicate-ed Discussion Forums, our members regularly share advice, practical experience and considered responses to real access arrangements challenges just like this one.

Membership offers:
• Ongoing peer support
• A trusted space for professional discussion
• Access to shared expertise from 2,000 colleagues across the sector
All for £15 per year, with the first year free.
Find out more here:
🔗https://www.communicate-ed.org.uk/communicate-ed-membership/

⏰ Late applications for access arrangements?

Late applications through Access Arrangements Online are permitted in specific circumstances, including:

✔️ Temporary injury or impairment
✔️ Late diagnosis of a disability (e.g. medical condition, sensory impairment, SEMH need)
✔️ Late manifestation of an impairment relating to an existing disability

This applies even after the published deadline has passed.

However, as outlined in Section 8.3 of the JCQ AARA, it is important to note:

📌 The evidence of need must meet the same standard as an application processed within the deadline, and evidence must be retained on file for the JCQ inspection.