Buckinghamshire College Group is committed to ensuring that students with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) receive the support they need to succeed in their exams. All arrangements are based on individual needs and must be supported by appropriate evidence.
If you have a learning difficulty, disability, or mental health condition, you may be eligible for Exam Access Arrangements (EAA).
To be considered for EAA, during enrolment students are asked to:
1. Complete the SEND Support Questionnaire (SSQ) to disclose any learning difficulty, disability, or mental health condition.
2. Submit supporting evidence, such as:
- An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
- A medical diagnosis from a suitably qualified professional
- Form 8 from a previous school or college
Evidence of Need
In addition to formal documentation, there must be evidence that the arrangement(s) reflect the student’s normal way of working in the college classroom. This includes observations and feedback from teaching staff.
For more information or support, please contact the SEND Support Team at
Please note that Exam Access Arrangements (EAA) granted at your previous setting are not automatically carried over to the College.
- What are Exam Access Arrangements (EAA)? EAA are adjustments made to exams to ensure that students with learning difficulties, disabilities, or medical/mental health conditions are not disadvantaged. These arrangements help create a level playing field without giving an unfair advantage.
- Who is eligible for EAA? Students with: |Specific learning difficulties (e.g. AD(H)D, ASD) |Physical and/or sensory impairments |Mental health conditions |Long-term medical conditions may be eligible, provided there is appropriate evidence and the arrangement reflects their normal way of working.
- What types of EAA are available? There are two main categories: |Awarding Body Approved Arrangements: e.g. 25% extra time, reader, scribe, use of assistive technology. |Centre Delegated Arrangements: e.g. rest breaks, use of a word processor, prompt, use of a coloured overlay, fidget toy, small room.
- How do I acquire EAA? You need to: |Complete the SEND Support Questionnaire (SSQ) |Provide consent to share your data |Submit evidence of your condition (e.g. EHCP, medical diagnosis, or previous Form 8)
- What is ‘evidence of need’? This refers to documentation showing how your condition affects your learning and how you usually work in class. It includes teacher observations and examples of support you regularly use.
- Will I automatically get the same arrangements I had at school? Not necessarily. Previous arrangements (e.g. from GCSEs) are considered, but they must still meet current Awarding Body criteria and reflect your current needs and usual way of working.
- When should I let SEND Support know that I may need EAA? As early as possible in the academic year. Late applications may not be processed in time for exams.
- Who decides what arrangements I get? Arrangements are based on your evidence and tutor’s evidence of usual classroom practice. They are reviewed in line with Awarding Body regulations and agreed upon by the college’s SEND and Exams teams.
- Who can I contact for help? If you have questions or need support, please contact the SEND Support Team at
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