Some children need extra support to show what they know in a test. Access arrangements are agreed changes to how a test is taken. They aim to remove barriers caused by a special educational need or disability (SEND).
What support might be available?
Depending on the test and the child's needs, support might include rest breaks, an accessible paper, a quieter room or extra time. These are examples to ask about, not a package that every child receives. A reader may not be allowed where reading is the skill being tested.
A diagnosis does not automatically mean extra time. Support used in class or in SATs does not automatically carry over to an entrance test. The test organiser decides what is appropriate under its own arrangements.
Start with your child's school
Parents and carers can speak to the special educational needs co-ordinator, often called the SENCO. Explain which parts of testing are difficult and what already helps in lessons. Ask who must send the request: the family, the primary school or both.
- Find the access-arrangements guidance for each test and entry year.
- Record the request deadline separately from the test registration deadline.
- Ask what evidence is needed, such as a school report describing usual support or a relevant professional assessment.
- Send the requested evidence using the organiser's secure process.
- Get the decision and test-day arrangements in writing.
Different tests can make different decisions
For example, Kent publishes its own special-arrangements process, while ISEB has separate SEND guidance for its Common Pre-Tests. If applying to several schools, check which decisions are shared and which need a separate request. Read the Kent Test guidance or the ISEB SEND guidance where relevant.
Before test day
Check that the venue knows about the approved support. Let your child try the agreed format so it feels familiar. If a need is identified late, contact the organiser promptly and ask what is still possible. If support is refused, ask for the reason and any review procedure.
A message for children
Using agreed support is okay. Tell a trusted adult if something makes the test hard to access. You do not need to manage the paperwork yourself.
For parents: keep reports private and share only what the organiser needs. Do not put a child's medical information in a public comment, forum or practice chat.