Young people with epilepsy may be entitled to extra support for exams. This might be due to the seizures themselves or the impact that epilepsy has on how you learn (e.g. you might struggle with memory issues or getting through tasks quickly).
Schools, colleges, univeristies and awarding bodies for qualifications are required to make reasonable adjustments to make sure young people with epilepsy are not put at a disadvantage in comparison to their peers.
You may be able to get additional support for your exams. These are known as access arrangements. Access arrangements can include:
Any support you receive should reflect your normal way of working. For example, if you are given extra time to do assessments in class, you are likely to be allowed extra time in exams.
For public exams such as GCSEs or A-levels, schools decide whether support is needed by looking at rules provided by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). In Scotland, the SQA have more information on assessment arrangements.
For other tests and exams, your parents or carers should check with your school. You should speak to your school as early as possible. There may be deadlines the school needs to meet. However, a late application can be made if your epilepsy gets worse after these.
Special consideration means your exam mark is adjusted after the exam by the exam board. This could apply if:
If you think you are eligible for special consideration, you or your parents or carers should speak to your school as soon as possible. They will need to tell the exam board. The exam board will explain what support they can offer and how to apply for it.
Special consideration can also apply to coursework. You or your parents or carers should speak to your school for more information.
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