Access Arrangements

We support candidates with disabilities, medical conditions or specific learning difficulties to access their examinations fairly.

Important: Due to limited room and invigilator availability, we are unable to accept applications requiring a reader or scribe for private candidates. If you need a reader or scribe, please contact us to discuss your options before applying.

What We Offer

Available access arrangements

As a JCQ-approved centre, we can facilitate the following access arrangements for eligible candidates:

  • Extra time (25% or 50%)
  • Supervised rest breaks
  • Separate room / small room
  • Coloured overlays (candidates must bring their own — we do not provide these)
  • Enlarged print / modified papers
  • Use of a word processor (spell-check off)

How to apply — 5 steps

  1. Complete the access arrangements section of your application form
  2. Submit all required supporting documents at the same time (incomplete applications are not accepted)
  3. We review your evidence and submit to the awarding body
  4. We notify you of acceptance, partial acceptance, or decline
  5. Payment is requested only after acceptance is confirmed

Evidence requirements

Physical disability / sensory impairment:

  • Fully completed JCQ Form 9
  • Formal diagnosis from a registered specialist

Medical condition:

  • Fully completed JCQ Form 9
  • Current letter from a hospital consultant or specialist — must describe the condition, its impact on exams, and any medication side effects
  • GP letters are not accepted under any circumstances

Learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD):

  • Fully completed JCQ Form 8
  • Assessor's qualification documents

Access arrangements do not transfer automatically from a previous school or centre. You must apply fresh with current evidence. All documents must be submitted at the time of application — we cannot process incomplete applications.

Support and guidance for exam candidates at Ark Exam Centre
Plan early Access arrangements need evidence, review time and awarding body approval, so earlier applications are safer.

Application Deadlines

Cambridge CAIE 30 November 2025
Pearson Edexcel 30 November 2025
AQA 30 November 2025
OCR 30 November 2025

Apply at least 4 weeks before the deadline to allow time for review and awarding body approval.

Quick summary

Extra time ✓ Available (25% or 50%)
Rest breaks ✓ Supervised at desk
Separate room ✓ Available
Word processor ✓ Available (spell-check off)
Enlarged print ✓ Via awarding body
Coloured overlays ✓ Bring your own
Reader ✗ Not available
Scribe ✗ Not available
Apply with Access Arrangements

Frequently Asked Questions

We offer extra time (25% or 50%), supervised rest breaks, separate room, coloured overlays, enlarged print (modified papers) and use of a word processor. We are unable to accept applications requiring a reader or scribe for private candidates.
No. Due to limited room and invigilator availability, we are unable to accept applications that require a reader or scribe for private candidates. Please contact us if you have questions about alternative arrangements.
For a physical disability or sensory impairment: a completed JCQ Form 9 and a formal diagnosis from a registered specialist. For a medical condition: a completed Form 9 and a current letter from a hospital consultant or specialist (NOT a GP letter). For a learning difficulty: a completed JCQ Form 8 and the assessor's qualification documents.
No. We do not accept letters from GPs under any circumstances. Evidence must come from a hospital consultant or registered specialist.
Yes — well in advance. Deadlines for Summer 2026 are 30th November 2025 for all major awarding bodies (CAIE, Edexcel, AQA, OCR). Apply at least 4 weeks before the deadline to allow processing time.
No. Access arrangements do not transfer from a previous school. You must provide fresh evidence and apply through us. All evidence must be submitted at the time of application — incomplete applications are not accepted.
Payment is only requested after your application is accepted. We will confirm any applicable fee when processing your application.

Need access arrangements?

Contact us well in advance of the deadline — evidence review takes time.

Apply Now 020 3441 7272