CLICK TO DOWNLOAD: Asking for help in exams (template letter 13)

This template letter is for general advice purposes and will need to be tailored to your own individual circumstances. 

Many children and young people with special educational needs will require ‘access arrangements’ in external examinations – for example, extra time, the use of a laptop, or a scribe to write down their answers for them.

More information can be found on our page about getting help with exams. You should first speak to the school or college. If they are not willing to put access arrangements in place, you can write to the chair of governors using our template letter.

As this duty arises under the Equality Act 2010, your child or you as a young person must fall under the definition of ‘disability’ under that act; see our page on disability discrimination for more information.

If your child or you as a young person has an EHC plan it is important to mention it, but most important is that you make clear that they/you have had some help of this kind in the past, and that they/you still need it to be able to show their/your potential. You should provide the governors with the evidence you have put before the head teacher.

You may need to emphasise that you need a speedy response to your letter if time is short, for instance if your child or you as a young person is about to start, or has started, the exam courses.

If the governors will not take action then you could make a complaint under the school’s complaints policy or consider a claim of disability discrimination for the failure to make reasonable adjustments. Your aim is for the school to agree to put the arrangements in place (or make the necessary assessments and application for permission).

Remember to keep a copy of any letter or email you send. If you don’t get a reply, or if you need further advice, you can book an appointment to speak with us.