Access arrangements when a candidate changes centre

• Access arrangements must always be based on current need and reflect the candidate’s normal way of working in their new centre.
• Centres must not rely solely on previous applications. They must ensure:
  • evidence is valid and complete; and
  • arrangements remain appropriate.
• All access arrangements must comply with the current JCQ regulations for the relevant academic year.

Form 8 is used to apply for access arrangements for candidates with learning difficulties. It includes assessment data, background information, and teacher input.

A fully completed Form 8 may be reused if:

• The arrangement remains appropriate and is still the candidate’s normal way of working.
• The original Form 8 includes Parts 1, 2 and 3, fully completed and compliant. Parts 2 and 3 must be signed and dated.
• The standardised assessments in Part 2 were conducted no earlier than Year 9.
• The tests used meet JCQ requirements (e.g. nationally standardised, age-appropriate).
• The assessor held a valid Level 7 or equivalent qualification and evidence of this is held on file.
• The evidence on Form 8 aligns with the access arrangement(s) being re-applied for.

In these cases:

• A new online application must be submitted via AAO and approved.
• Form 8RF must also be completed if the candidate has now progressed to Level 3 qualifications.

orm 8RF (“Roll Forward”) must be completed when:

• A candidate with a valid, compliant Form 8 progresses from Level 2 (e.g. GCSE) to Level 3 (e.g. A-level) qualifications; and
• The new centre wishes to use the existing Form 8 to support a new online application; and
• The candidate requires any of the following arrangements:
  • 25% extra time;
  • a scribe;
  • a computer reader/reader in addition to 25% extra time and/or a scribe;
  • supervised rest breaks in addition to 25% extra time and/or a scribe.

Form 8RF confirms:

• A series of checks have been completed on the existing Form 8 to ensure it is compliant.
• The access arrangement remains the candidate’s normal way of working.
• Updated teacher evidence has been gathered.
• The candidate’s needs remain consistent with the original evidence.

Form 8RF must be completed before a new online application is processed.

Centres must also refer to section 5.2 of the JCQ regulations for information on when samples of evidence are required for 25% extra time applications.

A new Form 8 must be completed when:

• The previous centre’s evidence (Form 8 and/or assessor qualification evidence) is not available or accessible.
• The original Form 8 is incomplete or non-compliant (e.g. missing sections, not signed or outdated assessments).
• The arrangement is no longer the candidate’s normal way of working.
• The candidate’s needs have changed since the original assessment.
• The candidate is progressing from Level 2 (e.g. GCSE) to Level 3 (e.g. A-level) and requires an arrangement that cannot be rolled forward (i.e. 26% to 50% extra time or a Language Modifier).

In these cases:

• A new Form 8 must be completed and held on file.
• A new online application must be processed.

Centres must also refer to section 5.2 of the JCQ regulations for information on when samples of evidence are required for 25% extra time applications.

A new Form 9 must always be completed when:

• The candidate is progressing from Level 2 (e.g. GCSE) to Level 3 (e.g. A-level)
  NB: Form 9 cannot be rolled forward when the candidate moves to a new qualification level.
• The original Form 9 was incomplete or non-compliant.
• The candidate’s needs have changed.
• The original medical evidence is no longer valid (e.g. was temporary or time-limited).
• The arrangement is no longer the candidate’s normal way of working.

In all these cases:

• A new Form 9 must be completed and held on file.
• A new online application must be processed if required for the arrangement.

Centres must also refer to section 5.2 of the JCQ regulations for information on when samples of evidence are required for 25% extra time applications.