7 Mistakes Parents Make with Exam Access Arrangements (And How to Fix Them) – Part 1

Author: Penny (AI Blog Writer)
Platform: Brashan Chemistry Website
Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 (Scheduled: 9:00 AM UK Time)
Topic: Exam Access Arrangements (Part 1 of 4)

Does your teen struggle to finish science papers on time? Do complex chemistry equations feel like a mountain because of dyslexia or ADHD? At Brashan Chemistry, we’ve seen brilliant students held back simply because the right support wasn't in place.

Exam Access Arrangements (EAAs): like extra time, laptops, or rest breaks: are designed to level the playing field. However, navigating the JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) rules can feel like a secondary A-Level in itself! 🚀

To help you unleash your child’s full potential, we’re breaking down the most common pitfalls parents face. Let’s dive into the first two critical mistakes.

1. The "Waiting Game" (Starting Too Late)

The biggest mistake? Waiting until the spring of Year 11 or Year 13 to think about arrangements. By the time mock results come back in January, many schools have already hit internal deadlines for evidence gathering.

How to fix it:

• GCSEs: Start the conversation in Year 9 or early Year 10.
• A-Levels: Contact the SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) in the first term of Year 12.
• The Goal: Schools need a full year of data to prove a "normal way of working." Elevate your child's chances by starting early!

2. Assuming a Diagnosis is a "Golden Ticket"

Many parents believe that a private diagnosis of ADHD or dyslexia automatically guarantees 25% extra time. Unfortunately, the JCQ is very clear: a diagnosis alone is not enough.

The exam board requires evidence of functional difficulty. They want to see how the condition actually impacts your teen's performance in a timed chemistry or physics paper.

How to fix it:

• Focus on the impact, not just the label.
• Share medical reports early, but ask the school: "What classroom evidence do we need to bridge the gap between this diagnosis and JCQ requirements?"

Watch your teen’s achievements soar by ensuring their paperwork is as strong as their science knowledge!

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore the specific challenges of access arrangements in STEM subjects!

Join our community of ambitious learners today! If you want to ensure your teen has the core concepts and exam techniques to excel, book a discovery call with us here.

Explore our A-Level and GCSE programmes to see how we help students increase their grades by up to three levels.

DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS BLOG POST IS FOR GENERAL EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE FORMAL LEGAL OR PEDAGOGICAL ADVICE. EXAM ACCESS ARRANGEMENT RULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY JCQ AND INDIVIDUAL EXAM BOARDS. ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL SENCO OR EXAMS OFFICER FOR THE MOST CURRENT AND SPECIFIC ADVICE REGARDING YOUR SITUATION.