Access arrangements, reasonable adjustments and paper modifications | NCFE

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Access arrangements, reasonable adjustments and paper modifications

From September 2025, we are pleased to announce that we have aligned our Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments Policy and guidance to JCQ Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments 2025/26

All NCFE external assessments will be subject to the requirements of JCQ Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments 2025/26. 

However, NCFE currently do not subscribe to Access Arrangements Online (AAO) or Centre Admin Portal (CAP) and will not do so until at least 2026/2027.

How do I notify NCFE of learner Access Arrangement requirements until AAO alignment is confirmed?

Until NCFE subscribe to the AAO service, notifications of any access arrangements must still be submitted through the portal prior to any NCFE assessment taking place. The Portal User Guide will assist you in submitting your request.

How do I notify NCFE of learner paper modification requirements until AAO alignment is confirmed?

Where learners require modified papers, a notification of this must be submitted through the NCFE Portal, and in line with NCFE requirements. The supplementary Processing Requests for Modified Papers document below outlines the NCFE specific requirements that centres should be aware of prior to requesting any modifications.

How do I notify NCFE of late paper modification requirements?

For late paper modification requests outside of the published timescales please use this form:
Late paper modification request form.

How will I know if/when my Access Arrangement request has been approved? 

Where NCFE are notified of any access arrangements, a formal inspection of evidence may be requested. Centres should ensure that any supporting evidence is internally retained and is in line with requirements as detailed in JCQ Regulations and Guidance. Until evidence has been assessed through our sampling process, centre staff should assume that learners have had their application approved and continue with delivery of the qualification and assessment on this basis.

Where do I access a Scribe Cover Sheet, until CAP alignment is confirmed?

In all cases when a scribe is to be used in an NCFE External Assessment, a Scribe Cover Sheet which can be found below must be completed. The Scribe Cover Sheet must be securely attached to the front sheet of a learner’s work which is to be returned to NCFE within 1 working day of the external assessment/completion of the assessment window.

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Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments Policy
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Processing Requests for Paper Modifications
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Scribe Cover Sheet

 

 

 

Updated information for internally assessed qualifications

For internally assessed qualifications, centres no longer need to notify NCFE and must make reasonable adjustments that reflect a learner’s normal way of working, in line with the guidance.

All reasonable adjustments made in relation to internal assessments must be recorded on our Reasonable adjustment tracking document and held on file within the centre for inspection by NCFE.

Late paper modification requests form

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