Exams in accessible formats for general qualifications, for example, GCSE and A-level are produced in line with nationally agreed guidelines to make sure they are consistent in quality and style.
The following information has been taken from RNIB Access to exams and tests (advice for professionals) which can be accessed using the following link: Access to exams and tests | RNIB
Modified formats available as standard are:
- A3 unmodified enlarged. This is the standard exam enlarged onto A3, providing a font size of approximately 14pt for most papers. These papers are not provided by awarding bodies, centres should request permission to open the standard papers 90 minutes early to enlarge them themselves.
- A4 modified large print (18 point).The layout and presentation of the standard paper is simplified to remove elements of visual complexity, without changing the level of difficulty. Pictures and diagrams are often redrawn to make them more visually accessible. Modified large print papers are provided by the awarding bodies on request.
- A4 modified large print (24 point)
- A3 modified large print (24 point)
- A3 modified large print (36 point)
- Grade 2 braille paper. Here the layout and presentation of the standard paper is simplified, and the content is transcribed into braille, with tactile diagrams where appropriate.
- Non-interactive electronic (PDF) question paper.
- Tactile diagrams with print labels
Please note that if you want to have mathematical models for your Modified Large Print candidates in the Maths Summer 2024 examinations (PEARSON EDEXCEL), you now have to make a separate order. The models will NOT be sent automatically with the MLP examination papers. Braille candidates are NOT affected. Pearson Edexcel are in the process of contacting centres to confirm requests.
Modified past papers
All exam boards provide modified versions of past papers.
AQA | Find past papers and mark schemes | Modified past papers
Past papers materials finder – OCR
If you require past papers which were not originally produced for a live series, please contact the modified papers team at the relevant exam board well in advance of the required date. The JCQ Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments document (section 6.1) states that where the candidate will be sitting examinations in June 2024 the deadline for contacting the awarding body is 31 October 2023.
Exam paper provision for braillists
All exam boards will provide a braille transcript on request in Word format to accompany a hard copy braille paper (additionally a pdf of the braille paper may be ordered).
Applications and issues related to modified formats can be communicated directly to the relevant exam board’s modification team. Email the exam board modification teams using the following links:
Further information on access arrangements
General qualifications
Details of access arrangements are available in a publication called ‘Access Arrangements, Reasonable Adjustments and Special Consideration’ which is updated each year and available to download on the Joint Council for Qualifications website.
On the JCQ website you can also find a document entitled ‘Instructions for Conducting Examinations’, this document enables all centres to administer exams consistently and securely. It includes information on use of technology and arrangements for timetable clashes.
For enquiries about specific access arrangements, contact JCQ on 020 7638 4132 or info@jcq.org.uk.
Support for examination officers
Examination officers can access key documents, training, and supporting web tools through The Exams Office.