Extra time for GCSE

[Cfcadv]

Does anyone know how common it is to gain extra time for GCSE exams? Who actually checks if students qualify? In my daughter’s school, those who top Maths, Science, French, Music … are students who do their exams in a special room as they qualify for extra time. Most of their parents are either volunteers for the school or staff- unsure if it is coincidence.

It’s quite difficult to get extra time, there has to be a formal assessment for it and if you change schools again for sixth form (maybe even if you don’t) another assessment will be needed. My son has a disability and types all school work. In yr7 he was allocated 50% extra time in exams by the school learning support team. By the time of the formal assessment his typing technique and speed was up and he was less nervous in exams, so they applied for and got 25% extra time plus rest breaks. I would say that a good school will identify who should be put forward for extra time. There might be parents who come clued up on their child’s needs or - as in our case - have a child with a long before diagnosis of disability or difficulties. Schools are only going to put children forward for extra time that are likely to qualify, see what I said above re application being for 25% even though 50% might have been achievable. Also, pupils might tease children with extra time so it’s not an easy route. Of those with extra time at my son’s school, those who were achievers/bright were in a minority.