Access arrangements and special consideration

Ofqual has today published the Statistics for Access Arrangements and Special Consideration at GCSE and A level: 2008 report.

Commenting on this report, Kathleen Tattersall, Chair of Ofqual, said:

"It is very important that all candidates have fair access qualifications to enable them to show their knowledge, skills and understanding. Awarding bodies work very hard to ensure that exam arrangements are suitable for all candidates. The number of candidates with access arrangements has risen again this year.  There are a number of reasons for this increase, including more awareness amongst teachers and parents and more information about the types of arrangements that are available.  In addition, examination officers in schools and colleges work very hard to ensure that candidates get the fair access they are entitled to.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that the system remains fair for all."

Notes to editors

1. A copy of this report can be downloaded from www.ofqual.gov.uk

2. Ofqual in its interim form is a part of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). On 2 April 2008 Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, announced that the government intended to legislate to make Ofqual a separate statutory authority reporting directly to Parliament.

3. Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, announced the appointment of Kathleen Tattersall as Chair of Ofqual on 2 April 2008. Prior to legislation being passed to establish Ofqual on a statutory basis, Kathleen Tattersall is a QCA Board member and Chair of its Ofqual committee.

4. For further information journalists should contact the Ofqual press office on 0300 303 3342, or 07798 924552 outside office hours.  Members of the public should call the Ofqual helpline on 0300 303 3346.