TL;DR
Children with ADHD or autism can request access arrangements for 11+ exams, though processes vary by region and exam provider. Contact your target grammar school(s) and local authority 11+ coordinator early. Arrangements may include extra time, rest breaks, separate rooms, and modified papers. Provide formal diagnostic evidence and demonstrate the child's normal way of working.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Access arrangements for 11+ are a legal requirement under the Equality Act 2010
- ✓Processes vary by region, exam provider (GL Assessment vs CEM), and individual schools
- ✓Contact target grammar schools AND your local authority 11+ coordinator directly
- ✓Common arrangements: extra time, rest breaks, separate rooms, large print papers
- ✓Evidence required: formal diagnosis + documentation of current impact on learning
- ✓Start early—some consortiums have application deadlines months before the exam
- ✓Request adjustments that reflect your child's normal way of working at school
- ✓No indication on results that access arrangements were used
If your child has ADHD, autism, or another condition affecting their ability to sit exams, they may be entitled to access arrangements for the 11+ entrance exam.
This guide explains how to request accommodations for UK grammar school entrance tests.
Understanding 11+ Access Arrangements
Access arrangements for 11+ exams are legally required under the Equality Act 2010. Schools must make "reasonable adjustments" to ensure fairness for students with disabilities.
Important: Unlike GCSEs, 11+ arrangements vary significantly by:
- Region
- Grammar school consortium
- Exam provider (GL Assessment vs CEM)
- Individual school policies
How 11+ Testing Varies Across the UK
| Region Type | Exam Provider | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment areas | GL Assessment | Published practice materials, predictable format |
| CEM areas | CEM (Cambridge) | No official practice papers, "tutor-proof" design |
| Mixed regions | Either/both | Check each school individually |
| Independent schools | Various | Each school sets own policy |
Regions using GL Assessment: Kent, Buckinghamshire, Birmingham, Lincolnshire, and others
Regions using CEM: Bexley, Devon, Wirral, parts of Lancashire, and others
Available Arrangements
Common 11+ access arrangements include:
| Arrangement | Typical Availability |
|---|---|
| Extra time | Often 25%, but varies by consortium |
| Rest breaks | Supervised breaks with time added |
| Separate room | Smaller setting or individual supervision |
| Large print papers | For visual difficulties |
| Coloured overlays | For visual processing needs |
| Reader | Questions read aloud (may be limited) |
| Scribe | For significant writing difficulties |
Note: Specific arrangements depend on the grammar school consortium and exam provider. Not all arrangements are available everywhere.
How to Request Arrangements
Step 1: Identify Your Target Schools
Different schools and consortiums have different processes. Identify:
- Which grammar schools you're applying to
- Whether they use GL Assessment or CEM
- Which consortium manages their 11+ (if applicable)
Step 2: Contact Early
Reach out to:
- Your target grammar school(s) directly
- Your local authority 11+ coordinator
- Your child's current school SENCO
Start early—some consortiums have deadlines months before the exam.
Step 3: Provide Documentation
Typically required:
- Formal diagnosis from a specialist (paediatrician, psychiatrist, CAMHS, psychologist)
- Evidence of current impact on learning
- Documentation of arrangements currently used at school
Step 4: Specify Arrangements Needed
Describe:
- Which specific arrangements your child needs
- How their condition affects test-taking
- What support they receive at school currently
Evidence Requirements
For ADHD
- Formal diagnosis from qualified professional
- Evidence of how attention difficulties affect timed tests
- Documentation of current school support (movement breaks, separate setting, etc.)
For Autism/ASD
- Formal diagnosis
- Evidence of how autism affects exam conditions (sensory needs, anxiety, processing)
- Current accommodations at school
Important Considerations
A diagnosis alone may not be enough. You should demonstrate:
- The condition affects performance in exam situations
- Requested arrangements reflect normal way of working
- Arrangements are already used at school
Timeline Guidance
Since processes vary, use this general timeline:
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| Year 4 (Summer) | Research target schools and their 11+ processes |
| Year 5 (Autumn) | Contact schools about access arrangements policies |
| Year 5 (Winter/Spring) | Gather and submit documentation |
| Before registration deadline | Confirm arrangements are in place |
| Before exam | Receive confirmation of approved arrangements |
Regional Variations
Kent
The Kent Test is administered by the county council. Contact:
- Kent County Council Admissions
- Target grammar schools directly
Buckinghamshire
Secondary Transfer Test administered locally. Contact:
- Buckinghamshire Council
- Individual grammar schools
Birmingham
Consortium of grammar schools. Contact:
- Birmingham Grammar Schools Consortium
- Individual schools
Other Areas
Check with:
- Your local authority education department
- Target grammar school admissions offices
- Your child's current school
Tips for Success
Document Everything
- Keep copies of all correspondence
- Save diagnostic reports and school documentation
- Record dates of conversations and decisions
Be Specific
Instead of general requests, specify exactly what your child needs:
- "25% extra time" rather than "extra time"
- "Separate room with no more than 5 students" rather than "quiet space"
- "10-minute supervised break midway through each paper" rather than "breaks"
Build Evidence of Normal Way of Working
Ensure your child's school:
- Documents current accommodations
- Uses arrangements consistently in class and tests
- Can provide evidence of ongoing support
If Arrangements Are Declined
If your request is refused:
- Ask for written reasons
- Provide additional evidence if possible
- Request a review
- Consider contacting Disability Rights UK for advice
Under the Equality Act, schools must make reasonable adjustments. If you believe this isn't happening, you have the right to challenge the decision.
ExamPrepd's adaptive 11+ practice adjusts to your child's needs with flexible timing and personalized question selection. Try it free.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for 11+ exam access arrangements for ADHD?
Contact your target grammar school(s) directly and your local authority 11+ coordinator. Explain your child's diagnosis, provide documentation from a specialist, and request specific accommodations. Processes vary by region, so check deadlines early.
What 11+ access arrangements are available for ADHD?
Common arrangements include extra time (often 25%), supervised rest breaks, separate or smaller exam rooms, large print papers, and coloured overlays. Specific availability depends on the grammar school consortium and exam provider.
Is the 11+ access arrangements process the same across the UK?
No. Each region, consortium, and school may have different processes and deadlines. GL Assessment and CEM regions may have different procedures. Always contact your target schools directly for their specific requirements.
What evidence do I need for 11+ autism accommodations?
You typically need a formal diagnosis from a specialist (paediatrician, psychiatrist, CAMHS), evidence of how the condition impacts your child in educational settings, and documentation showing the requested arrangements reflect their normal way of working.
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