Exam Access Arrangement/Extra Time in Universities

I’m a Year 13 student and this only occurred to me today on my way to school, but how do Exam Access Arrangements work at university, specifically extra time? I know there’s an old post about this, but it was from 14 years ago, so I thought I’d make a new one.

For context, I’ve had 25% extra time since secondary school. I had it for all my GCSE mocks and exams. Before GCSEs, my school arranged a formal assessment with a qualified assessor, and that’s what allowed me to continue receiving extra time. It wasn’t based on a doctor’s note, and I don’t have any diagnosed physical or mental health conditions. Honestly, I don’t even fully remember how I originally got extra time — I don’t have a confirmed learning difficulty, though I do read and write slowly and might be a bit dyslexic.😭

When I moved into sixth form, I had to fill out a form so they could contact my old school and get my access arrangement documentation.

On my UCAS application, in the “More about you” section, I selected “None” for the question about physical/mental health conditions, long‑term illnesses, or learning differences, because I don’t fit into those categories. I’ve already submitted my application and received some offers. I’m especially interested in how this works at the universities I’m considering — University of Manchester as my firm and University of Greenwich as my insurance.

But long story short:
• Do universities accept school‑based assessments for extra time, or do they require a medical diagnosis?
• Would the assessment my secondary school did still count, or would I need to be reassessed at uni?
• Does selecting “None” on UCAS affect anything?
• Should I talk to my school about this now, or is it something you sort out directly with the university after getting an offer?

I haven’t spoken to anyone at school about this yet, so I’d really appreciate hearing from people who’ve been through the process at Manchester, Greenwich, or anywhere else.

Sorry this post is so long😭 I just wanted to explain my situation properly. I’d really appreciate any advice.

Sorry y'all I just noticed I've used the wrong tag for this post😭 I was writing this on my phone and there was no other options for the tag and only the A-Level part came up and couldn't see the rest of that tag😭

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

Unis will have their own evidence requirements so look at the pages relevant to this for your uni options. Many will require more evidence such as in-house screening or a full spld assessment which they may help you pay towards. Definitely ask your school for a copy of your form 8 and if they have an internal records of you needing additional support in class. You can disclose your disability regardless of what your selected on the ucas form.