Support with your exams
If you receive additional support with your learning at school, then you are also entitled to additional support when sitting exams or doing assessments.
There are lots of different ways your school can help you and these arrangements should be agreed before your exam or assessment takes place. Support for exams and assessments usually reflects the kind of support you already get with your learning.
Some of the types of support you can get with your exams:
➜ A digital version of the exam paper
➜ Extra time
➜ Your exam printed on different colour paper
➜ Your exam paper enlarged
➜ A braille version of your exam
➜ Extensions to deadlines
➜ Someone to prompt you during your exam to help keep you on track
➜ Someone to read the exam questions to you
➜ Completing your exam in a separate room to other pupils
➜ Supervised breaks or rest periods.
What if I’m not getting the support I need?
If you aren’t getting extra support with your learning or exams and assessments but feel like you need it, it’s important to let your guidance teacher or a trusted adult know.
For example, you can explain any things that you are finding difficult and ask for additional support. If you have ideas of what might help, you can also make suggestions for support they can put in place too.
It could be that your school aren’t aware that you need extra help. Sometimes, all it takes is asking for help to get the extra support you need.
If you feel like your school aren’t listening or taking your views seriously, it’s important not to give up. Let your parents, carers or another trusted adult know what’s going on and how you’re feeling. They can talk to the school on your behalf.
If you are aged 12-15 and want to have your say at school, a service called My Rights, My Say can help too.
They help children to make sure their voice is heard so that they get the right support at school. You can ask them for help yourself by hitting the button below and making a request for support.
Exams can be a stressful time, so it’s important to look after yourself as best you can.
You can also click here to read some of our tips about managing exam stress and visit the websites below for more info.
Who else can help me?
Remember, exam support is available to you. But if you’re struggling and feeling stressed, Childline has online 1-to-1 counselling and information to help. You can also call Childline on 0800 1111. If you are deaf you can use SignVideo.
If you need urgent help, you can text YM to 85258 to contact Young Minds. Young Minds also have good advice about coping with exam anxieties, like congratulating yourself, considering your options and not comparing yourself to others.
Young Scot also have information all about exam results to help you relax, to support your friends and to plan your next steps, whatever your results.
more advice
Information to help with each stage of sitting exams and the support that’s available to you.
Find out more about how to use your voice and get involved in decisions about your learning and support.
If you need additional support with your learning, there may be some technology or digital tools that could help.