Recent JCQ updates have new guidelines for students using assistive technology (like DocsPlus) for exam access arrangements, including students with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and those sitting Functional Skills English qualifications. If your school or exam centre uses (or would like to use) DocsPlus, here's what these changes mean and what you need to know to support your students effectively.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) updates
The updated JCQ guidelines now state that students with EAL, and as a result have lower reading levels, can access a computer reader for exam arrangements.
Using a computer reader enables students to independently engage with exam materials, even in sections testing reading skills. This is particularly beneficial for EAL students who require reading aid when decoding words, without gaining an unfair advantage of understanding the text through the intonation/inflexion of a human reader.
If you have students with EAL who frequently require reading support in lessons, you can now look at supporting them in lessons and exams with a computer reader. Here are some factors that you should keep in mind:
- Application process: Schools must apply for a student’s access to a computer reader in exams through the "Access arrangements online" system. As part of this process, it is essential to show that the student genuinely needs a computer reader due to poor reading skills.
- Verification and training: The school's SENCo must confirm the student’s need for a computer reader, and the student must be trained to use the technology effectively.
EAL exam access arrangements - using DocsPlus
A computer reader includes tools like DocsPlus, which allow students to listen to exam content without interpreting or altering the material. The aim is to help students demonstrate understanding, not to give them an unfair advantage. DocsPlus can be used in day-to-day learning and support EAL students access their lessons – this also ensures the student is comfortable with the tool before the exam day.
By using DocsPlus, EAL students can independently access exam content, providing a fair, technology-based alternative to a human reader, and helping them overcome language barriers while maintaining academic integrity.
Functional Skills English updates
For students taking Functional Skills English qualifications, the latest JCQ updates states that students who require support with reading can now access a computer reader in the exam. They have made an important distinction between using a computer reader and a human reader:
- Reading Papers: In Functional Skills English exams, a computer reader (like DocsPlus) is allowed for reading papers. A human reader, however, is not permitted, as students must demonstrate independent reading comprehension.
Functional Skills English exam access arrangements - using DocsPlus
DocsPlus allows students to fulfil the requirement for independent reading comprehension because the software provides auditory support and no additional support for comprehending the text. This is particularly valuable for students who may have difficulty decoding but enables them to independently show they understand the written content.
Since DocsPlus reads aloud without interpreting the text, students can independently fulfil the reading standards required for these exams.
As with all exam access arrangements, training is key here—students must be proficient in using DocsPlus to ensure they can use it confidently during the assessment and as their normal way of working.
What is “normal way of working”?
JCQ’s guidelines are very clear that any support provided during exams must reflect the student’s "normal way of working." This means that the tools and strategies students use in exams should match what they regularly use in the classroom.
What could that look like with DocsPlus?
If a student typically uses DocsPlus for tasks like reading aloud texts or decoding complex information, this should be considered their normal way of working. Therefore, following the application process and verification from the school’s SENCo, DocsPlus would also be available during their exams.
Schools should ensure that students get regular practice with DocsPlus in their daily learning environments. This not only boosts familiarity with the software but also ensures compliance with exam regulations.
Why DocsPlus is a great option for exam access arrangements
DocsPlus offers significant advantages for students needing access arrangements. By enabling independent engagement with exam texts, DocsPlus ensures that students can demonstrate their true abilities while remaining within the JCQ guidelines.
“Our students used DocsPlus as a computer reader and this will have a positive impact on their results. They liked that it was discreet and no-one else knew that they were accessing support.”
– St Mary’s Catholic College
Additionally, DocsPlus helps schools save time, money, and avoid logistical challenges. It’s often a more cost-effective solution than providing human readers or scribes, and it reduces the complexity of organising separate rooms or additional staff for exams. Since DocsPlus allows students to work independently, it minimises the financial and administrative burden typically associated with organising human scribes and readers.
“We used DocsPlus for the first time this year for over 70 students instead of a human reader. Due to the number of students with access requirements it would be expensive and a logistic nightmare to have enough readers for our students at GCSE time [without DocsPlus].
“The benefits for our college have been reduced costs for external invigilators and a reduction in the number of smaller venues needed to accommodate students accessing readers. We are pleased with the benefits DocsPlus offers.”
– Bitterne Park School
Training and integration into daily classroom activities are essential to ensure that DocsPlus becomes the student’s normal way of working, leading to a smooth and efficient exam experience.
“I have just started at a new school and I have brought DocsPlus in to support not just our year 11s but also our lower years. This is something I am developing and embedding into our everyday use, so that students are familiar with this during assessments.”
- Oasis Academy Oldham
Want to know more?
- Watch our webinar on using DocsPlus in exams
- Hear from schools who successfully used DocsPlus in their summer exams
- Already using DocsPlus? Book a customer care meeting if you’d like more information on using it for exam arrangements.
- Interested in using DocsPlus? Book a consultation and learn more about the software and how it can meet your exam needs!
