A special consideration is consideration to be given to a Learner who has temporarily
experienced an illness or injury, or some other event outside of the Learner’s control,
which has had, or is reasonably likely to have materially affected the Learner’s ability to:
(a) take an assessment, or
(b) demonstrate his or her level of attainment in an assessment.
(From Ofqual, General Conditions of Recognition)
Gateway Qualifications reviews the circumstances and evidence surrounding each request for special consideration to ensure that the decision made maintains the equity, validity and reliability of the assessment for the learner and does not give the learner an unfair advantage.
A learner who is fully prepared and present for a scheduled assessment may be eligible for special consideration if:
- Performance in an assessment is affected by circumstances beyond the control of the learner e.g. recent personal illness, accident, bereavement, serious disturbance during the assessment.
- Alternative assessment arrangements which were agreed in advance of the assessment proved inappropriate or inadequate.
- Part of an assessment has been missed due to circumstances beyond the control of the learner.
A learner will not be eligible for special consideration if:
- No evidence is supplied by the centre that the learner has been affected at the time of the assessment by a particular condition.
- Any part of the assessment is missed due to personal arrangements including holidays or unauthorised absence.
- Preparation for an assessment is affected by difficulties during the course, e.g. disturbances through building work, lack of proper facilities, changes in or shortages of staff, or industrial disputes.
- The learner is experiencing long term illness or difficulty.
- Misreading of any assessment instructions, lateness or failing to attend the
assessment.
- A request is not received within the permissible timescale to apply for special
consideration.
