Ofqual seeks views on accessible assessments

Ofqual has released a consultation, seeking views on guidance on how to make exams and other assessments accessible and user-friendly.

The proposed updated guidance will support awarding organisations to design and develop assessments that meet Ofqual's rules on accessibility.

Students with particular backgrounds, needs and disabilities are among those who stand to gain.

Ofqual Chief Regulator Dr Jo Saxton said: “We regulate so that assessments enable every student to demonstrate what they know, understand and can do – without unnecessary barriers. It is crucial that assessments are as accessible as possible for all students.”

The draft guidance includes how to use accessible, clear and plain language in producing assessments to avoid any unfair disadvantage, design and develop accessible layout, use source material, context, images and colour in ways that maximise accessibility, and design and develop assessments to meet reasonable adjustments required by disabled students including those using assistive technology.

The guidance will help awarding organisations design assessments which comply with Ofqual's General Conditions of Recognition on accessibility.

Ofqual will not make changes to the Conditions themselves, so obligations on awarding organisations will stay the same.

The consultation is open and will run for 12 weeks, ending on January 24, with the outcome to be announced in spring 2022.