Menu
  1. You are here:
  2. Home
  3. Examinations
  4. Applications for Reasonable Adjustments (ARA)

We are committed to making access arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments to make sure that dancers can fully participate in their training and gain equal access to assessment by removing potential barriers faced by those with a disability. Our policy exists to support candidates being able to participate in assessments on the same basis as candidates without disability, and has been developed in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

What is an Application for Reasonable Adjustments (ARA)?

A Reasonable Adjustment is defined as: “an adjustment made to an assessment for a qualification so as to enable a disabled candidate to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding to the levels of attainment required by the specification for that qualification.” (From Ofqual, General Conditions of Recognition).

Reasonable Adjustments are changes or adaptations made to an assessment or to the way an assessment is conducted to reduce or remove a disadvantage, or a barrier caused by a candidate’s disability.

The ISTD’s policy aims to address a wide range of disabilities and learning needs that may become a barrier for accessing examinations and assessments.

The Reasonable Adjustments policy covers the following:

  • A medical condition, e.g., epilepsy or diabetes
  • A physical disability, e.g., scoliosis, multiple sclerosis
  • A sensory impairment, e.g., visual or hearing impairment
  • Specific learning difficulties, e.g., dyslexia
  • Developmental disorders, e.g., autism spectrum disorder
  • Social, emotional, or mental health difficulties, e.g., anxiety, panic attacks.

 

Please refer to the key policy documents for full details regarding the ARA policy. 

Application for Reasonable Adjustments forms

Applying for Reasonable Adjustments for an exam candidate

We require that applications for Reasonable Adjustments for examinations must be made to the ISTD as early as possible in the learner’s training. Our process focuses on a bespoke approach to meet the needs of the individual learner. The process allows us to work with teachers to approve adaptations in advance of the examination to ensure that what the candidate presents in the exam meets the assessment objectives, requirements and standards of the examination. Adjustments are evaluated and considered on a case-by-case basis and therefore the ISTD require ample notice to review these requests ahead of an examination. 

To make an application for Reasonable Adjustments, the teacher making the application on behalf of the candidate should download and save the Application for Reasonable Adjustments form for examinations. They should complete the form providing a clear description of every adjustment being requested to the syllabus content. It is necessary to state whether the requested adjustments are minor, moderate or substantial. The school principal/teacher is responsible for seeking the relevant consent from the student or parent/guardian as per the data sharing and GDPR regulations.   

The completed application form must be sent to ISTD in its original format. Scanned or photocopied forms will not be accepted. 

 

Applications timeframes 

  • Applications for minor adjustments must be made a minimum of 28 days before the intended date of examination. 
  • Applications for moderate adjustments must be made a minimum 12 weeks before the intended date of examination. 
  • Applications for substantial adjustments must be made a minimum of six months before the intended date of the examination.  
 
 

Applying for Reasonable Adjustments for a DDE candidate 

To request Reasonable Adjustments to an assessment, the tutor on behalf of the DDE candidate should complete the Application for Reasonable Adjustments (ARA) Form for DDE Assessments and submit the application a minimum of 28 days before the Intent to Enter deadline. 

The Tutor will need to provide a clear description of every adjustment being requested to the assessment as required in the application form. It is necessary to state whether the requested adjustments are minor, moderate or substantial. The Head of ADC/tutor is responsible for seeking the relevant consent from the student as per the data sharing and GDPR.