Test and exam papers in accessible formats

Here is an overview of the standard formats available for blind and partially sighted candidates in National Curriculum tests and public examinations.

Please note that for National Curriculum tests these are the only accessible formats provided. If a pupil requires a different format it is the school’s responsibility to ask for permission to open the modified paper early in order to create their own accessible version. For GCSE and A level early opening to make changes to a paper is not allowed, so schools and colleges should approach the awarding body concerned to request papers in a different format from the standards listed below.

National Curriculum tests (England)

Key Stage 1

Maths and English tests

  • Modified large print. This a version of the paper designed for visual simplicity in 24 point print on A4-size paper.
  • Contracted Grade 2 braille*

Key Stage 2

  • Enlarged print. This is a straightforward enlargement of the standard test paper in 14 point print on B4-size paper.
  • Modified large print. This is a version of the paper with diagrams modified or omitted, printed in 19 point print on B4-size paper.
  • Contracted Grade 2 braille*

Optional tests are also available in the same range of formats as Key Stage 2 tests.

*For information on the introduction of Unified English braille please see the UEB exam timetable at

GCSE and A level

Unmodified enlarged

This is the standard paper enlarged onto A3 paper, providing a print size of around 14 point for most papers. Schools and colleges should ask for permission to open the standard paper one hour early to produce an enlarged version themselves.

Modified enlarged

Here the layout and presentation of the standard paper is simplified to remove elements of visual complexity, without changing the demands of the question paper. Papers are available in two sizes:

  • 18pt Arial Bold on A4-size paper
  • 24pt Arial Bold on A3-size paper

Contracted Grade 2 braille*

Here the layout and presentation of the standard paper is modified in line with the approach described above for modified enlarged papers.

*For information on the introduction of Unified English braille please see the UEB exam timetable at

Electronic formats

Awarding bodies providing general qualifications offer PDF versions of their papers to be read on screen. However, there is no guarantee that these papers will be fully accessible, so centres should request sample papers to check whether they are compatible with the assistive technology being used by their students. An alternative approach is to ask for permission to open papers one hour early to scan and produce electronic versions locally, but the effectiveness of this will depend on the nature of the paper and the expertise available in the centre to convert it successfully.

Other formats

It is important to check with the awarding body concerned that they will be able to provide papers in the format you require. Disabled candidates taking general qualifications are covered by the Equality Act 2010, which places a duty on awarding bodies to make reasonable adjustments to meet their needs on an individual basis. If a candidate's needs cannot be met by the range of formats listed above centres should contact the awarding body concerned to discuss alternative provision.

Obtaining past exam papers

Using past papers is an important way for students to practise for exams and is also a good way of ensuring that they have chosen the correct format. Awarding bodies should be able to provide past papers in accessible formats. However, it is not always possible to obtain past papers in all formats for a particular examination if they were not produced at the time. Where this is the case awarding bodies should help you to find past papers in the appropriate format set out in a similar style.

Please note that there is likely to be a charge for past copies of braille papers.

To find out more and request past papers visit the relevant exam board information detailed below:

National Curriculum tests

To obtain past National Curriculum test papers, contact the Modified Test Agency helpline by calling 0300 3033019 or

General qualifications (GCSE, A level etc)

AQA

To obtain past AQA exam papers, visit theAQA website. Here you can select the specification (eg GCSE, A-Level), and the subject. Once in the specific subject area, select the 'Key Materials' tab and then select modified papers. Past papers are within each specification, along with teaching materials and the standard papers.

City and Guilds

To obtain past papers from City and Guilds, ith details of the papers and formats you need. Please note that City and Guilds provide sample papers rather than past papers and that they are not available for all qualifications.

Edexcel/Pearson

To obtain past papers from Edexcel email:nd provide details of the subjects and specific component codes, the modified format and any specific session that they may require. This will then be returned to them by email if it is available.

OCR

To obtain past papers from OCR vis it theOCR website. Here you can select the subject, qualification type, qualification year and series.

WJEC

To obtain past papers from WJEC, th details of the papers and formats you require.

CCEA

To obtain past papers from CCEA, visit theCCEA website. You will then need to select the specification, select the level, select Examinations and then select the Modified Past Papers tab.

March 2015

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