Children who have a profound hearing impairment and do not use lip-reading or a signing system may not be able to fully participate in the spelling component of the English grammar, punctuation and spelling test or the level 3-5 mental mathematics test, even with the full range of access arrangements. Where this is the case, schools can apply for compensatory marks.
Compensatory marks are based on average scores generated during the pre-testing phase of a test’s development. (The level setting document, available to download from this page, gives further information about how National Curriculum tests are developed.) Awarding these marks means that children can receive a test level as long as they have completed the other components for the relevant test and gained enough marks overall.
Making an application
The deadline for applications for compensatory marks is Monday 25 February. Applications can be made via the Access arrangements section of NCA Tools. You will need to have a registered email address and password to access this section of the website. STA cannot accept applications by email.
Contact details
National Curriculum assessments helpline
Telephone: 0300 303 3013
Email: assessments@education.gov.uk
