The Programme for Government commits to developing an appropriate mechanism to allow additional time for students with specific needs and in certain circumstances in State examinations.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has operational responsibility for the delivery of the State examinations including the scheme of Reasonable Accommodations at the Certificate Examinations (RACE). As part of its comprehensive review of the RACE scheme, which is currently ongoing, the SEC has given careful consideration to how best to give effect to the Programme for Government commitment on additional time, seeking to balance the how to better meet the needs of candidates with special educational needs while preserving equity and fairness in the State examinations.
The SEC is taking a prudent approach to the quantum of extra time in light of the need to evaluate the impact of this interim scheme together with other accommodations, such as the spelling and grammar waiver, which exist in lieu of additional time. Informed by this evaluation and ongoing research, which includes looking at other jurisdictions, the SEC intends to consider further opportunities to develop these arrangements from 2027 onwards.
I have asked the SEC to respond directly to you with further detail of the scheme of additional time.
