Reasonable adjustments to certification deadlines

Date published: 14/05/2025

I would like to know whether the SQA has previously granted reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 to extend certification deadlines. Specifically, I request the following information:

1. Has the SQA ever granted an extension to a certification deadline as a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010?
2. If so, how many times has this occurred in the last five years?
3. What policies, criteria, or internal guidance does the SQA use when considering such requests?
4. Can you provide anonymized examples or case summaries of previous instances where this adjustment was granted?

For our National Qualifications, our certification deadline is results day in August and assessments must be marked and quality assured,  and data must be processed before then including for learners with any reasonable adjustments.

Certification takes place round the year for other qualification types which are internally assessed in centres who can make reasonable judgements if necessary.