ISC CEO: 'Independent schools are working within a legitimate system in requesting extra time for pupils'
Highlighting the higher proportion of young people with SEND in the independent sector, Julie Robinson has said independent schools are 'working within a legitimate system' when requesting extra exam time for pupils.
The number of pupils in England receiving extra time in GCSE and A-level exams has reached nearly 420,000, four times the figure from a decade ago, according to Ofqual data. Children with learning difficulties and disabilities are eligible for extra time, and the rise in allocations is thought to reflect an increase in the number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Some 42 per cent of independent school students and 27 per cent of state school students receive the accommodation. Speaking to The Sunday Times, the ISC pointed out that some independent schools are also special schools - where almost all pupils would be eligible for extra time - and across the sector there are over 100,000 children recorded as having special educational needs.
Speaking to the paper, Ms Robinson said: “Independent schools are working within a legitimate system in requesting extra time for pupils, which requires robust evidence to be granted. There is a higher proportion of young people with SEND in independent schools.
“In addition, many parents choose independent schools for their child because of the smaller classes and bespoke support on offer — especially if they have a specific need but do not have a SEND diagnosis.”