If you are injured just before or during a national examination, contact your school or SEAB promptly and explain how the injury affects the exact paper. SEAB identifies recent physical injuries as a circumstance in which it may accept a late access-arrangements application.
Follow medical advice and ask the school or SEAB what evidence is needed. An injury does not establish which support will be granted. Check the official decision before changing your reporting plan or assuming a particular adjustment is available.
- Identify the examination, date and component.
- Describe how the injury affects the task.
- Use the official school or private-candidate route.
- Ask what documents and deadlines apply.
What to explain when you contact the school
State when the injury happened and what it affects, such as writing or handling equipment. Ask the school coordinator what information to submit and when. Private candidates should use SEAB’s published contact route to clarify what to do.
For example, if a candidate injures their writing hand shortly before a written paper, give the school the paper code and date, and explain which actions are difficult. If a practical is also affected, identify it separately.
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How the timing rule works
SEAB’s guidance places limits on late applications for longstanding learning or permanent physical disabilities. It separately identifies physical injuries sustained just before or during the examinations and specified conditions triggered by those injuries. Check the current rule with the responsible contact rather than applying the late injury route to a different situation.
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If you may be unable to sit the paper
Ask the school or SEAB what procedure applies if you cannot attend or sit under ordinary conditions. The GCE special consideration guide explains the separate process for affected or missed papers. Tell the school or SEAB about any access arrangements already approved for the same condition.
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Frequently asked questions
Does a sudden injury automatically give me extra time or a scribe?
Ask what arrangement may be considered for the exact paper. The official decision determines the support.
Should I wait until after the exam to report the injury?
Contact the school or SEAB as soon as possible so it can advise you on the applicable procedure.
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Official information
Consult SEAB’s Access Arrangements guidance and its official FAQ on application deadlines and late injury circumstances. Guidance checked on 8 November 2026.