On SEAB examination result documents, a plus sign (+) beside a subject can indicate that the candidate sat a paper under Access Arrangements. A hash sign (#) indicates an exemption from meeting the full range of assessment objectives in the papers sat for that subject. SEAB says these annotations apply where approved arrangements substantially modify the examination.
Read the explanatory notes for your qualification and year. SEAB’s Access Arrangements FAQ lists annotated arrangements such as extra time, modified papers, use of a reader or scribe, and certain exemptions. The result documents do not disclose the specific provision or medical condition. If a receiving institution asks about a symbol, use the official explanation for the document.
- Identify the qualification, subject and symbol.
- Read the explanatory notes for the result.
- Keep the original document and its notes.
- Ask the recipient what it needs to verify the result.
- Contact SEAB if the annotation appears inconsistent with the record.
Read the symbol beside the subject
Check exactly where the symbol appears and use the legend for that result document. The plus sign indicates an Access Arrangement under the circumstances SEAB describes. The hash sign concerns an exemption from the full range of assessment objectives. If you have results from multiple years or qualifications, read the notes for each record.
Explain what the symbol tells a recipient
The symbol by itself does not tell a recipient which equipment was used, how much extra time was granted or why the candidate received an arrangement. SEAB says its documents do not identify the details of the provision or the related medical condition. A recipient can consult the official legend for the meaning of the annotation.
If a university or employer asks about the symbol, share the official explanation or ask what information it needs. Use its designated channel and keep sensitive medical information separate from ordinary verification of an examination result.
Ask about a discrepancy in your own record
If the annotation seems inconsistent with the approval, keep the original result and the relevant decision. Ask SEAB to explain the record or tell you how to raise the issue. Give the qualification, year, subject and symbol. Use the official channel if SEAB requests supporting records.
Worked example
A student sees a plus sign beside a subject while preparing a course application. They check the legend, retain the original document and give the institution the official explanation when asked. They keep the Access Arrangements approval separately and ask whether the institution needs any further evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Does SEAB list extra time among arrangements that can be annotated?
Yes. SEAB includes extra time among the arrangements it lists for annotation. Use the notes for your own result.
Does the symbol state a diagnosis?
SEAB says the result documents do not state the specific medical condition or arrangement.