Weymouth College blasted for SEND support problems in exam

Students with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who attend Weymouth College say they were not given the extra support for their GCSE maths resit exam, which took place yesterday.

Parents have been left fuming with the college, with students reportedly being left without access to support such as scribes, readers, rest breaks, extra time, and a separate room for exams.

Cally O'Neill has been left upset after she was not given SEND support for her GCSE Maths resit (Image: Cally O'Neill) Cally O'Neill, an 18-year-old student at the college with dyslexia required all of the above additional means of support for her exams, and was left in disbelief after finding out after she turned up that she would be given no extra help. 

She said: "I came out of the exam crying, as I thought that this is my last chance to pass exams before uni. 

"It's maddening as they had from September to prepare for this. I saw a few people walk out at the start as they couldn't cope with it. 

"It's not fair- because it's only a disadvantage to students needing SEND. I'll be honest- I don't even know if I'll go to Friday's exam, as I can't read the questions without a reader.

"I've been at the college for three years, and had eight exams in that time where I had no problems with accessing the support."

Erin O’Neill, Cally's mum, said: “Weymouth College let down SEND students today.

“My daughter should be able to have access to a reader, a scribe, rest breaks, extra time, and carry out the exam in a separate room.

“She went in today, and was told that she would just get given the extra time, and would be sat in the Sports Hall like everyone else.

“It’s a monumental screw-up from the college.”

According to Mrs O’Neill, assurances were given to her about her daughter’s special needs at a meeting - meaning she would have been given the same access to support as she would have received in previous years.

The exam took place at Weymouth College (Image: Alfie Lumb) One 18-year-old student, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Echo she also experienced problems on Wednesday, and is worried about future exams.

She said: “Today I had my resit, and when I went in, no one had told me about my exam needs. I have mobility issues with my wrist, meaning I find it hard to hold pens, constantly writing and need to take short breaks.

“When I started the course, I had no problems, I gave my tutor a letter from the doctor about the special requirements to say that I needed more time.

“Today, my tutor told me that this was just for the exams I sat last year.

“I went off and did the exam, and had really bad pains - I didn’t finish in the time, and was really confused. I think other students didn’t have their needs met either.

“It’s a nightmare - I have another exam on Friday and I’m quite anxious as I need to be ready. I’m planning to go to university next year and need to pass my maths, and this is my last chance as I don’t think I’ll have time in June.”

A spokesperson for Weymouth College said: "Our students' needs are always of paramount priority to us but we, like every other college, have to operate within very clear guidance issued on Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments. 

"There is a process for requesting adjustments to allow us to make the necessary arrangements but we are, of course, always very happy to meet with any student and their parent/carer if necessary to discuss their individual needs. 

"We will do all we can to support students to achieve their very best at all times but must comply with the national guidance in this area to ensure the integrity of the exam system."