Learning
Support Information for Prospective Parents
Special Arrangements for Entrance Examinations
Hampton is a school of equal opportunities and we conduct our admissions on a fair and nondiscriminatory basis.
In line with the Equality Act 2010, exam concessions may be available for candidates with a specific learning difficulty, disability, or long-term medical condition, or for candidates for whom English is an Additional Language These concessions may include use of a laptop, extra time, enlarged font and/or lift access. Further information and guidance regarding our admissions criteria is available in our Admissions Policy.
Request for Special Exam Arrangements
Please let us know as early as possible in the admissions process if you are seeking special exam arrangements of any kind for your son. If your son has a diagnosis and you have a report, please let us have a copy so that we can meet your son’s needs. All requests must be supported by:
• A diagnostic assessment report from an Educational Psychologist, Qualified Specialist Teacher with a current Assessment Practising Certificate or equivalent Medical practitioner (not a GP). The report must be written and signed within two years of the date of the entrance examination (if you do not have a recent report please contact the Admissions team).
• Evidence of history of provision at the candidate’s current school (we shall contact your son’s current school directly for this information and seek your permission before doing so)
Exam concession requests are reviewed in line with the guidance issued by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and details of any adjustments granted will be confirmed in writing. Please note that there must be sufficient evidence that a candidate has significant and persistent difficulties when accessing and processing information and that the candidate would be substantially disadvantaged if the concession is not granted.
Adjustments will only be awarded if the candidate would be granted concessions in external formal exams (such as GCSEs). Receipt of special arrangements at a candidate’s current school does not guarantee that similar, or any, adjustments will be granted for our entrance assessments. The School’s decision on exam concession requests is final.
Requests for extra time in the written entrance exam papers
Candidate’s may be granted up to 25% additional time in the written entrance exam papers if the diagnostic assessment report and information provided by the current school supports this request (refer to Request for Special Exam Arrangements above). In line with JCQ requirements, the report must show two below-average scores of 84 or below, or one below-average of 84 or below and one below average of 89 or below in different areas, for example speed of writing, cognitive processing, reading or speed of reading comprehension.
Requests for use of a laptop
Candidates may be allowed to use a School laptop or computer for extended pieces of writing such as the English Creative Writing paper if:
o They are proficient typists, and this is their ‘normal way of working’ at their current school
o A recommendation has been made by an Educational Psychologist, Qualified Teacher or equivalent Medical practitioner (not GP) and,
o We have received written confirmation from the candidate’s current school that it is their normal way of working (with evidence of need)
(refer to Request for Special Exam Arrangements above)
In line with JCQ guidance, a candidate will only be allowed to use a laptop or computer and receive extra time if they meet the JCQ criteria.
English as an Additional Language
Candidates who have English as an Additional Language may use a bilingual translation dictionary in the written exam provided this is their ‘normal way of working’. Written confirmation from their current school is required.
10% additional time in addition to the bilingual translation dictionary may also be awarded if the candidate has English as an Additional Language, has been resident in the UK for less than two years at the time of the entrance exam and was not educated at an International or British school (where some of the curriculum was delivered in English) prior to their arrival in the UK.
Other Exam Concessions
We conduct our admissions on a fair and non-discriminatory basis and will consider applications for other exam concessions subject to the request being submitted by the application deadline and appropriate supporting documentation being provided.
Application deadlines
Requests for special arrangements in the 11+ Entrance Exam and 13+ Pre-test (Year 6) must be received by 1 November prior to the entrance examination
Request for special arrangements in the 10+ Advance Place Examination, 12+ Pre-test and 16+ assessments must be received by 1 October prior to the entrance examination
We regret that we are unable to consider late requests.
Admissions Interviews
The interview process does not require extra time; however, sufficient and reasonable adjustments will be made on the day as necessary. The interviewer will be made aware of candidates who have slow processing skills.
Learning Support Provision at Hampton
The School has a well-resourced Learning Support Department with three members of staff who are trained to meet the SEND needs of a large, diverse school. The department is bright, friendly and welcoming and pupils taught individually or in small groups on a ‘needs led’ basis. Support is tailored to individual needs and lessons focus on teaching effective study skills designed to help pupils
become independent learners. Support is arranged in consultation with the pupil, parents, Form Tutor and Head of Year. Provision includes:
• Literacy lessons with a specialist teacher
• Handwriting support and advice
• Before School touch-typing courses
• Workshops for organisation and revision
• Lunchtime 1:1 sessions and workshops on:
o Organisational skills/time management, essay planning, note taking, revision skills and exam technique
o English/Writing Skills and revision/exam techniques
o Additional study skills support for pupils in the Sixth Form
• Individual Mentoring sessions providing support to pupils with a specific short-term need
Sensory Room
A specially designed Sensory Room is available for pupil use and has been carefully designed to create an exciting, interactive experience which supports the well-being of all Hamptonians.
Please click here for further information on Learning Support provision at Hampton.
