This petition was submitted during the 2019-2024 parliament
Petition Review assessment of students to ensure SEND students are not disadvantaged
The Equality Act 2010 protects people with disabilities, including many SEND students, from discrimination, but it is not clear that current forms of assessment, and in particular examinations such as GCSEs, are consistent with these protections.
More details
The focus on exams can unfairly disadvantage SEND students, which can harm wellbeing and mental health, and affect outcomes in later life. Many SEND students are of high ability but this may not be captured by examinations. Dyslexic students can achieve high academic marks but may perform poorly in exams. Exams can also make neuro diverse young people stressed and anxious. The Government should review how students are assessed and implement reforms to ensure SEND students suffer no detriment.
This petition is closed This petition ran for 6 months
Related activity
MPs debate support for children with SEND
On 21 April, MPs debated support for children with SEND. The debate was led by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP, and took place in Westminster Hall.
Find links to watch the debate, read the transcript and access other relevant material here: https://houseofcommons.shorthandstories.com/support-for-children-with-SEND/index.html
What are Westminster Hall debates?
Westminster Hall is the second Chamber of the House of Commons.
Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister. Any MP can take part in a Westminster Hall debate.
Debates in Westminster Hall take place on ‘general debate' motions expressed in neutral terms. These motions are worded ‘That this House has considered [a specific matter]'.