UK Parliament home

Open Mandate offer of literal-language GCSE papers for students with autism

Created by Rachael Barratt
Closes on

Mandate the offer of literal language GCSE papers for autistic pupils. We want the Government to direct Ofqual to ensure exam boards provide an optional, literal-language GCSE exam pathway for autistic students across all subjects to remove unfair communication barriers.

GCSE exams rely on figurative language, idioms, and double negatives. Many students with autism interpret language literally, meaning they are penalised for wording rather than their actual academic knowledge. Adjustments like extra time do not solve this. We want an optional "Direct Paper" path. These papers must keep identical academic standards, but require questions to be written straight to the point with abstract language removed. Let’s give all children a fair chance to show what they know.

Sign this petition

13 signatures

Show on a map

10,000

Petition progress

View all updates for this petition, with the most recent first.

  • Petition published

    This petition can now be signed.

    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 18 March 2027.