Make it law for schools to accept GP evidence for mental health exam support
Require schools and colleges to accept GP evidence as sufficient for mental health-related exam access support, including extra time, rest breaks, smaller venues, and deadline extensions. Update JCQ and DfE rules to ensure support is based on need without requiring specialist assessments.
Signatures
8
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 8/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 8/100,000
- 21 MAY 2025Petition rejectedirrelevant
The JCQ determines how disabled students or students with special educational needs can access support through access arrangements.
- 28 APR 2025Petition created
Background
Students with serious mental health needs are often denied exam support because schools demand expensive or delayed specialist assessments, even when a GP has confirmed their needs. This discriminates against students without access to private care. Accepting GP evidence would ensure fairer, faster support based on a student’s functional needs, not their financial situation or ability to access specialists. No student should be left behind because of slow processes or financial barriers.