Updated 23-April-2026
Exams are already stressful enough without unexpected problems.
But what happens if something goes wrong on the day of your exam? What if you feel unwell, experience a personal emergency, or face a situation that affects your performance?
This is where special consideration comes in.
Many students have heard the term, but very few fully understand how it works. Some believe it guarantees extra marks, while others assume it is only for extreme cases.
The truth is more balanced.
Special consideration exists to ensure that students are not unfairly disadvantaged when circumstances beyond their control affect their performance. However, it follows strict rules and is carefully assessed by exam boards.
Understanding how it works can help you stay calm and make the right decisions if something unexpected happens.
Special consideration is a post-exam adjustment made by exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, or OCR.
It is applied when a student has already completed an exam but was affected by something serious at the time. This could be illness, injury, or a significant personal issue.
The key point is that the student must have attempted the exam.
Unlike access arrangements, which are planned in advance, special consideration is applied after the exam based on the situation.
It is not automatic. Each case is reviewed individually to determine whether an adjustment is appropriate.
Special consideration is only applied in specific situations.
It is intended for circumstances that are unexpected and have a clear impact on your ability to perform in the exam.
Common examples include sudden illness, injury, or severe emotional distress. In some cases, significant personal events may also be considered.
However, normal exam stress or lack of preparation does not qualify.
Exam boards are very clear on this.
The situation must be beyond your control and must have affected your performance at the time of the exam.
If something happens during your exam, the first step is to inform your school or exam centre as soon as possible.
They are responsible for submitting the application to the exam board on your behalf.
You will usually need to provide evidence, such as a medical note or a written explanation of what happened.
Once submitted, the exam board reviews the case and decides whether special consideration should be applied.
This process is handled carefully to ensure fairness for all students.
One of the biggest misunderstandings is that special consideration gives a large increase in marks.
In reality, the adjustment is usually small.
It is designed to recognise that your performance was affected, not to significantly change your result.
In most cases, the adjustment is a small percentage increase based on the severity of the situation.
This means it can make a difference, especially if you are close to a grade boundary, but it will not completely change your overall result.
Special consideration generally requires that you attempt the exam.
If you miss the exam entirely, the situation is more complex.
In some cases, exam boards may use your performance in other papers to estimate a grade, but this is only possible if you have completed a significant portion of the course.
If not, you may need to take the exam at a later date.
This is why it is always recommended to attend the exam if possible, even if you are not feeling your best.
One of the biggest mistakes is not reporting the issue in time.
If you do not inform your school or centre immediately, it becomes much harder to apply for special consideration later.
Another mistake is assuming that minor issues will automatically qualify.
Exam boards require clear evidence and a valid reason. Without this, applications are unlikely to be approved.
Some students also expect large mark increases, which can lead to disappointment.
Understanding the purpose of special consideration helps set realistic expectations.
Knowing about special consideration gives you confidence.
Instead of panicking if something goes wrong, you understand that there is a system in place to support you.
It also helps you make better decisions.
For example, attending an exam even when you are not at your best can still be the right choice, because it allows you to apply for consideration afterwards.
This knowledge can reduce stress and help you stay focused.
If you are sitting exams as a private candidate, the process can feel more complicated.
This is where experienced exam centres play an important role.
At Exam Centre London, we support students throughout the exam process, including situations where special consideration may apply.
We ensure that applications are handled correctly, submitted on time, and supported with the right documentation.
You can find more official information here: Special consideration for exams in the UK.
What is special consideration in UK exams?
It is a post-exam adjustment applied if your performance was affected by unexpected circumstances.
Can I get special consideration for stress?
Normal exam stress does not qualify unless it is severe and supported by evidence.
How much marks do you get?
Usually a small percentage increase depending on the situation.
Can I apply myself?
No, your school or exam centre must apply for you.
What if I miss the exam?
You may need to resit unless enough evidence and prior performance allow a calculated grade.
Special consideration is not a shortcut to higher grades.
It is a system designed to ensure fairness when something unexpected affects your performance.
By understanding how it works, you can approach your exams with more confidence, knowing that support is available if you need it.
The most important thing is to stay calm, communicate clearly, and focus on doing your best.
Because even when things don’t go perfectly, the system is there to support you.
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