Reasonable Adjustments & Special Considerations

Reasonable Adjustments Policy

WSET seeks to assess all candidates in a way that puts them at no disadvantage or advantage over other candidates. 

A reasonable adjustment is any action that helps to reduce the effect of a disability or difficulty that places the candidate at a substantial disadvantage in the assessment situation. Reasonable adjustments are approved by WSET and put in place before the assessment activity takes place; they constitute an arrangement to give the candidate access to the qualification. The use of a reasonable adjustment is not taken into consideration during the assessment of a candidate’s work. 

Reasonable adjustments must not give an unfair advantage over candidates for whom reasonable adjustments are not being made or affect the reliability and validity of the assessment outcomes as detailed in the applicable Specification. 

Reasonable adjustments may involve: 

  • Changing standard assessment arrangements, for example, allowing candidates extra time to complete the assessment activity; 
  • Adapting assessment materials, such as providing materials in large text format; 
  • Providing access to facilitators during an assessment, such as a sign language interpreter or reader; 
  • Reorganizing the assessment room, such as removing visual stimuli for an autistic candidate.

Applying For A Reasonable Adjustment

Students must identify at the time of enrollment any special needs which may require a reasonable adjustment at the time of their exam. Slate Wine & Spirits Academy must submit a Reasonable Adjustment Application Form to WSET’s Exams Manager. Therefore, candidates must contact Lee Pancake, the Director of Education, at [email protected] at least six weeks before the exam date in the case of WSET qualifications at Levels 1-3. This lead time is longer than the standard registration timeline because candidates must provide evidence to support the request for reasonable adjustment. Supporting evidence will be handled with the highest respect for student confidentiality. For further information, please refer to our Data Protection policy.

The specific arrangements for the exam process itself, or for marking, will be agreed upon in each case between the Slate Wine & Spirits Academy’s Exams Officer and the WSET Exams Manager and will vary according to individual circumstances. WSET reserves the right to seek independent agencies’ advice as appropriate in deciding on specific arrangements. Please note that Slate Wine & Spirits Academy cannot offer reasonable adjustments to any candidate until this has been agreed with WSET. 

Candidates and their advisors should be aware that it is not appropriate to make requests for reasonable adjustments where the candidate’s particular difficulty directly affects performance in the attributes that are the focus of the assessment. 

Special Consideration Policy 

Special consideration is an action taken after an assessment to allow candidates who have been disadvantaged by temporary illness, injury, indisposition, or adverse circumstances at the time of the assessment to demonstrate attainment. 

Special consideration will not give an unfair advantage over candidates for whom special consideration is not being applied or alter the assessment demands of the qualification as detailed in the applicable Specification. 

A candidate may be eligible for special consideration if: 

  • Performance in an assessment is affected by circumstances beyond the control of the candidate. This may include recent personal illness, accident, bereavement, or exam room conditions; 
  • Alternative assessment arrangements which were agreed upon in advance of the assessment proved inappropriate or inadequate; 
  • The application of special consideration would not mislead the user of the certificate as to the candidate’s attainment.

Please note that Slate Wine & Spirits Academy does not accept medical certificates testifying that a student was unable to attend lectures or examinations as a result of illness. As well, the WSET does not award certifications to candidates who were prevented by illness from attending examinations. All assessment requirements of WSET qualifications must be met. 

Applying For Special Consideration

Candidates must contact Lee Pancake, Director of Education at [email protected], within five working days of the assessment date for which special consideration is being sought. Slate Wine & Spirits Academy will then submit a Special Consideration Application Form to WSET’s Exams Manager. Eligibility will only be considered if accompanied by supporting independent documentation.