Exam watchdog Ofqual to check 'extra help' data

The exams regulator Ofqual is to collect information on how many private school students receive extra time in exams, compared with state pupils.

English and Welsh exam boards will find out how many pupils get help because of special needs such as dyslexia.

Dr John Rack, director of Policy at Dyslexia Action, said that there is a misunderstanding in many state schools over how assessments are conducted to decide whether pupils require special exam arrangements.

He said the process is not "formal" and "costly", as many expect.

Ofqual said the its information gathering was not in response to any specific concern about the assistance - known as "access arrangements" - that pupils were receiving.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Friday 1 August.