For parents
Exam scribing
Scribing for learners who have been granted an exam concession.
What scribing involves
Some learners are granted a concession that allows them to dictate their answers in an examination rather than write them. A scribe sits with the learner and writes down what they say, word for word.
The work stays entirely the learner's own. I do not explain questions, suggest answers, or help with content. Where the concession includes having the paper read aloud, I do that too.
Scribing is arranged by parents rather than by the school, and it is worth doing early.
Arranging a scribe
- Check the concession is in place. Your school's learning support staff will confirm what your child has been granted, and what the examining body requires.
- Get in touch early. Let me know the dates, and whether scribing is needed for the whole examination series or only for particular papers.
- A written quote. I will send you fees for the examination period, and liaise with the school about arrangements on the day.
Common questions
How does my child get a concession?
Concessions are granted by the school or the examining body, usually following an assessment by an educational psychologist. If you are at the beginning of that process, speak to your school’s learning support staff first. I am not involved in granting concessions, only in scribing once one is in place.
Can a parent or a teacher not scribe?
Most schools require that a scribe is independent of the learner. That usually rules out family members and the learner’s own subject teachers, which is why an outside scribe is needed.
What does a scribe actually do?
I write down exactly what your child dictates, and read the paper to them if that forms part of the concession. I do not explain questions, prompt answers, or help with content in any way. The work is entirely theirs.
When should we arrange it?
As early as possible before the examination period. Schools set their own arrangements well in advance, and scribes are limited during final examinations in particular.
What does it cost?
Fees are quoted per examination period, depending on the number of papers and their length. Please get in touch and I will send you a written quote.
Get in touch
Let me know which examinations are coming up and I will come back to you within one business day with a quote and availability.
If your school is looking for wider support, those services are here.
Send a message
I reply within one business day.