Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers to the questions families and organisations ask most.
Will an assessment guarantee my child gets extra time in exams?
No assessor can guarantee access arrangements — and you should be cautious of anyone who does. Under JCQ regulations, the decision sits with the school/exam centre, which applies to JCQ based on assessment evidence (Form 8) and evidence that the arrangement reflects the student's normal way of working. What Insight Horizon provides is a rigorous, JCQ-aligned assessment carried out in consultation with your school — the strongest possible foundation for an application.
We already paid for a private report — why won't the school accept it?
This is one of the most common (and frustrating) situations families encounter. JCQ regulations state that a privately commissioned assessment carried out without prior consultation with the school cannot on its own be used to award access arrangements. It isn't that the school is being difficult — they're following the rules that protect the integrity of the system. This is exactly why Insight Horizon involves your school's SENCo from the very beginning.
What's the difference between a diagnostic assessment and an access arrangements assessment?
A diagnostic assessment is a comprehensive investigation that can formally identify dyslexia or another SpLD, resulting in a full SASC-standard report — useful throughout education and into university, including DSA applications. An access arrangements assessment is narrower: it gathers the specific standardised evidence JCQ requires for exam arrangements, recorded on Form 8. Sometimes families need one, sometimes the other, sometimes both — the free consultation is a good place to work out which.
What ages do you work with?
Direct support for individual learners — ISP advice and specialist tuition — is for ages 8 to 18. Get in touch to discuss assessment enquiries for other ages.
Do you work with conditions other than dyslexia?
Yes. Insight Horizon's specialist areas cover ADHD, dyslexia and SpLDs, autism, and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) — reflected in both family support and organisational training.
Where do sessions take place?
Training for organisations is delivered online, wherever you are in the world, with in-person options available in the UK. Family services are available online, with in-person options by arrangement — just ask when you get in touch.
How much does training cost?
Packages are flexible and tailored — pricing depends on team size, format and the training required. A clear, no-obligation quote follows a free initial consultation, and preferential rates are available for partner organisations and their families.
How long until we receive an assessment report?
Report timescales are confirmed when you book. If you have an exam deadline, mention it early — schools have JCQ deadlines for processing access arrangements applications, so it's best not to leave things to the last minute.
Are you DBS checked?
Yes — Ruth holds an Enhanced DBS certificate, and Insight Horizon Education is committed to safeguarding.