Why this Masterclass matters
No changes are expected to the JCQ access arrangements regulations for 2026–27. However, this does not mean that centres have no training need. In many centres, the most difficult issues are not caused by new wording in the regulations, but by how the existing requirements are applied in practice. Common challenges include gathering meaningful teacher evidence, evidencing normal way of working, using student voice appropriately, understanding the evidence for 25% extra time, deciding between extra time and supervised rest breaks, and recording the rationale clearly. This full-day face-to-face Masterclass gives delegates time to explore these issues in depth, through specialist input, practical examples, discussion and case-study activities. With a dedicated Q&A slot with Nick Lait, JCQ, the day combines regulatory clarification with practical centre-based implementation.
Full-day programme
The face-to-face Masterclass is designed as a practical implementation day. It covers the core messages and principles and provides time to apply them through discussion, examples, and case studies. Why 2026–27 still matters Using a stable regulatory year to strengthen access arrangements practice, evidence and decision-making. From information to evidence Clarifying what centres are trying to show when gathering evidence for access arrangements. Teacher evidence: getting useful information without overloading staff How to engage teachers in the process and gather comments that support sound decisions. Student voice: useful evidence, not a tick-box exercise How to capture the candidate’s experience of barriers and use this appropriately alongside other evidence. Understanding the evidence for 25% extra time What assessment evidence, teacher feedback, internal tests and normal way of working need to show. Extra time or supervised rest breaks? Making the distinction and considering the barrier that the arrangement is intended to address. Q&A with Nick Lait, JCQ A dedicated opportunity to hear responses to delegates' questions relating to the current JCQ regulations. Tricky profiles: applying the regulations when the answer is not obvious Exploring more complex candidate profiles and evidence patterns. Delegates are invited to contribute profiles to discuss Recording the rationale: making the evidence tell the candidate’s story How to ensure that Form 8, Form 9 and centre evidence create a clear and coherent evidence trail. Inspection readiness: reviewing the evidence trail Identifying gaps, inconsistencies and areas to strengthen before the new academic year.
Why attend in person?
The online and on-demand versions provide the core Masterclass training. The face-to-face day includes this whilst also giving delegates more time to apply the key messages in practice. The full-day format allows for discussion, case studies, practical activities and questions throughout the day. Delegates will have opportunities to consider more complex candidate profiles, review examples of evidence and reflect on how the requirements apply within their own centre. The Birmingham Masterclass is deliberately designed as a small-scale, professionally focused training day, with cabaret-style seating to support discussion and collaboration. Face-to-face delegates also receive 60 days’ access to the recorded on-demand version, so they can revisit the core content after the event.
By the end of this Masterclass, you will be able to:
• Understand why a stable regulatory year is an opportunity to strengthen centre practice • Identify what strong evidence needs to show for different access arrangements • Support teachers to provide more useful evidence without unnecessary workload • Use student voice appropriately as part of the wider evidence picture • Understand the evidence required for 25% extra time • Distinguish more clearly between extra time and supervised rest breaks • Apply the regulations to more complex candidate profiles • Record the rationale for arrangements clearly on Form 8, Form 9 and centre records • Review your centre’s evidence trail with inspection readiness in mind
Your place includes:
• Full-day face-to-face Masterclass in a small-scale setting • Opportunities for discussion and questions including dedicated Q&A slot with Nick Lait, JCQ • 5 hours of SASC-authorised core CPD • Cabaret-style tables to support networking and collaboration • 60 days’ access to the full recorded Masterclass for review and consolidation following the event • Supporting materials and downloadable resources for use throughout the academic year • Knowledge check and CPD certificate • Refreshments provided during breaks (tea, coffee and biscuits) and water available throughout the day
More Than an Update
A stable regulatory year is an opportunity to strengthen evidence, systems and professional judgement.
Clear, Evidence-Based Decisions
Focused on gathering and interpreting evidence, supporting normal way of working, and recording the rationale clearly.
Designed for Application
A full-day format with time for reflection, discussion and consolidation, reinforced by 60 days’ access to the recorded Masterclass.
Presented by Lia Castiglione
Lia Castiglione is an educational consultant specialising in examination access arrangements, working with schools, colleges and awarding bodies across the UK. She provides assessment, consultancy and training focused on accurate and confident practice within the JCQ regulatory framework. Her work with centres on evidencing, policy development and inspection readiness informs her training, ensuring guidance is grounded in real-world application as well as regulatory understanding.
Nick Lait
Head of JCQ Examination Services Nick will join the Masterclass for a dedicated Q&A slot, providing clarification on selected questions relating to the current JCQ access arrangements regulations.
Feedback from Previous Annual Masterclasses
Selected feedback from professionals attending previous annual training.
As someone new to Access Arrangements and assessing, I found the session immensely reassuring. Lia’s expertise and clarity provided real confidence.
West Midlands
Lia presents complex regulatory information with clarity, depth and just the right pace.
Warwickshire
The focus on updates and their interpretation — particularly around evidence requirements — was extremely helpful.
West Midlands
A thorough overview of the regulations, with worked examples that made the changes clear and practical to apply.
Merseyside
Frequently asked questions
Q1. If there are no changes for 2026-27, do I still need training? Yes. This year’s Masterclass is not only about regulatory change. It focuses on how centres apply the current requirements in practice, including evidence, teacher feedback, student voice, 25% extra time, supervised rest breaks, recording the rationale and inspection readiness. Q2. Will this be the same as the online Masterclass? No. The face-to-face Masterclass includes the core themes from the online version, but the full-day format allows for more discussion, practical activities, tricky profiles, case studies and questions. Face-to-face delegates also receive 60 days’ access to the recorded on-demand version. Q3. Is this Masterclass suitable for those new to access arrangements? This Masterclass is designed for professionals who are already working within access arrangements and who have a working knowledge of the JCQ regulations. Whilst those new to the role are able to attend, they will find our Foundations in Access Arrangements course a more appropriate starting point. Q4. Will there be an opportunity to ask questions? Yes. Questions are welcomed throughout the day. The Masterclass also includes a dedicated Q&A slot with Nick Lait, JCQ, focusing on selected questions relating to the current regulations. Q5. Will I have access to the recording afterwards? Yes. All face-to-face delegates receive 60 days’ access to the recorded version of the 2026–27 Masterclass following the event, allowing time to revisit key sections and consolidate understanding. Q6. Is this course SASC authorised? Yes. This Masterclass is SASC authorised and provides 5 hours of core CPD. A certificate will be sent by email on course completion. Q7. What are the timings for the day? Registration opens at 9.30am. The Masterclass runs from 10.00am to 4.30pm. Q8. Is lunch provided? Lunch is not provided. You are welcome to bring your own lunch, and there are nearby options to purchase food locally. Lunch can be eaten at the venue. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided during the morning and afternoon breaks, with water available throughout the day. Q9. How many places are available? Places are limited in order to maintain the small-group, cabaret-style format and allow meaningful professional discussion. Q10. Who is this Masterclass most relevant for? This Masterclass is particularly relevant for SENCos, Access Arrangements Coordinators, assessors and others involved in the access arrangements process who wish to ensure their practice is confident, compliant and inspection-ready for 26–27.
Book your place
Join the Birmingham face-to-face 2026-27 Annual Access Arrangements Masterclass and approach the new academic year with clarity and confidence. City of Westminster Archives Centre, London Registration from 9:30am | 10:00am–4:30pm 5 hours SASC-authorised core CPD Early Booking Rate: £145 Available until Friday 5 July 2026 Standard Rate: £165 Places are limited to maintain the small-group, cabaret-style format. All delegates receive 60 days’ access to the recorded version of the Masterclass following the event. A 10% discount available for additional delegates from the same centre. Please contact us at [email protected] if booking multiple places. INVOICE BOOKINGS If your organisation prefers to pay by invoice, please complete the Invoice Booking Form at: castiglione-consulting.com/invoice Click 'Book Now' to pay by card.
£145.00