Why this Masterclass matters
No revised AARA document is being issued for 2026–27. However, centres still need to understand the relevant ICE changes, the March 2026 updates and supplementary guidance, subsequent JCQ clarifications, and the future timetable for revision of the AARA. 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, considering technology, 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, case-study activities and a dedicated Q&A. The day combines regulatory clarification with practical centre-based implementation.
Full-day programme
The face-to-face Masterclass combines a focused review of the current JCQ position with practical application, discussion, case-study activities, and opportunities to strengthen centre practice for 2026–27. 1. The JCQ position for 2026–27 and the future of the AARA Clarifying what has changed for the new academic year, as well as what remains unchanged. This session will include: • Relevant changes within the 2026–27 Instructions for Conducting Examinations • The March 2026 updates and supplementary guidance relating to the AARA • Clarifications and key messages issued through JCQ briefing emails • The implications of there being no revised AARA document for 2026–27 • The planned timetable for the next revision of the AARA and its implementation • What centres should prioritise during the intervening period 2. Building a strong evidence picture Using a stable regulatory year to strengthen access arrangements practice and clarify what centres are seeking to demonstrate through their evidence. This session will consider: • Gathering meaningful information from teachers without creating unnecessary workload • Evidencing a candidate’s normal way of working • Using student voice appropriately as part of the wider evidence picture • Moving from information to clear and relevant evidence 3. Making appropriate and evidence-based decisions Exploring how centres bring together the available evidence and identify the arrangement that addresses the candidate’s barrier. This session will include: • Understanding the evidence required for 25% extra time • Distinguishing between extra time and supervised rest breaks • Considering how technology can remove a candidate’s barrier • Recording the basis for the centre’s decision 4. Applying the regulations to more complex profiles Working through candidate profiles and evidence patterns where the appropriate decision may not be immediately obvious. Delegates will have opportunities to: • Apply the regulations to practical case studies • Consider conflicting or incomplete evidence • Explore the boundaries of professional judgement • Contribute anonymised profiles for discussion 5. Recording the rationale and preparing for inspection Ensuring that the evidence tells a clear and coherent story about the candidate’s needs, barriers, and use of their arrangements. This session will consider: • Recording the rationale clearly on Form 8, Form 9, and centre records • Creating a coherent evidence trail • Identifying gaps and inconsistencies in centre evidence • Reviewing arrangements and documentation with inspection readiness in mind 6. Technology in examinations: from regulatory requirements to practical implementation A practical workshop combining the relevant JCQ requirements with Everway’s technical expertise and experience of supporting centres. Lia will provide the regulatory context, with Everway contributing practical and technical guidance on implementation, logistics and the use of technology in practice. Questions and consolidation Questions are welcomed throughout the day. A dedicated Q&A and consolidation session will provide a further opportunity to explore the application of the current regulations and identify priorities for 2026–27.
Why attend in person?
The live online and on-demand versions provide focused three-hour core Masterclass training. The full-day face-to-face Masterclass provides additional time to apply the key messages through practical activities, case studies, complex profiles, discussion and questions throughout the day. It also includes a practical technology in examinations workshop with Everway. Delegates will have opportunities to review examples of evidence, consider how the requirements apply within their own centres, and explore areas in which the appropriate decision may not be immediately obvious. The Masterclass is deliberately designed as a small-scale, professionally focused training day, with cabaret-style seating to support discussion, collaboration, and networking. Face-to-face delegates also receive 60 days’ access to the separately recorded on-demand Masterclass. They will also be invited to attend the full live online Masterclass on 21 September, including Nick Lait’s live presentation and related Q&A, with access to the recording afterwards.
By the end of this Masterclass, you will be able to:
• Identify the relevant JCQ updates and clarifications for 2026–27 • Explain the planned timetable for revision and implementation of the AARA • Evaluate teacher feedback, student voice, normal way of working, and internal test or mock examination evidence • Support teachers to provide useful evidence without creating unnecessary workload • Explain the evidence required for 25% extra time • Distinguish between 25% extra time and supervised rest breaks • Consider how technology can be established as a candidate’s normal way of working • Apply the regulations to more complex candidate profiles • Record and justify decisions clearly on JCQ forms and centre records • Identify potential weaknesses within the centre’s evidence trail
Your place includes:
• Full-day face-to-face Masterclass in a small-scale setting • Practical technology in examinations workshop with Everway • Opportunities for discussion and questions, including a dedicated Q&A • 5 hours of SASC-authorised core CPD • Lunch • Tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival and during the morning and afternoon breaks • Cabaret-style tables to support networking and collaboration • Supporting materials and downloadable resources for use throughout the academic year • Knowledge check and CPD certificate • Invitation to attend the full Live Online Masterclass on 21 September • Access to the recording of the Live Online Masterclass • 60 days’ access to the separately recorded On-Demand Masterclass
Additional online and on-demand access
Your booking includes an invitation to attend the full live online Masterclass on Monday 21 September from 9.30am to 12.30pm. This includes Nick Lait’s live presentation and the related Q&A. The Zoom joining instructions will be added to your face-to-face Masterclass course area before the live online event. The recording will be added there afterwards for delegates who are unable to attend or would like to revisit the session. You will also receive 60 days’ access to the separately recorded on-demand Masterclass, allowing you to revisit the core training and supporting materials following the face-to-face event.
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 on-demand 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.
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. There are relevant ICE changes, March 2026 updates and supplementary guidance, and subsequent JCQ clarifications to understand. The Masterclass also focuses on how centres apply the current requirements in practice, including evidence, teacher feedback, student voice, 25% extra time, supervised rest breaks, technology, 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 focusing on selected questions relating to the current regulations. Q5. What additional live and recorded content will I receive? Face-to-face delegates are invited to attend the full live online Masterclass on 21 September from 9.30am to 12.30pm. The Zoom joining instructions and subsequent recording will be available within your face-to-face Masterclass course area. Delegates will also receive 60 days’ access to the separately recorded on-demand Masterclass. The face-to-face event itself will not be recorded. 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? Yes. Lunch is included. Tea, coffee and biscuits will also be available 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.
Book your place
Join the London 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 Lunch and refreshments included Practical technology in examinations workshop with Everway Places are limited to maintain the small-group, cabaret-style format. All delegates receive 60 days’ access to the on-demand version of the Masterclass following the event. A 10% discount is 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.