FOI_26-215 Medical students requesting adjustments in exams

Date of response: 29 September 2026

We have now considered your request of 07 September 2026 for the following information, in response to previous related request, our ref: FOI_26-177

Question 1. The number of requests for OSCE adjustments, the number of adjustments around neurodiversity and the number of pre-allocation adjustments broken down by year of study, as well as a list of examples of adjustments requested.

Our response:

OSCE Adjustments Number of students

Examples of adjustments requested

Adjustment for hearing impairment

• Actor/assessor aware

• Amplified stethoscope

• Quiet circuit

• Use of Roger mic

Vision impairment

• Adjusted font size

• Use of visual tools

Mobility issues

• Demonstrating clinical skills with patient on bed rather than floor

• Extra time for discrete components of the clinical exam

Inclusive practice for Neurodiversity

• Minimal Quarantine

• Minimal word count in the station candidates instructions

• Font size and coloured paper

• Station design has an inclusivity checklist before sign off

• Inclusivity included into the OSCE station so that 'extra time' is embedded in the station

Question 2. The total number of students who were declined reasonable adjustments broken down by: Number with reason clearly provided

A clearly provided reason being defined as a concise, clear explanation, tailored to the individual request and clearly linking back to the requirements of the equality act.

For example: After careful consideration, we are unable to grant an exemption from the venepuncture station. This station is a core clinical skill essential to the safe practice of medicine. Allowing the student to skip it would fundamentally change the nature of the assessment and compromise the ability to demonstrate competence.

Alternative reasonable adjustments, such as additional support or supervision

Our response:

• No adjustments to the demonstration of a clinical skill (can be adjustment to the way in which the competency is demonstrated)

• All clinical skills that are demonstrated are those outlined in the GMC Outcomes for Graduates

• No extra time is given for OSCE stations, only for discrete components as per individuals functional assessment

Question 3. Number of cases in which reasonable alternative adjustments were offered

Alternative reasonable adjustments are defined as a different method, arrangement, or support offered to a disabled student when their original adjustment request cannot reasonably be provided, with the purpose of removing or reducing the disadvantage caused by their disability.

The adjustment must be useful and effective for the student, it is not enough for it to exist on paper. The alternative must actually enable the student to

participate fully and fairly, achieving the same essential outcomes as the original request without compromising standards.

For example: Alternative reasonable adjustments, such as additional support or supervision sessions. Additionally, an adjustable chair and arm stabiliser may be provided to help the student complete the station safely

Our response:

All students met individually 1:1, and where appropriate functional assessment will be carried out by the Medical School

Additional Support is provided alongside reasonable adjustments

• Extra 1:1 tuition

• Extra quota of consumables to practice.

• Large prints

• Adjustments to routine examination techniques

• Occupational health guidance sought in the more complex individual cases

Question 4. Number of cases in which the student expressed that the alternative adjustment was or was not sufficient or suitable.

Our response:

One case where a student requested a second opinion from another occ health provider.

Question 5. a summary procedure of how promptly we expect to respond to a request for reasonable adjustments.

Our response:

For clinical exam reasonable adjustments prospective students are offered a meeting with the medical schools senior adviser and anticipatory adjustments put in place prior to the start of the academic year. On declaration of a disability students ae offered a meeting within one week of contacting the senior adviser and adjustments are in place within a day or so after the meeting.

Question 6. a list of examples of adjustments requested.

Our response:

Adjustment for hearing impairment

• Actor/assessor aware

• Amplified stethoscope

• Quiet circuit

• Use of Roger mic

Vision impairment

• Adjusted font size

• Use of visual tools

Mobility issues

• Demonstrating clinical skills with patient on bed rather than floor

• Extra time for discrete components of the clinical exam

Inclusive practice for Neurodiversity

• Minimal Quarantine

• Minimal word count in the station candidates instructions

• Font size and coloured paper

• Station design has an inclusivity checklist before sign off

• Inclusivity included into the OSCE station so that 'extra time' is embedded in the station