SEND and accessibility

At Pearson we celebrate differences.

We strive to remove barriers for learners, creating equitable experiences for those with diverse needs, including disabilities, neurodiversity, and varied communication and language needs.

Qualifications and assessments

Qualifications

Our qualifications are designed to be accessible for all learners. See some examples of how we’re changing them to reflect the diverse range of backgrounds and learning styles of students today.

GCSE English Language 2.0 GCSE Maths GCSE French, German and Spanish 2024

Onscreen assessment

We’re working alongside the education community to harness technology where it can positively impact schools' and students' assessment experiences.  

Discover more

Exam special requirements

Some candidates may have special needs during their examinations. In such cases, centres can apply for special requirements on their behalf. 

Find out more

Clinical assessment

Discover our range of resources and assessments that can help support children and young adults with their mental health or Special Educational Needs. 

Learn more

Modified papers research findings

We continually strive to improve our services, support schools, and ensure our qualifications are accessible to all. Between 2022 and 2024, we researched modified GCSE exam papers, interviewing students with additional access needs to better understand their use and promote inclusivity in education.

Read our case studies

Teaching and learning resources

British Sign Language Time

British Sign Language Time

Action on Hearing Loss worked with the UK’s best known sign song performer to produce a series of fun and educational videos teaching the basics of British Sign Language.

Learn more about BSL

Succeeding with SEND

Succeeding with SEND

Explore the journeys of SEND students in an exclusive series, delving into diagnosis and the support they received to enable them to succeed throughout their education.

Watch the series

Nasen's free membership

A charitable membership organisation that exists to support and champion those working with, and for, children and young people with SEND and learning differences.

Find out more

What does inclusion mean to you?

What does inclusion mean to you?

"Everyone's achieving at their own pace, in their own way. Being accepted, no matter what."

We asked teachers and students what inclusion means to them.

Download the infographic

Products

Explore our intervention, SEN and assessment products to support primary and secondary aged learners.

Mental health and wellbeing

Packed with resources suitable for teachers, parents and young people. You’ll be able to find resources from advice on coping with anxiety to fun activities to support wellbeing. 

Explore the space

Latest blogs

  • Teacher helping two students

    Reflecting on Diversity and Inclusion in Schools

    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Dr Ben Dunn - Head of Impact and Insights, Magic Breakfast

    Pearson’s 2020 report on diversity and inclusion in schools brought to light significant findings that directly resonated with Magic Breakfast’s mission of ensuring that no child starts their school day too hungry to learn. Diversity and inclusion are not just about what is taught, but also how schools support every child to thrive both academically and personally.

  • Digital Assessment Research: Mode Comparability

    Student performance across onscreen and paper-based exams

    We believe that exams should be a fair and accurate reflection of students’ performance – regardless of whether an exam is taken onscreen or on paper.

    That’s why our research focuses on many aspects of comparability – including student performance across paper and digital exams.

  • Digital Assessment Research: Text Styling and Formatting

    We believe that all students should be able to best show what they know and can do in exams – regardless of whether the exam is taken onscreen or on paper.   

    That’s why we’re continuously researching and gathering feedback to better understand and inform how we can enhance accessibility and inclusion in exams – including through text styling and formatting.