Readers and Scribes

Readers/Scribes must abide by the regulations since failure to do so could lead to the disqualification of the candidate.   

They are not able to guide a candidate through their exam paper.   It is the child’s responsibility to direct the exam and to instruct the facilitator. 

Readers can read the instructions on the question paper and the questions to the candidate but must not explain or clarify. This may involve reading the whole paper or the candidate may request only some words to be read.

For GCSE English Language or Functional Skills and Entry Level English Reading Papers – Candidates entitled to a Reader, a human reader is not permitted (in section A for GCSE or the entire paper for Functional Skills/Entry Level).  However, candidates can opt to use a Computer Reader or a Reading Pen – for which they have been assessed – and can practise in English lessons. 

Scribes write down or word processes the candidate’s dictated answers.  Candidates are expected to dictate punctuation and grammar, identifying when headings and new paragraphs are required.  Scribes may not add punctuation/grammar unless it is dictated by the candidate. 

Candidates using a Scribe can access marks for Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar (SPAG) dependent on if they dictate their spelling, punctuation and grammar.  A JCQ Scribe Cover Sheet is attached to scripts indicating what was dictated during the exam. 

For more information on what the Readers and Scribes can and cannot do please see the below memory aids: