Inclusive Extra Time in Exams – What This Means for You  

At Sheffield Hallam, exam timings already include 25% extra time for all students as part of an inclusive approach.  

This means that if your Learning Contract recommends 25% extra time, this support has already been included in the exam duration shown on your timetable. You are still receiving your adjustment.  

Students with and without a Learning Contract may therefore finish at the same time. This does not mean your support has been removed. It means that the extra time has been built into the exam for everyone.  

Only students who need more than 25% extra time will have a longer exam duration than other students and this can only be arranged in limited circumstances by adding to your Learning Contract.  

Why does the University do this?  

The University recognises that many students benefit from additional time in exams for a wide range of reasons, including processing speed, anxiety, concentration, reading or writing difficulties, and physical or health conditions.  

By including 25% extra time for all students:  

• Students who need 25% extra time receive it. 

• Students who would benefit but do not disclose a disability also receive support . 

• Students do not need to request or provide evidence for this level of support .

• Students who require more than 25% extra time can receive additional support needed. 

This approach helps reduce barriers for many students while still providing additional adjustments where required.

Does this give other students an unfair advantage?  

No. Extra time helps remove barriers — it does not increase knowledge or ability.  

• Exams are designed with this timing in place  

• All students are marked using the same criteria and standards  

• Students who require more than 25% extra time still receive additional support

Extra time allows students to demonstrate what they know; it does not give anyone extra knowledge or answers.