Supporting ākonga with particular learning needs
If you have a physical, medical, sensory, learning, or psychological challenge, you may be eligible for assistance with your NCEA assessments. This is known as Special Assessment Conditions (SAC).
On this page
How SAC works
Applications for SAC are made by schools to NZQA for their ākonga. SACs can include being allowed to have someone read, write or type for you. This person cannot be a family member, family friend or additional teacher/tutor.
Commonly approved SACs
- reader and/or writer
- computer use
- separate accommodation
- extra time
Learn more about special assessment conditions on the NZQA website.
Conditions covered under SAC
- anxiety
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- cerebral palsy
- depression
- dysgraphia – difficulties with written language
- dyslexia – difficulties with reading and processing words
- dyspraxia – difficulties with motor function
- vision impairment
Visit the NZQA website for a full list of conditions that are covered.
How to apply for SAC
Applying for special assessment conditions is based your enrolment with Te Kura.
- Full-time, young adult and fee-paying ākonga
NZQA has strict guidelines about who is able to have these special arrangements. You will need to provide evidence of your disability from an independent assessment or medical report.
Suitable evidence would include:
- a recent SPELD or cognitive assessment report (less than three years old) for learning needs
- a report from a registered psychologist or medical practitioner, depending on the disability, for medical, physical and sensory needs.
- Primary dual ākonga
If you are enrolled with Te Kura and attending a face-to-face primary school, follow the instructions for full-time, young adult and fee-paying ākonga.
We recommend contacting the Learning Support team at your main school because they may hold information that can be used as evidence for the SAC application.
- Secondary dual ākonga
If you are enrolled with Te Kura and attending a face-to-face secondary school, you must apply for SAC through your main school.
Please let your Te Kura kaiako know you are approved for SAC.
Transferring SAC to Te Kura
If you had SAC approved at your previous school, we can request your SAC entitlement to be transferred to Te Kura. Please let our Qualifications team know as soon as possible.
If you had a reader or writer at your previous school, our Learning Support team will help organise a new reader or writer for you once the SACs are transferred to Te Kura.
External exams with SAC
Some SACs are only used in exam situations, such as separate accommodation or rest breaks.
Even though you might not need SACs during the year for internal assessments, please let our Qualifications team know about your SACs as soon as possible.
Ready to apply for SAC?
Contact our Qualifications team with any queries or to make an application.
Phone: 0800 65 99 88 option 3 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm)
Email: sac@tekura.school.nz