As a teacher and parent in Northern Ireland, I have witnessed firsthand the overwhelming stress placed on pupils and their families, as well as on education staff, due to the inadequate time limits on exams, particularly the post-primary and transfer tests. The current system forces children into a high-pressure environment that is not conducive to learning or fair assessment of their abilities.

Exams with tightly constrained time limits put students, especially those with learning difficulties, at a significant disadvantage. These limitations exacerbate stress and anxiety for students and parents alike, often necessitating costly, time-consuming referrals and assessments to justify the need for 'extra time.' In many cases, this labelling can lead to stigma and negatively impact a child's self-confidence.

Teachers and SENCOs are burdened with extensive paperwork required to secure these reasonable adjustments for students, diverting their time and focus from education to bureaucracy. Precious teaching hours that could be harnessed for meaningful student engagement are instead consumed by administrative tasks and justifying the need for extensions that should inherently be part of a fair and supportive educational framework.

Evidence from educational researchers worldwide indicates that allowing more flexible time on exams leads to a more accurate assessment of a student’s capabilities, promoting equity and inclusivity. An extended timeline would also align with global educational best practices, fostering an environment where all students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills without the added pressure of a restrictive clock.

I urge educational authorities in Northern Ireland to consider extending time limits for all exams. This actionable change will not only alleviate stress for students and parents but will also allow educational staff to devote their energy to teaching and nurturing students rather than managing unnecessary administrative burdens.

Let's create a better, more sensible and more compassionate educational environment for our children. Please sign this petition to support extending the time limits for post-primary and transfer tests in Northern Ireland, ensuring every learner is offered an equal opportunity to succeed.