2.6 Subject criteria set out the requirements that must be met when an awarding organisation develops a qualification, such as GCSE Mathematics. There are subject criteria for GCSEs, GCEs (A/AS level), principal learning and functional skills available on our website.¹⁶

2.7 Where subject criteria have been recently reviewed, the approach to reasonable adjustments has been considered as part of the review process, and the approach has been set out within the subject criteria. In some subject criteria the approach to reasonable adjustments has been set out in a section known as an ‘inclusion sheet’.

2.8 Subject criteria were previously developed by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. Since April 2010, we have taken on responsibility for publishing subject criteria. It is our intention to ensure that subject criteria are assessed for accessibility and inclusion as they are reviewed in future. It is likely that subject criteria will be revised following the current National Curriculum Review, which will continue until approximately March 2012.

2.9 Where appropriate, it is preferable for any subject criteria review for accessibility/inclusion to be undertaken in conjunction with criteria reviews which may follow the National Curriculum Review. It is important to minimise the number of new issues of subject criteria, in order both to provide stability withinthe qualifications system for learners and schools, and to reduce burdens on awarding organisations.