Special considerations

What to do when illness or personal circumstances affect your performance in an assessment.

Last updated 2 November 2026

Contents

Purpose

To ensure fairness and equity for those who face temporary challenges such as illness, personal loss, or other significant disruptions during their assessment window or course of study.

This policy applies to all learners of NSA who experience unforeseen circumstances beyond their control that may adversely affect their academic performance in their assessment, or prevent them from studying for significant amounts of time during the course.
This policy is a general statement of our approach to special considerations. It does not set out how we will approach every situation. Special considerations will be tailored to the individuals requesting them and the relevant circumstances.

Special considerations may be granted in situations where a student’s ability to complete assessments or meet the overall course deadline is significantly impacted. Examples of eligible circumstances may include, but are not limited to:
- Medical Conditions: Temporary illnesses such as severe influenza, injury, or recovery from surgery. This does not include minor illnesses like common colds or mild discomfort.
- Bereavement: The death of a close family member or loved one.
- Personal Hardship: Significant personal crises such as a family emergency, accident, or other unexpected events.
- Environmental Disturbances: Unforeseen disruptions during assessments that materially affect academic performance.

Applications must be submitted at least three (3) calendar days before the assessment is due. Save for exceptional circumstances, applications after this point will not be considered.
Students must request a Special Considerations Request Form, complete the form and submit it to support@nationalsafetyacademy.co.uk.
A decision will be provided to the student within three working days.
Where a request is declined, written reasons for the refusal will be given.

If approved, adjustments may include:
- An extended deadline for submission of the affected assessment.
- Alternative assessment opportunities without applying the resubmission and late submission policies.

Applications must be submitted at least six weeks before the course deadline.
Students must request a Special Considerations Request Form, complete the form and submit it to support@nationalsafetyacademy.co.uk.
A decision will be provided to the student within five working days.
Where a request is declined, written reasons for the refusal will be given.

If approved, adjustments may include:
- An extended deadline for completion of the course.

If you are unhappy with all or part of our decision about a request for a special consideration, or the way in which we handled the request, then you can submit a complaint to complaints@nationalsafetyacademy.co.uk.

NSA record special considerations that have been requested and/or made. These records may be used to review and improve the quality of the services that we provide.