An MP in South Somerset has warned that the current exam system is failing thousands of neurodiverse children.
Adam Dance, the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, raised the issue during a Westminster Hall debate this week, calling for urgent reform to make the system fairer for young people with dyslexia, ADHD, and other neurodiverse traits.
He said: "With severe ADHD and dyslexia, I struggled at school and I hated exams.
"The current system does have a role to play, but it’s far from perfect."
Mr Dance argued that the exam model prioritises memory, recall, and fluent reading and writing, while undervaluing creativity, problem-solving, and practical skills.
He said: "Just two in ten students with special educational needs achieved a grade 5 or above in English and Maths GCSE last year, compared to over half of those without.
"That’s an attainment gap of over 30 per cent."
He called for a wide-ranging package of reforms, including early identification through universal screening, better teacher training on neurodiversity, more flexible assessments, improved access to assistive technology, and mental health professionals in every school.
Mr Dance also urged the government to remove marks for spelling, punctuation, and grammar from non-English exams and to expand vocational pathways.
He cited Yeovil College as an example of inclusive, practical education in action.
His speech builds on his ongoing parliamentary campaign to improve support for children with special educational needs.
In September, he introduced a Ten Minute Rule Bill calling for universal screening for neurodivergent traits in primary schools and mandatory teacher training on neurodiversity.
Mr Dance said: "Every child deserves the chance to succeed in an education system that recognises their strengths, not one that punishes their differences.
"Reforming our assessment system is vital if we want to unlock every child’s potential and close the attainment gap once and for all."
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