Changes to HSC exam provisions in line with independent review

Changes support students and reduce workload for teachers

Firstly, the review emphasised prioritising students’ strengths, reducing stigma and promoting inclusion, so we have renamed the program the HSC Exam Provisions Program. The new name reflects our commitment to supporting all students who need provisions to participate in their HSC exams, focusing on ability, equity and accessibility.

In 2026, we are focused on enhancing our communication by redesigning our website and the resources on it, which are now available. We have already:

• overhauled all web pages and public-facing materials
• developed a searchable library of provisions, including what supporting information is needed for each
• categorised provisions to allow users to search by condition or disability, exam needs or type of provision
• updated the form for medical specialists
• clarified the supporting documents families and schools need to submit.

These initial changes will help schools, families and students understand eligibility, timelines and available supports.

We are also making changes to the application process. We have already reduced the number of teacher comments needed. Now, applications only need comments from 2 teachers, rather than comments from teachers in each course. This will significantly reduce teachers’ workloads. 

New eligibility criteria broaden access to computers

We have revised the eligibility criteria to broaden access to computers for exams. This change applies to students sitting the HSC exams in 2026 and beyond. The changes simplify the application process for students who can’t communicate with a writer.

We have started work, but there is more to do

We have started implementing the review’s actions in stages – our response to the recommendations details our approach.

What is next?

We will keep improving equity and accessibility, but these changes will not affect students applying for provisions for the 2026 HSC exams.

We will develop new support mechanisms to provide schools with more targeted support and help schools identify students who might not otherwise apply for the program. And we want to work with sectors to support students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and regional or remote areas who may want to apply for the program.

We are prioritising changes that:

• will benefit students who need exam provisions
• will benefit schools
• improve equitable access to the program
• can happen in a reasonable timeframe.

To support implementation and advise us, we have set up a school sector working group.

We are committed to:

• supporting schools, families and students better
• working closely with the sectors to ensure the program is accessible to all eligible students
• communicating changes and the timeframes that apply proactively.

We are always committed to equity and accessibility

Urbis, the independent evaluator, held over 50 workshops, consulting extensively with individuals and groups across education, community and school sectors. This included almost 700 recent HSC graduates, parents and carers.

The review found that our current assessment and decision-making process is rigorous and evidence based. Our current process supports students to participate fully and maintains the HSC’s integrity and value.

The review also sets out 8 recommendations and 43 suggested actions that we will start working on in 2026.

2025 Independent review findings and our response

Read Urbis’s report and our response to the recommendations:

Previous reviews of the program are available

The following reports are about previous program reviews.

Related resources