GCSE options; My yr11 Autistic child wishes to reduce her options to 3 subjects instead of 4. This will be Drama that is removed, therefore allowing a study block session within her timetable. If she had her diagnosis at the time of selecting her options I understand that this may of been offered. Us requesting it now is these a reasonable adjustment and can the school refuse the change?
The school are saying that this is a big ask and that it won’t be possible.
A: SenseCheck
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- 0 No
- 1 Other
- 02 Oct 2025
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Other
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Simple
Can't answer yes or no.:
Under the Equality Act 2010, schools must not discriminate against pupils because of disability. Autism can amount to a disability under the Act where it has a substantial (more than minor or trivial) and long-term (lasting or expected to last at least 12 months) adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Does the timing of diagnosis matter?
No. The law does not require a formal diagnosis for a pupil to be protected. What matters is the existence of the impairment and its adverse effects. The fact that your daughter’s autism diagnosis was made after GCSE options were chosen is irrelevant. The school’s duty to make adjustments arises from the impairment itself, not from the date of diagnosis and when they knew of its existence and effects. .
You may be asked to identify your daughter’s impairments and the way they affect her daily life. This is reasonable, as it is part of establishing whether the duty applies. A formal diagnostic assessment is not required, but it can be very helpful evidence because it sets out the impairments and describes their practical effects.
GCSE options and reasonable adjustments
If taking four subjects places your daughter at a substantial disadvantage because of the effects of her impairments—for example, by leading to overload, fatigue, or heightened anxiety—the school must consider whether reducing her options to three would be a reasonable adjustment.
The duty to make reasonable adjustments is ongoing. Schools must keep the situation under review and respond when a pupil’s needs change or become clearer.
Adjustments are not limited to physical changes. They can include modifications to timetables, teaching approaches, or the structure of learning.
Can the school refuse?
The school may refuse only if it can demonstrate that the adjustment is not reasonable in the circumstances—for example, if it would seriously compromise curriculum delivery or create disproportionate difficulties.
Simply stating that the request is “a big ask” or “not possible” is not enough. The school must show it has carefully considered your daughter’s needs and weighed them against any genuine constraints.
A blanket refusal without proper consideration risks breaching the Equality Act.
Practical steps you can take
- Write formally to the Headteacher and SENCO, making it clear that you are requesting a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010.
- State the law: explain that the duty arises from your daughter’s impairments and their effects, not from the timing of her diagnosis.
- Provide supporting evidence (e.g. from her diagnostic assessment, an Educational Psychologist, CAMHS, GP, or other professionals) to show how a reduced subject load would remove disadvantage.
- Ask for written reasons if the school refuses your request.
If the matter is not resolved, escalate it through the school’s complaints process. If still unresolved, you can make a disability discrimination claim to the SEND Tribunal. Claims must normally be brought within six months of the act complained of (though this can cover continuing acts). The Tribunal cannot award financial compensation, but it can order practical remedies such as staff training, policy changes or an apology.
In summary: The date of diagnosis makes no difference. The Equality Act duty depends on your daughter’s impairments and their adverse effects. If taking four GCSEs places her at a disadvantage because of those impairments, the school must seriously consider reducing her options to three as a reasonable adjustment. Any refusal must be properly justified, not simply dismissed as inconvenient. You may be asked to identify her impairments and their impact, and her diagnostic assessment will assist in doing so. If the school continues to refuse, you can bring a disability discrimination claim to the SEND Tribunal within the required time limit.
Please let us know how you get on.
02 Oct 2025
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