Extenuating Circumstances – A Practical Guide

Extenuating circumstances refer to serious, unexpected events outside a learner’s control that prevent them from fulfilling the requirements of their course or assessment. These situations may lead to a student being unable to:

• Submit all or part of their continuous assessment by the stated deadline

What Counts as Extenuating Circumstances?

Examples of circumstances that may be accepted include:

• Being involved in an accident
• Being the victim of a crime
• Experiencing an acute illness or managing a significant ongoing medical condition
• Caring for, or coping with, the life-threatening illness of a close family member or partner
• Bereavement of a close family member or partner
• Serious personal or emotional difficulties
• Major domestic disruption at the time of assessment (such as fire, burglary, or eviction)

What Is Not Normally Accepted?

Some issues are unlikely to be considered valid grounds for an extenuating circumstances claim. These typically include:

-Attendance at social events, including weddings or debs

-Common symptoms linked to exam stress (such as anxiety or sleep problems)

-Minor illnesses, for example a cold

-Relationship problems

-Financial pressures

-Holidays taken during the academic term

-Accommodation difficulties

-Misreading or misunderstanding the exam timetable

-Work commitments, whether paid or voluntary

-IT or computer problems

-English not being a first language

-Having several assessments close together

-Poor study planning or time management

-Sporting activities or commitments

If you wish to discuss your reasons for extension, please contact us directly https://aspiretraining.ie/contact-us/