Can a school charge for special assessment conditions like extra time?

Special assessment conditions for national assessments are managed through NZQA and are generally free for the student. Schools apply on behalf of eligible students who have a recognised barrier that is likely to have a serious impact on their performance, supported by evidence such as a specialist or medical report. If approved, conditions such as extra time, a reader-writer, rest breaks or the use of assistive technology can be granted for internal and external assessments, and there is no NZQA fee to families for standard applications. Any cost you have been asked to pay is more likely for the initial specialist assessment or report used as evidence, and pathways such as public health referrals may reduce that cost. Ask the school's special assessment conditions coordinator to explain the timeline and evidence needed well before assessment periods, since applications must be lodged in advance.