Rest Breaks

Rest breaks are pre-arranged periods of time, typically 30 minutes, to allow you a period of rest during an examination.

  • You can use as much or as little of your rest break allocation as you wish at one time e.g., 1 break of 30 minutes, 3 of 10 minutes, 6 of 5 minutes etc. 
  • Rest breaks can be taken at any time during the exam, including within the first 30 minutes. 
  • If you do not need to take a break, you would work through your standard assessment duration; you do not have to take a break if you do not need to.

How to use breaks for in-person assessments

Raise your hand to alert the invigilator.

The invigilator will pause your assessment time and accompany you to the rest break area. You must not talk about work or the assessment during your rest break, and you will not be allowed to access unauthorised items.

When you are ready to return to the exam, the invigilator will accompany you back to the room and start your exam time again.

How to use breaks for remote/on-line assessments

Student Records and Operations will advise you prior to each Semester’s assessment period how your rest breaks will be allocated/used.

For in-class assessments, you should contact your departmental administrator to ask for details on how breaks are being managed.

What to do next?

You should check your current exam adjustments via your self-service portal here.

If they are not as you are expecting, please contact us by email or phoning on 01509 222765 with the stated deadlines in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what adjustments I’ve already got in place at University?

Visit your self-service page here and view the ‘disability’ tab

What paperwork do you need from me to arrange exam support?

For more information please view our SWAI Evidence Policy

Will adjustments stay in place for the duration of my studies?

Yes, they will. This includes upon your return from any placement or LOA etc.

I had a rest breaks for School exams, will I automatically get this for my University exams?

No, you will need to register with SWAI and be reassessed.

I think I might need rest breaks for my exams, what should I do?

Please contact studentinclusion@lboro.ac.uk or Studentwellbeing@lboro.ac.uk to request the adjustment you require. One of our advisers will review your request.

Last Updated: 13th December 2022