This website is run by the Department for Education (DfE). We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For example, it is possible to:

• change colours, contrast levels and fonts
• zoom in up to 300% without the text spilling off the screen
• navigate most of the website using just a keyboard
• navigate most of the website using speech recognition software
• listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS and NVDA)

AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

We know some parts of this website are not fully accessible:

For screen reader users:

• some error text will only be read out by using the down arrow key
• cursor focus is not always at the top of the page when navigating through the pages with a keyboard only

When using a keyboard only:

• the keyboard focus indicator is not always visible so difficult for the user to navigate

For users with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities:

• not all the controls or graphics will be easy to distinguish

If you need information on this website in a different format:

• email ESFA.GOVUK-ENQUIRIES@education.gov.uk

We will consider your request and get back to you in 2 days.

We are always looking to improve the accessibility of this website. If you find any problems not listed on this page or think we are not meeting accessibility requirements, contact:

• email ESFA.GOVUK-ENQUIRIES@education.gov.uk

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you are not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

The Department for Education is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard.

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.

• the focus of the cursor does not return to the top of the page when the user navigates to the next page. This fails WCAG 2.1AA success criterion 2.4.3 (Navigable – Focus)
• the web pages cannot be navigated in more than one way. This fails WCAG 2.1AA success criterion 2.4.5 (Navigable – Multiple Ways)
• keyboard focus indicator is not always visible. This fails WCAG 2.1AA success criterion 2.4.7 (Navigable – Focus Visible)
• not all error text is announced to the user. This fails WCAG 2.1AA success criterion 3.3.1 (Input Assistance – Error Identification)
• label elements are not always attached to the controls they label, and control names are not always programmatically determined. This fails WCAG 2.1AA success criterion 4.1.2 (Robust – Name, Role, Value)

We are working on improvements so that:

• cursor focus is correctly positioned, and pages are easier to navigate
• all error text is read aloud to screen reader users

We plan to include these improvements for accessibility users by the end of December 2021

This statement was prepared on 19th August 2021.

This website was last tested on 20th May 2021. The test was carried out by the DfE.

Testing was carried out using:

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking (V15.4) is a voice recognition (speech to text) program used by people who may have upper limb disorders or specific problems using their hands. It requires minimal user interface from a mouse or keyboard
• JAWS (2021) is a screen reader (text to speech) program developed for users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. JAWS provides speech and Braille output for the most popular computer applications
• NVDA (2020) is a screen reader for users with sight loss or visual impairments
• Zoomtext (2021) is a fully integrated magnification and reading program tailored for low-vision users. It enlarges and enhances everything on screen, echoes typing and essential program activity, and reads screen content.

Testing was carried out considering the following disabilities:

• Keyboard Only User: The user has a motor impairment that limits them to using only a keyboard to operate a computer
• Voice Activation User: The user has a motor impairment that limits them to using only voice commands to operate a computer via assistive technology such as a microphone and dictation software
• Screen Reader User: The user has a visual impairment that limits them to using accessibility software such as a screen reader to operate a computer via keyboard control and feedback via audible descriptions of visual elements
• Low Vision User: The user has a visual impairment that limits their access to content presented at 100% magnification. The user utilises system/browser controls or accessibility software to increase screen magnification
• Deaf or Hard of Hearing User: The user has a hearing impairment that limits their access to audio content
• Learning Difficulties User: The user has a learning disability that limits their access to content that is presented in a way that requires a high level of literacy

Testing was undertaken:

• using 2 different screen reader packages as they often interact differently with a page
• using only keyboard commands and voice where applicable. A mouse or similar device was not used
• with consideration given to usability and neurodiversity
• in a structured way, often following a business process from beginning to end

Testing was undertaken with:

• the latest versions of IE11, Edge, Firefox, Chrome and Safari browsers
• Windows operating system
• Android, iPad and Mac devices