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Special dispensation

Arts Award's national qualifications support young people aged 7 – 25 to develop as artists and arts leaders.  They are specifically designed for young people within this age group however, occasionally, special dispensation may be made for individuals outside of the official age group to take part.

Special dispensation is awarded according to the following criteria and will be automatically granted when you confirm young people’s names for certification/moderation, providing the first two requirements below have been met.

Children under 7 at the point of certification/moderation
(for Discover/Explore)
• The young person must be 6 years old
• The young person must be working with a group where the majority are aged 7 - 25
• There should be a specific reason the group needs to complete their work/moderate before the young person turns 7

 

Young people under 11 at the point of moderation
(for Bronze/Silver/Gold)
• The young person must be 10 years old
• The young person must be working with a group where the majority are aged 11 - 25
• There should be a specific reason the group needs to moderate before the young person turns 11

 

Individuals over 25 at the point of moderation
• The individual must be 26
• The individual must be working with a group where the majority are aged 11 - 25
• The individual must have a valid reason for delay or starting late
• The individual must be able to commit to moderation within the agreed special dispensation timeline

It is very unusual for special dispensation to be granted in any other circumstances.  Therefore, if you are intending on offering Arts Award to an individual who will not, at the time of certification/moderation, meet the above criteria, we strongly advise that you contact us before you start.