About iSEND Exam Access & Specialist SEN Support

iSEND exists to provide clear, ethical assessment and practical SEND guidance for international schools, families and professionals who need robust evidence, trusted expertise and thoughtful follow-through.

Professional Background & Approach

With over 20 years’ experience in education, I am a UK-trained SEND specialist, qualified Exam Access Arrangements Assessor and cognitive assessment practitioner, supporting schools, families, and learners across international contexts.

I hold specialist PATOSS-aligned qualifications in Exam Access Arrangements, enabling me to carry out exam access assessments, cognitive testing and ability assessments to a high professional standard. I am trained and experienced in delivering assessments both face to face and online, using validated tools and protocols that ensure results retain the same reliability and validity as in-person testing.

My professional journey began as a secondary and sixth-form teacher and evolved through SEND leadership roles in a wide range of educational settings, including work across the UK, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. These experiences have shaped a practice that is culturally informed, internationally relevant and deeply responsive to the realities faced by modern schools and families. I am currently based in Lisbon, Portugal, working with clients locally and worldwide.

At the heart of my work is a belief that assessment should clarify, not complicate. I take a thoughtful, ethical approach to assessment and SEND support, ensuring that each piece of work has a clear purpose and leads to practical, meaningful outcomes. Whether supporting exam access arrangements, identifying SEND needs, or contributing to high-stakes professional reports, my focus is always on fairness, accuracy and impact.

I work closely with:

• international schools and leadership teams

• SENCOs and exams officers

• parents and carers

• students navigating learning differences

• families transitioning between education systems

All work is grounded in current statutory and professional frameworks, including the SEND Code of Practice, Children and Families Act, Equality Act and JCQ guidance, ensuring assessments and recommendations are robust, defensible and appropriate for their context.

My role is to bring clarity, confidence and professional integrity to SEND assessment and support; helping learners be understood, schools feel supported and families move forward with assurance.

At iSEND, inclusion is not a policy - it is a professional responsibility.

Ian Edwards
Founder – iSEND