Cognition and Ability Testing

Understanding how a student learns

At iSEND Exam Access & Specialist Support, cognitive and ability assessment is used to build a clear, balanced understanding of how a learner thinks, processes information, and engages with learning.

Assessment is not about labels.
It is about clarity - for the student, the family, and the educators supporting them.

Why Cognitive & Ability Assessment Matters

When a student is struggling, academically, emotionally, or in assessments; it is not always clear why.
Cognitive and SEND needs testing helps to identify strengths, barriers, and patterns of learning that may not be visible in the classroom alone.

A well-conducted assessment can help:

  • students understand how they learn best

  • parents gain clarity and reassurance

  • teachers differentiate more effectively

  • schools plan targeted, appropriate support

  • exam access needs to be identified ethically and accurately

  • transitions between schools or education systems to be managed smoothly

Assessment provides a shared language for understanding need - replacing guesswork with evidence.

What Is Assessed

Each assessment is bespoke and designed around the individual student.
There is no one-size-fits-all battery.

Depending on the purpose of assessment, areas explored may include:

  • Cognitive strengths and challenges

  • Working memory

  • Processing speed

  • Phonological processing

  • Literacy-related skills

  • Executive functioning (organisation, planning, attention, self-regulation)

  • Dyslexia indicators and learning differences

A range of standardised assessments may be used, including (but not limited to):

  • CTOPP-2

  • TOMAL-2

  • DASH

  • GL Assessment tools

The type, number, and duration of assessments are always determined through consultation with parents and/or teachers, with the purpose of assessment clearly agreed in advance.

A Thoughtful, Ethical Assessment Process

Assessment at iSEND is always:

  • purposeful

  • proportionate

  • ethically grounded

  • developmentally appropriate

  • sensitive to multilingual and international contexts

We assess what is needed - and no more than is needed.

After the Assessment: What You Receive

Following assessment, families and schools receive a clear, professionally written summary report that focuses on understanding and application; not just scores.

The report includes:

  • a clear explanation of the student’s learning profile

  • identified strengths and areas of difficulty

  • interpretation of results in plain language

  • practical recommendations for classroom practice

  • strategies to support learning and assessment

  • guidance linked to exam access arrangements (where appropriate)

Where needed, a sample Individual Support Plan (ISP) is also provided to help schools translate assessment findings into meaningful provision.

Online & Face-to-Face Assessment

Ian has completed additional specialist training that qualifies him to conduct online cognitive and ability assessments with the same validity and reliability as face-to-face testing.

Assessment delivery options

  • Portugal: face-to-face assessments available

  • Spain & all other countries: assessments conducted online

  • Online assessments are carefully structured, secure, and evidence-based

This flexibility is a key strength of iSEND, allowing high-quality assessment to be accessible regardless of location.

How These Assessments Are Used

Cognitive and SEND needs testing can support:

  • Exam access arrangements

  • Targeted SEND provision

  • Classroom differentiation

  • IB learning profiles

  • Transitions between education systems or countries

  • Planning support for multilingual learners

Importantly, reports focus on actionable guidance, not labels.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cognitive & Ability Testing

How do I know if my child needs cognitive or SEND testing?

Testing may be helpful if a child is:

  • working significantly below expectations

  • struggling despite appropriate teaching and support

  • experiencing high levels of anxiety around learning or exams

  • finding tasks disproportionately effortful

  • showing uneven strengths and weaknesses

  • transferring between education systems

  • being considered for exam access arrangements

A consultation can help determine whether assessment is appropriate.

Can assessments be completed online?

Yes.
Online assessments are conducted using validated tools and structured protocols.

  • Face-to-face: available in Portugal

  • Online: available worldwide

Both formats produce reliable, meaningful results.

How long does the assessment take?

This varies depending on:

  • the student’s age

  • the areas being assessed

  • the agreed purpose of assessment

Timing is discussed clearly during consultation.

Will the report be accepted by schools?

Reports are written in a professional, school-friendly format and are designed to support:

  • SEND planning

  • exam access arrangements

  • classroom differentiation

  • discussions with SENCOs and teachers

Does assessment mean a diagnosis?

Assessment may identify indicators of learning differences, such as dyslexia, but the primary aim is understanding and support, not labelling.

Next Steps

If you are considering assessment and would like to discuss whether it is appropriate, a consultation is the best place to start. 

At iSEND, assessment is not about finding what is “wrong” - it is about understanding how a learner can be best supported to succeed.