Ofqual is investigating a growing gap between private and state schools in the use of exam access arrangements, Schools Week has reported.

42% of private school pupils get extra time, compared to 26.5% of state pupils.

Access arrangements for pupils allocated extra time to complete exams rose by 12.3%% last year, with three in ten pupils now granted extra time, usually 25%, for those with ADHD or dyslexia. Other special arrangements include a reader or access to modified papers.

Ofqual has been unable to say whether the statistics could be explained by the number of special schools in the independent sector.

The Financial Times reported that education secretary Bridget Phillipson voiced a “real concern to me there is such a big divide between the state and private system” and has asked Ofqual to investigate “why so many children require this support”.

Ofqual said that when publishing official statistics: “We look carefully at the figures and any implications for regulation.

“As the secretary of state has said, we are looking at recent changes in the data on access arrangements. We will consider what they show and how they should inform our regulatory approach.

“It is important that students receive the access arrangements they need to allow them to demonstrate what they know, understand and can do.”