Student with cerebral palsy completes GCSEs using eye-tracking technology
Patrick McCabe, a 16-year-old student at Fallibroome Academy in Macclesfield, Cheshire, completed his GCSE exams over four months using eye-tracking technology. McCabe, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, has since begun A-level courses in French, business and media studies, according to the Guardian.
Patrick McCabe, a 16-year-old student with cerebral palsy, completed his GCSE examinations this summer using eye-tracking technology, according to the Guardian. His exams took four months to complete.
McCabe attends Fallibroome Academy in Macclesfield, Cheshire. The report describes him moving between lessons in his wheelchair with fellow pupils during the early autumn.
McCabe has since started A-level studies in French, business and media studies. The report presents his GCSE result as an example of both the possibilities and limits of support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
What specific accommodations and support were required for the examinations to take four months?
How accessible are similar eye-tracking arrangements to other students with complex communication needs?
What criteria were used to assess the technology’s reliability during the examinations?
How might extended examination periods affect students’ wellbeing and progression?
What further support will be available to McCabe during his A-level courses?
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GLOBAL CURIOSITY MAP · SEPTEMBER 2026