Accessibility statement for Find & Explore public portal

The website is run by the Department for Education (DfE). We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For example, it is possible to:

  • change colours, contrast levels and fonts
  • zoom in up to 400% without the text spilling off the screen
  • navigate the website using just a keyboard
  • navigate most of the website using speech recognition software
  • listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS and NVDA)

We’ve also made the website text as simple as possible to understand.

AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

How accessible this website is

We know some parts of this website are not fully accessible:

For screen reader users:

  • form fields do not have labels that explain what the field is for
  • headings are not marked up properly in the page code
  • tables contain header cells without any text
  • the close button is read out by screen readers as “x same page link”
  • some parts of the page link to labels or descriptions that do not exist
  • the branding logo in the form includes links that do not have any text or description

For keyboard only users:

when a pop up window is open, keyboard users can still move to content behind

Feedback and contact information

You can email dci.accessibility@education.gov.uk if you need to contact us about this accessibility statement, for example:

  • to request information on this website in a different format – we’ll consider your request and get back to you in 5 working days
  • to report an accessibility problem not listed on this page

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

Technical information about this website’s accessibility

The Department for Education is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

Compliance status

The website has been tested against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standard.

This website is not compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed under ‘Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations’.

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

  • form fields do not have labels that explain what the field is for so screen reader users may not know what information they are being asked to enter – this fails WCAG 2.2AA success criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships, 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions and 4.1.2 Name. Role, Value
  • headings are not marked up properly in the page code making it harder for people using screen readers to understand the structure of the page and navigate it – this fails WCAG 2.2AA success criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships and 2.4.6 Headings and Labels
  • some parts of the page link to labels or descriptions that do not exist which can stop assistive technologies from giving users the correct information - this fails WCAG 2.2AA success criterion 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value
  • tables contain header cells without any text making it difficult for screen reader users to understand what information the table is showing – this fails WCAG 2.2AA success criterion 1.3.1 Information and Relationships
  • the branding logo in the form includes links that do not have any text or description so screen reader users may not understand where these links go or what they are for – this fails WCAG 2.2AA success criterion 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context)
  • the close button is read out by screen readers as “x same page link”, which does not clearly explain what the button does – this fails WCAG 2.2AA success criterion 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value and 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context)
  • when a pop up window is open, keyboard users can still move to content behind which can be confusing and make the page difficult to use without a mouse – this fails WCAG 2.2AA success criterion 2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap, 2.4.7 Focus Visible, 2.4.3 Focus Order and 1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence

What we’re doing to improve accessibility

To improve accessibility we will:

  • work to resolve the WCAG failures during 2026/27
  • continue to test the web application complies with the WCAG 2.2AA standard as enhancements or changes are made
  • perform an annual accessibility audit and publish an updated accessibility statement

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 19 January 2026.

This website was last tested and a full audit conducted between 14 and 19 November 2025 against the WCAG 2.2 AA standard.

The test was carried out by DfE.

Testing was carried out using:

  • Dragon NaturallySpeaking 2023 which is a voice recognition (speech to text) program used by people who may have upper limb disorders or specific problems using their hands - it requires minimal user interface from a mouse or keyboard
  • JAWS (2025), which is a screen reader (text to speech) program developed for users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse - JAWS provides speech and Braille output for the most popular computer applications
  • NVDA (2024), which is a screen reader for users with sight loss or visual impairments
  • Zoomtext (2025), which is a fully integrated magnification and reading program tailored for low-vision users - it enlarges and enhances everything on screen, echoes typing and essential program activity, and reads screen content

Testing was carried out considering the following disabilities:

  • keyboard only user – a user who has a motor impairment that limits them to using only a keyboard to operate a computer
  • voice activation user - a user who has a motor impairment that limits them to using only voice commands to operate a computer via assistive technology such as a microphone and dictation software
  • screen reader user - a user who has a visual impairment that limits them to using accessibility software such as a screen reader to operate a computer via keyboard control and feedback via audible descriptions of visual elements
  • low vision user - a user who has a visual impairment that limits their access to content presented at 100% magnification and utilises system controls, browser controls or accessibility software to increase screen magnification
  • deaf or hard of hearing user - a user who has a hearing impairment that limits their access to audio content
  • learning difficulties user - a user who has a learning disability that limits their access to content that is presented in a way that requires a high level of literacy

Testing methodology and browser compatibility

Testing was undertaken:

  • using 2 different screen reader packages as they often interact differently with a page
  • using only keyboard commands and voice where applicable - a mouse or similar device was not used
  • with consideration given to usability and neurodiversity
  • in a structured way, often following a business process from beginning to end

Testing was undertaken with:

  • the latest versions of Edge, Firefox, Chrome and Safari browsers
  • Windows operating system