Results day and appeals

Also called Review of marking, Remark, Appeal

What happens when results arrive, and what you can do if one looks wrong. Deadlines are short.

What it is

Results are issued on set days in August. If a grade looks wrong there is a defined process: first a clerical re-check, then a review of marking, then an appeal to the board and finally to Ofqual's independent body.

Where it applies

Any candidate. Requests normally go through your centre rather than direct to the board.

How it works

A clerical re-check confirms the marks were added and recorded correctly. A review of marking has an examiner check the marking against the mark scheme — it can lower a grade as well as raise it, and you must consent to that risk.

Deadlines fall within weeks of results day and are strict. Priority reviews exist for candidates whose university place depends on the outcome.

You can also ask to see your marked script, which is often more useful than a review because it shows where the marks went.

How to use it in your work

Talk to the school on results day, not a fortnight later. The deadlines are the binding constraint.

Ask for the script first if there is time. If the marking looks reasonable, a review is unlikely to change it.

If you narrowly missed a university offer, ring the university before deciding anything — they may hold the place pending a priority review, and they may not need it at all.

Where to get help

Your exams officer, who runs the whole process. JCQ publishes the post-results services rules; Ofqual explains appeals.