How to query my results
Last updated on: 05/08/2008
A number of options are available to you if you feel your GCSE or A-Level exam results are incorrect.
What should I do if I or my teacher think I have not been given the correct exam results?
You should ask your school or college (your centre) to contact the awarding body to request an enquiry about results (EAR). An EAR can cover a range of services from a clerical check to a review of the original marking of an exam paper or the re-moderation of coursework. The outcome of an EAR may lead to your overall grade being confirmed, raised or lowered. If a re-moderation request is made, a grade may only be confirmed or raised.
It is not possible for you or your parents/carers to make such an enquiry directly to the awarding body. However, if you are a private (external) candidate you can contact the awarding body yourself.
Your centre can also ask the awarding body for your marked scripts. For A level and AEA candidates only, a photocopy of a script can be requested prior to deciding whether to request an EAR. This service is not available for GCSE candidates. Please note that if an original A level script is returned an EAR may not then be requested.
If you are unhappy with the outcome of the EAR, your centre can lodge an appeal with the awarding body. An awarding body’s appeals process is in two stages. It must first carry out a preliminary appeals process to review all aspects of the case and then, if the centre or candidate remains dissatisfied with the outcome, a formal appeal hearing is conducted.
What happens if I lose my appeal and I am still dissatisfied?
Once the awarding body’s appeals process has been exhausted, a centre or private (external) candidate may be able to take the case to the independent Examinations Appeals Board (EAB). The EAB is the final point of contact in the appeals process for general qualifications. Further information can be found on the EAB website (opens in new window).
The following diagram gives an overview of the processes above, outlining how to raise an enquiry about results (EAR), lodge an appeal or present a case to the independent Examinations Appeals Board (EAB).
