GCSE Results: How to Request a Review or Appeal
We want all students to feel confident that their GCSE grades reflect their performance. If you believe your child’s result is not correct, there is a formal process you can follow. All reviews and appeals must be submitted through the school.
Please read the guidance below carefully, as outcomes can go up, stay the same, or go down.
- Step One – Speak to school staff
If you are concerned about a GCSE grade, please contact the school as soon as possible after results day. We will discuss your concerns, check the information we hold, and advise you on the best next steps.
- Step Two – Request a Review of Marking
If, after discussion, you wish to proceed, the school will request a Review of Results from the exam board. This is the first stage of the process and must be completed before any appeal can be made.
A Review of Results asks the exam board to check whether:
- the marking was carried out correctly and according to the mark scheme
- all parts of the exam were marked
- the marks were added up accurately
- any administrative errors were made
Important:
A review can result in marks going down, staying the same, or going up. We require written consent from the candidate before submitting a review.
- Step Three – Appeal
If you remain unhappy with the outcome of the review, you may ask the school to submit an appeal to the awarding body. An appeal can only be made after a review has been completed.
An appeal asks the exam board to consider whether:
- the review was conducted properly
- procedures were applied correctly, fairly, and consistently
- there was an error that affected the final result
Candidate Consent:
We must have the student’s written consent before submitting an appeal, because the grade can go down, stay the same, or go up.
Cost:
Appeals also carry a fee from the exam board. Again, this is refunded if the appeal results in a grade change.
Timescales
Deadlines for reviews and appeals are set nationally and occur shortly after results day.
We recommend contacting the school immediately if you are considering a review.
How to Begin the Process
Please contact the school’s Exams Officer at school.
We will guide you through the consent forms, costs, deadlines, and next steps.