Can I appeal my GCSE results?
THOUSANDS of students across the UK collect their GCSE results every August.
But what happens if you don't receive the results you believe you should have been awarded - can you appeal them? Here's everything you need to know.
How can I appeal my GCSE results?
If you think there's been a mistake with your GCSE results don't panic - you can challenge any of the grades you think you shouldn't have been given.
First things first, it is wise talk to your school or college to see if they agree with lodging an appeal against your results.
There must be a good reason for making the appeal.
Once decided, your school or college can then request that the relevant exam board reviews the marking of your paper.
If you're a private candidate you can appeal by contacting the exam board you sat your exams with directly or by contacting the school that submitted your exam paper.
There are five GCSE examination boards used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland — AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR, CCEA, and WJEC — with each setting out the deadline for appeal.
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According to the Joint Council for Qualifications () an appeal must not be submitted by the head of centre or private candidate until the outcome of the relevant post-results service
After this appeals must be made within 30 calendar days of the awarding body issuing the outcome of the clerical re-check, review of marking or review of moderation.
Fees may apply depending on the exam board - you should check with your school first.
How long does a GCSE remark take?
Students have two options when requesting a remark of their GCSE grades - they can request a priority review or a standard review.
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For a priority review, students should expect to wait up to 15 calendar days from the date they first submitted their appeal.
And for a standard review, they should wait up to 20 calendar days.
Make sure to check in with your school or college if you haven't received news of your appeal after this time frame - as the exam boards will contact them directly with the results of any remarks.
What happens if I fail a GCSE?
If a student does fail a GCSE, the best first step is to talk to a teacher they trust for some advice.
Both appealing the results and sitting the exams later in the year are available options if you are disappointed with any of your grades.
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It is still possible to reach college or sixth form with a failed grade, but if it is in English or Maths, it is likely you will be asked to re-sit the exam as a condition of your offer while pursuing A-Levels or BTecs.
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It's important to stress that a failed grade is not the end of the world and can just be a bump in the road for those looking to go further in education or get their first job.