GCSE results 2019 — how to appeal your grade and what to do if you did not get the mark you needed?

GCSE 2019 results are out - and the marks brought elation for some pupils and disappointment for others.

From the new grading system to how to appeal your results, here's our guide to one of the biggest days in the academic calendar.

When is GCSE results day 2019?

Students picked up their GCSE results on Thursday, August 22, 2019.

Pupils either visited their school or phoned their schools to collect their scores.

Schools were also allowed to release results to their students online but not all schools offer this option.

The results were released exactly one week after A-level students were handed their grades.

What do the new grades mean?

The system, implemented by the Government, sees grades A* to G replaced with a numerical 9 to 1 system.

A 9 is the top grade and 1 is the lowest pass, with a fail still called a U.

The top two marks of A and A* are roughly equivalent to a grade of 7, 8 or 9.

The good pass marks of B and C have been replaced by grades 4, 5 and 6.

And at the lower end of the scale, the grades D, E, F and G will now be scored 1, 2 or 3.

What if I disagree with the mark I have been awarded?

If you think your mark for a particular subject is wrong for whatever reason, you are eligible to get your paper re-marked.

You can also check the grade boundaries.

This must be done through your school unless you are home-schooled.

Students unhappy with their grade can speak to a teacher when they collect their results, and they will then be able to submit an “appeal exam” form to request a grade review.

What happens if I don’t get the grades I need for my college course?

According to The Student Room website, if you have not got the grades you need it is best to quickly contact the college or sixth form you applied to.

While some colleges have formal requirements they vehemently stick to, others have more informal requirements which means you will be allowed on to the course regardless.

However, if you do need to improve your grades to continue your education, you will be able to resit English Language and Maths GCSEs in November 2019.

For other subjects, the earliest resit opportunity is not until June 2020.