A-level students in Merseyside are receiving their results today, Thursday, August 13, with grades available from 8am either online or in person. Students are advised to check with their schools or colleges for specific arrangements.
Some students may be disappointed by their results and can challenge a grade if they think there has been a mistake. In England, students can ask their school or college to request a review from the exam board.
How to challenge a grade
The first step is to contact your school or college to challenge the grade you think is incorrect and request the exam board reviews their marking. Private candidates should contact the exam board directly or the school or college that submitted their exam entry, according to the Government website.
You may have to pay a fee if you ask for a review and your grade is not changed as a result. Check with your school or college before they contact the exam board.
What happens after a review
The exam board will check your work for marking mistakes. If mistakes are found, they will be corrected, and your overall grade may change. The amended grade could be lower or higher than the one initially given.
If you still think there is a mistake, you can ask your school or college to appeal the result. The exam board will then look at your work again and decide if your mark or grade needs correcting.
Appealing to Ofqual
If you believe the exam board did not handle the appeal properly, you can request a review from The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). Private candidates should contact Ofqual directly or go through the school or college that submitted your exam entry.
Ofqual cannot carry out a review unless the exam board has already completed its appeal process. Requests for a review must be submitted within 15 working days of receiving the appeal decision from the exam board.
