To help students understand how an appeal can be made on their behalf, and when it will be relevant to appeal, we have provided some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for students, below. The appeals process is available to ensure that where an error has affected your grade there is a way to have the error put right. The first thing to do is to speak to your centre. They will be able to discuss why you think your grade is not correct and they can use our administrative check or review of marking service where they believe an error may have occurred. Your centre can advise you on the process and submit the appeal on your behalf where it agrees there is a relevant ground for the appeal. If your centre decides not to appeal on your behalf, you cannot appeal directly to the awarding body. We will not process appeals submitted directly by students (other than private candidates) their parents or representatives. Any such applications will be classified as invalid and will not be processed.We will only accept appeals directly from internal candidates in very exceptional circ*mstances, such as permanent centre closure. At Stage One - the preliminary appeal - your case will be reviewed by a member of the awarding body who has not had any previous involvement with or personal interest in the matter. An outcome will be decided and we will send this in an outcome letter to your centre. Your centre will let you know the outcome. You should discuss with your centre whether there are grounds for taking your case to the next stage. At Stage Two - the appeal hearing - your case will be considered by a panel which usually consists of three independent people. An outcome will be decided, and we will send this in an outcome letter to your centre. Your centre will let you know the outcome. This is the final stage of the awarding body appeals process. All student appeals must be submitted by the centre. A student (or their parents/guardians) cannot appeal directly to the awarding body, other than a private candidate. You should work with your centre to appeal. If your centre decides not to appeal on your behalf, you cannot appeal directly to the awarding body. We will not process appeals submitted directly by students (other than private candidates) their parents or representatives. Any such applications will be classified as invalid and will not be processed.We will only accept appeals directly from internal candidates in very exceptional circ*mstances, such as permanent centre closure. Appeals against results can be submitted by the head of centre after the outcome of the relevant post-results service has been received. 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. Appeals against reasonable adjustment or special consideration decisions should be made within 14 calendar days of receiving the original decision and should set out clearly and concisely the grounds for the appeal. Appeals against malpractice decisions should be made within 14 calendar days of receiving the malpractice decision.I want to appeal my grade – what should I do?
Who will decide the outcome of my appeal?
Where do I send my appeal to?
Is there a deadline to appeal?
Does my centre have to submit an appeal?
A centre may decide not to submit an appeal where, for example, the grounds for the appeal are not permitted. You should discuss this with your centre. An appeal that is submitted on grounds that are not permitted will not be accepted for processing.
Your centre will have its own internal appeals process for you to appeal its decision not to submit your appeal to the awarding body.
If your centre decides not to appeal on your behalf, you cannot appeal directly to the awarding body. We will not process appeals submitted directly by students (other than private candidates) their parents or representatives. Any such applications will be classified as invalid and will not be processed.We will only accept appeals directly from internal candidates in very exceptional circ*mstances, such as permanent centre closure.
Is my grade protected when I appeal?
An appeal may result in your grade going up, staying the same or going down.
It is also worth noting that once an appeal decision has been made, you cannot withdraw your application to appeal. Any grade change identified as an outcome of the appeal will still be processed.
How long will it take the awarding body to deal with my appeal?
We will process preliminary appeals (Stage One) within 42 calendar days of receipt of a valid application.
We will process appeal hearings (Stage Two) within 70 calendar days of receipt of a valid application.
Appeals may be processed in shorter timescales, and we will send the centre an outcome letter for each appeal as soon as possible.
Please note that the service levels for T level Technical Qualifications differ from the above and can be found on theT Level Appeals page.
Is there a fee for an appeal?
Yes. Fees for appeals are published on our website, under the 'Fees' section above.
A fee will apply to the preliminary appeal and, where an appeal progresses to a hearing, a separate fee will apply. Where an appeal is upheld at either stage, the fee will not be charged. We will invoice the centre (or private candidate) once the outcome of the appeal has been provided.We will advise private candidates on how to make payment once we receive a valid application to appeal.
Fees for T Level Technical Qualification appeals are published on our website, under the 'Fees' section on theT Level admin page.
What can I do if I don’t think my appeal has been handled correctly?
The appeal hearing outcome will be made by an independent panel and this should provide confidence in the outcome. However, if you have reason to believe we have not followed our appeal process in relation to your appeal, you can speak to your centre about making an application to the Exam Procedures Review Service (EPRS). Your centre will be able to advise on the scope of this service as not all qualifications are in scope for this.
How do I appeal a reasonable adjustment, special consideration decision?
Appeals relating to access arrangements, reasonable adjustments and special consideration will be handled in line with the approach specified in the JCQ Guide to Appeals Processes, summer 2024.
Appeals against reasonable adjustment or special consideration decisions should be made within 14 calendar days of receiving the original decision and should set out clearly and concisely the grounds for the appeal. Awarding bodies may not accept appeals made outside of this timescale.
How do I appeal a malpractice decision?
Malpractice appeals will be handled in line with the approach specified in the JCQ Guide to Appeals Processes, summer 2024. Appeals may be initiated against a finding of malpractice and/or the sanction imposed by the awarding body. It is not possible to appeal against a decision to take no further action or against a sanction which is perceived to be too lenient.
Appeals against malpractice decisions should be made within 14 calendar days of receiving the malpractice decision. Awarding bodies may reject appeals made outside of this timescale.
Where can I find more information on the appeals process?
Further information on the appeals process can be found in theJCQ Guide to Appeals Processes, summer 2024.
