All exam result appeals to be free

The government has confirmed that all appeals of A and AS level and GCSE results will be free for schools and colleges this year.

The government’s triple lock process means that those unhappy with their calculated grades can appeal on the basis of a valid mock result.

This year, following what the government has deemed 'unprecedented circumstances', state funded schools and colleges will also be able to claim back unsuccessful appeal costs at the same time as claiming back fees for autumn exams. Successful appeals claims will remain free for schools and colleges.

As a result of the mass backlash to downgraded results, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has also ordered a ‘Gold Command’ taskforce to be set up by the Department for Education, chaired by Schools Minister Nick Gibb and including Ofqual and the exam boards. The group will meet daily during until 7 September to ensure appeals are being processed quickly and young people can move on to university, college or the world of work.

Williamson said: "Hundreds of thousands of students received results this week that will take them onto the next stage of their lives, with a record number of 18-year-olds securing places at their first-choice university.

"I know that alongside the success of so many young people, there have been some difficult cases. I have said repeatedly that my absolute priority is fairness for students, and I do not want anything holding them back from achieving the grades they deserve."