GCSE and A Level exam appeals in decline

The number of appeals made against GCSE and A Level exam results in 2016 has dropped by 24 per cent.

According to data released by the exams regulator Ofqual, 355 appeals were made against results in 2016, in comparison to 466 in 2015.

This decline is expected to be as a result of the drop in the number of GCSE and A Level entries, and decline in the number of requests for reviews of marking in 2016 compared to 2015.

In 2016, 211 (3.2 per cent) of grades challenged at appeal led to a grade change. In comparison, 49 per cent (0.7 per cent) of grades were changed as a result in 2015.

The data also shows that there has been an increase in the number of successful appeals, from 31 in 2015 to 46 in 2016. This follows a pilot run in 2016 which tested new grounds for appeal in three subjects.

For AS and A level geography, physics and religious studies the grounds for appeal following a review were extended to allow an appeal on the grounds of a marking error that was not corrected during the review.

Traditionally, exam boards have only accepted appeals on the grounds of a procedural error.

Sally Collier, Chief Regulator, said: “The appeals pilot in three subjects is part of a set of wider changes we are making to the marking reviews and appeals system. The changes aim to make the system as fair as it can be for all students and to make sure students get the grade their performance deserved.

“We are evaluating the pilot before deciding whether to extend the additional grounds to other subjects.”

An appeal can be requested once a school or college has gone through the review of marking and moderation process if they are dissatisfied with the outcome.”