A-level and GCSE Grade Changes Down 25% Since Appeals Overhaul

The number of A-Level and GCSE grades being re-marked through the Exam Appeals process has decreased by 25% (from 572,400 in 2015 students to 427,000 this year) after there was an overhaul of the appeals system this summer. In total, the number of qualification grade changes were 67,900 down from 90,950 students last year. This means that 18% of all GCSE, AS and A-level grades that were challenged were changed (or 0.9% of all grades awarded in 2016).

The majority of grade changes are performed as a result of students achieving grades close to grade boundaries with students being awarded some extra marks on review.

This has been welcomed by the government office for qualifications and exam regulation (Ofqual) who had been concerned in recent years over the number of students and schools asking for re-marking of exams in an effort to improve grades.

The full Ofqual report titled ‘Reviews of marking and moderation for GCSE and A-Level: summer 2016 exam series’ can be found in the links below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reviews-of-marking-and-moderation-for-gcse-and-a-level-summer-2016-exam-series

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/dec/15/a-level-gcse-grade-changes-down-quarter-remark-overhaul