It Is Not Always the End: What Happens After Results Day?
There was something wonderfully simple about collecting exam results when I left school.
I can still remember standing in the school hall, nervously tracing my finger across a large noticeboard covered with everyone’s O Level results. There was no email notification, no secure online portal and certainly no GDPR. In fact, I am not even convinced the results were displayed in alphabetical order!
Once you had found your name, that was it. Those were your grades. There was no right of appeal, no access to your marked papers and no opportunity to question the outcome. You accepted the result, celebrated or commiserated and moved on.
Today, the picture is very different.
Results Day is no longer necessarily the end of the examination process. Students have a number of options available if they believe something is not quite right, and schools/colleges play an important role in helping them understand those choices.
How can I get advice on my grades?
Contact the exams officer/manager and your tutor/teacher at the college or school you attended when taking your exams.
Can I see my exam paper?
One of the biggest changes over the years is Access to Scripts (ATS).
Most major awarding bodies allow centres to request copies of marked examination scripts after results day. This gives students and teachers the opportunity to see exactly how an exam was marked and to understand where marks were awarded or missed.
Permission must always be obtained from the student after they have received their results, before a script can be requested. Schools/colleges cannot ask students to give blanket permission in advance.
Although awarding bodies generally provide this service free of charge to centres, do not be surprised if your school/college makes a small administration charge. Requesting, downloading and managing scripts can be a time-consuming process for Exams Officers during one of the busiest periods of the year.
What if I think my exam paper has been marked incorrectly?
Looking at the script may help answer that question.
Sometimes the marking is entirely accurate, even if the outcome is disappointing. On other occasions, a review may be appropriate.
The first option is a Clerical Review.
This is not a remark. Instead, it checks that:
- every question has been marked
- all the marks have been totalled correctly
- the final mark has been recorded accurately.
If those checks are correct, the mark will remain unchanged. These requests should be completed within 10 calendar days of the awarding body getting the request.
What is a Review of Marking?
If, after reviewing the script, there are genuine concerns about the quality or accuracy of the marking, a Review of Marking may be requested or you can go straight to a Review of Marking. Always check those grade boundaries though, so you do not risk losing a grade.
This service is often still referred to as a “remark”, but that description is not quite accurate.
The reviewer does not simply mark the paper again from scratch. Instead, they review the original marking to identify whether any marking errors have been made and apply the awarding body’s published marking standards consistently.
It is important to understand that the outcome is not guaranteed.
Following a review, a mark can:
- increase
- decrease
- stay exactly the same.
That means students should always discuss the potential risks and benefits with their school/college before proceeding.
How much does a Review of Marking cost?
Charges vary between awarding bodies and qualifications, but for the 2026/27 academic year many reviews average around £50 per paper.
That can add up quickly.
For example, GCSE Mathematics consists of three examination papers. Requesting a review of all three could cost around £150.
Some schools/colleges may choose to cover these costs in certain circumstances, while others ask families to pay, particularly if no grade change results. Centres have different policies, so it is worth checking before making a request.
What if my university place depends on my results?
If your university or college place has been affected by your grades, do not panic but do act quickly.
Awarding bodies offer a Priority Review of Marking service for eligible students whose higher education place depends on the outcome.
Students are strongly encouraged to contact their university or college as soon as a review has been requested. Institutions may be willing to hold a place while the review is completed.
It is important to note that awarding bodies do not notify UCAS when a review has been requested. However, if the review results in a change of grade, the awarding body will notify UCAS of that change. It is always best though that the student lets the university know directly as well.
UCAS advice on post results services and appealing your grades can be found HERE.
What if I am a private candidate?
Private candidates should be able to submit post results requests via the centre where they sat their exams. However as a private candidate, you can submit a request directly to the awarding body. Get in touch with them and the will advise you on the process.
What is I am a student, parent/guardian and I need additional advice and support?
Please get in touch about our independent exam advisory service.
Do Not Miss the Deadlines
Perhaps the most important message of all is this:
Every post-results service has a deadline.
Whether you are requesting access to scripts, a clerical review or a review of marking, there are strict timescales that must be followed. Missing a deadline could mean losing the opportunity altogether.
Your school or college will be able to explain the options available and the latest guidance, deadlines and procedures can always be found on the Joint Council for Qualification (JCQ) website and the relevant awarding body websites.
What Happens After Results Day – Final Thoughts:
Results Day can be emotional. For many students, it is a day of celebration. For others, it may bring disappointment or uncertainty.
The important thing to remember is that collecting your results does not always mean the process has ended. Today’s examination system provides opportunities to understand how marks were awarded and, where appropriate, to challenge the outcome through clearly defined procedures.
Before making any decisions, talk to your school or college. They can help you understand the options, the costs, the risks and the deadlines so you can make an informed choice.
Written by Paula Wood – Company Founder and Director.
About the author
Paula Wood is the Founder and Director of Exam Officers & Data Solutions Ltd. With nearly 20 years’ experience supporting schools, colleges and universities with examinations management, compliance and training, she is passionate about helping education professionals navigate the complexities of the exam cycle with confidence.
Exam Officers & Data Solutions Ltd