A-level Exam Remarks: What Parents Need to Know Before Deciding
Receiving A-level results can be a moment of mixed emotions for both you and your child. While there may be relief and excitement, there can also be some disappointment if your child was very close to achieving a higher grade. In cases where they are just a few marks below a grade boundary, there may be an opportunity to boost results through an A-level exam remark. Since grade boundaries are often around 30 marks apart, being just five marks away could make a remark a realistic option. However, it’s important to think carefully before making a decision.
Understanding A-level Exam Remarks
An A-level remark, also called a review of marking, is when your child’s exam script is rechecked by a senior examiner to ensure the original marking was accurate and fair. It is not a re-sit or a brand new test, but rather a quality check on how answers were marked. While this process can sometimes lead to a higher grade, it can also leave the grade unchanged, or even lower it. This is why it’s important for your child to weigh up the benefits against the risks before applying.
Step One: Check the Grade Boundaries
The first step is to see how close your child’s score is to the next grade boundary. These boundaries are published by each exam board after results day. If your child is within five marks of the next grade, a remark may be worth considering. For example, if they achieved 315 marks and the A grade boundary is 320, they are very close. But if they are more than 10 marks away, the chances of a remark making a difference are slim.
Step Two: Review Your Child’s Exam Script
Before making any decisions, request to see your child’s exam paper. Be sure to ask for a photocopy or scanned version, not the original, because requesting the original makes a remark impossible later. Reviewing the script with their subject teacher will help highlight whether there are areas that could have been under-marked or where answers may be open to interpretation. A teacher’s guidance at this stage is invaluable.
Step Three: Decide if It’s Worth Applying
If your child has already met their university offer, you may wonder whether a remark is necessary. However, A-level grades remain on their academic record and CV long after university entry. Even a single grade boost could strengthen future opportunities, such as postgraduate applications, internships, or competitive job roles. That said, if your child’s grades are secure and they are happy with the results, it might not be worth the risk. Ultimately, it comes down to balancing the potential reward against the chance of a grade going down.
Step Four: Apply for One Paper at a Time
If you and your child decide to proceed, it’s usually best to apply for a remark on one exam paper at a time. Since each paper is reviewed independently, one paper might improve while another could drop. Handling them one at a time helps reduce risk.
Step Five: Keep Deadlines and Costs in Mind
Remark applications are time-sensitive. For 2024, the deadline for priority remarks is the 21st of August, while the deadline for a standard review is the 25th of September. Applications can only be submitted through your child’s college, and they will need to sign a consent form confirming they understand the risks. There is also a fee for each paper submitted for review.
The Bigger Picture: Support and Guidance
At Ashbourne, we encourage students to make these decisions with care and full support. Encourage your child to discuss their results openly with subject teachers and their Director of Studies, so they can carefully weigh the pros and cons together. Sometimes, the peace of mind that comes from knowing the paper has been rechecked can be just as valuable as a grade improvement.
Wrapping Things Up
An A-level exam remark can be a helpful chance for your child to improve their results, but it requires thoughtful consideration. Start by checking how close they are to the next grade boundary, then review their script with teachers, and weigh the risks before applying. If your child is just a few marks away, it may be worth the effort; if not, focusing on their next steps could be a better choice.
Above all, remind your child that their results don’t define their full potential. They are only one part of the journey, and with the right support, there are many routes to success ahead.
1. What is an A-level exam remark?
An A-level exam remark, also called a review of marking, is when a senior examiner rechecks your child’s script to confirm the marking was accurate. It is not a re-sit but a review of the original assessment.
2. When should parents consider an A-level remark for their child?
If your child is within about five marks of the next grade boundary, a remark may be worth considering. If they are more than 10 marks away, the chances of improvement are much lower.
3. Can a remark lower my child’s grade?
Yes, remarks can lead to grades going up, staying the same, or even being lowered. This is why it’s important to weigh the potential risks before applying.
4. How can I check if my child is close enough to the next grade boundary?
Grade boundaries are published by exam boards after results day. Comparing your child’s marks with these boundaries will show whether they are close enough to make a remark worthwhile.