A-level Exam Remarks: What You Need to Know Before Deciding
Getting your A-level results can be a mix of relief, excitement, and maybe even some disappointment if you feel you were very close to achieving a higher grade. In situations where you are just a few marks below the grade boundary, you might have the chance to boost your 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, but it’s important to think carefully before making your decision.
Understanding A-level Exam Remarks
An A-level remark, sometimes called a review of marking, is when your 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 assessment, but rather a quality check on how your answers were marked. While this can sometimes lead to a higher grade, it can also leave your grade unchanged, or even bring it down. That’s why students should weigh up the potential benefits against the risks before applying.
Step One: Check the Grade Boundaries
The very first step is to see how close your mark is to the grade boundary. Grade boundaries are set by each exam board and published after results day. If you are within five marks of the next grade up, a remark might be worth considering. For example, if you achieved 315 marks and the A grade boundary is 320, you are within touching distance. However, if you are more than 10 marks away, the chances of a remark changing your grade become quite slim.
Step Two: Review Your Exam Script
Before you rush into a decision, ask to see your exam paper. Importantly, request a photocopy or scanned version rather than the original script, since asking for the original makes you ineligible for a remark later. Reviewing the paper with your subject teacher will help you identify if there were areas where you may have been under-marked or where your answers could be open to interpretation. Your teacher’s guidance here is invaluable in deciding whether to proceed.
Step Three: Decide if It’s Worth Applying
Sometimes you’ll already have met the conditions of your university offer, so you might wonder whether a remark is necessary. But remember, your A-level grades will appear on your CV and academic record long after university applications are finished. A single grade boost can make a difference not only for higher education opportunities but also for job applications, internships, and postgraduate study.
That said, if your grades are secure and you’re happy with your results, it might not be worth the risk. This is where weighing up the potential reward versus the chance of a grade drop becomes crucial.
Step Four: Apply for One Paper at a Time
If you decide to go ahead, it’s usually best to request remarks on one exam paper at a time. Each paper is reviewed independently, and while one could go up, another might also go down. Submitting them one at a time reduces the risk of unexpected changes.
Step Five: Keep Deadlines and Costs in Mind
Remark applications are time-sensitive. The deadline for priority remarks is the 21st of August, and the deadline for standard review is the 25th of September. These applications can only be submitted through your college. You’ll need to sign a consent form confirming you understand the risks, and there is a fee for each paper reviewed.
The Bigger Picture: Support and Advice
At Ashbourne, we encourage students to make such decisions thoughtfully and with full support. Discuss your results openly with your subject teachers and Director of Studies so you can weigh the pros and cons together. Sometimes the peace of mind of knowing your paper has been double-checked is just as important as the chance of a higher grade.
Wrapping things up
A-level exam remarks can be a valuable opportunity to improve your grades, but they require careful consideration. Start by checking the grade boundaries, review your script with your teachers, and think through the risks before applying. If you’re just a few marks away, it might be worth the effort. If not, you may be better off focusing on your next steps.
Whatever you decide, remember that your results don’t define your potential, they’re just one part of your journey to success.
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 script to ensure it was marked fairly and accurately. It is not a re-sit but a review of the original marking.
2. When should I consider applying for an A-level remark?
You should consider a remark if you are within about five marks of the next grade boundary. If you are more than 10 marks away, the chances of a grade change are much lower.
3. Can my grade go down after a remark?
Yes, an exam remark can result in your grade going up, staying the same, or even going down. That’s why it’s important to weigh up the risks before applying.
4. How do I check if I’m close enough to the grade boundary?
After results day, exam boards publish grade boundaries online. If you’re just a few marks below the next boundary, a remark may be worth pursuing with advice from your teacher.