Should you request a GCSE remark?

GCSE Results Day can be a nerve-wracking experience. If the grades you’ve received are lower than expected, one option to consider is requesting a remark. But what exactly does that involve, and is it always the right decision?

In this article, we’ll break down what a GCSE remark is, how the process works, and whether or not it’s worth pursuing.

---

What is an exam remark?

An exam remark—more accurately called a review of marking—is one of the official post-results services offered by exam boards. If you’re concerned about an unexpectedly low grade, you can request a review of marking to ensure the paper was marked fairly and correctly. There are a few different types of post-results services available:

• Clerical recheck: This is a basic check to ensure all marks were added up correctly and that no questions were accidentally left unmarked. It doesn’t involve reviewing how your paper was marked; only that it was processed accurately.
• Review of marking: This is a more thorough review where a senior examiner rechecks the marking of the paper against the official mark scheme. However, it’s important to note this isn’t a full remark—it’s a review to ensure that the original marking was in line with the mark scheme and wasn’t overly harsh or inconsistent.
• Priority review of marking: This is the same as a standard review, but it’s processed faster. It’s usually only available for A Level students who urgently need results to confirm a university place.
• Access to scripts: Before deciding on a remark, you can ask to see your marked paper. This lets you see how marks were awarded and spot any potential marking issues—a helpful first step before requesting a review.

Is it worth requesting a GCSE remark?

If you’re thinking about requesting a GCSE remark, here are three key steps to help you decide whether it’s the right move:

1. Look at the grade boundaries

Grade boundaries shift slightly from year to year, so it’s a good idea to check where your marks sit in relation to the next grade up. If you’re just a couple of marks below the boundary for a higher grade, a review of marking might be worth considering, especially if the paper is essay-based, where marking can be more subjective.

2. Weigh the risks

A review of marking can result in marks going up, down, or staying the same. It’s a common misconception that an exam remark can’t result in a lower grade—but it definitely can. If your sixth form or college offer depends on a specific grade, this risk must be considered carefully.

In general, a remark is only worth pursuing if:

• You’re close to the higher grade boundary, or
• You believe something clearly went wrong with the marking. For example, if your result is much lower than your predicted grade, it might be worth requesting a clerical recheck to confirm that all marks were counted correctly and no pages were missed.

However, proceed with caution if you fall into the second category but your marks are closer to the lower grade boundary. If the review finds that more marks were awarded than justified, your grade could go down.

3. Seek advice

A conversation with your teacher or tutor can help you decide whether pursuing a GCSE remark is worthwhile. They can look at your marked exam paper and give their professional opinion about whether a review is likely to change anything—especially in relation to a grade change. You’ll need to complete a consent form before a teacher can access your exam script, but currently, all exam boards offer this service free of charge.

What is the GCSE remark success rate?

The data from previous exam series can give you a good idea of the GCSE remark success rate. On average, there’s about a 21.8% chance of a grade change following a GCSE remark.

Almost all of these are grade increases. This is because teachers carefully review marked scripts and consider the risks before submitting a request. As a result, grade decreases make up only a tiny percentage of those grades that are changed. For example, in 2023 and 2024, only 0.1% of grade changes were to a lower grade.

• Summer 2024: 60,340 out of 269,415 challenges (22.4%) resulted in a grade change.
• Summer 2023: 53,615 out of 245,920 challenges (21.8%) resulted in a grade change.
• Summer 2022: 43,530 out of 191,955 challenges (22.7%) resulted in a grade change.
• Summer 2019: 56,680 out of 279,925 challenges (20.2%) resulted in a grade change.

Note: No data is available for 2020 and 2021 due to the cancellation of exams during the pandemic.

How much does it cost to remark a GCSE paper?

The cost of a remark depends on the type of service you request and which exam board your paper was with. Below, we’ve included the latest 2025 costs from the main UK exam boards. However, always check with your school or the exam board for the most up-to-date information.

Costs are charged per paper (or component), so if you’re requesting a review for more than one paper in a subject (e.g. Paper 1 and Paper 2), you’ll need to multiply the fee accordingly.

The good news is, if your grade changes after the remark, you’ll normally get the fee refunded.

Remember: All remark requests must go through your school or college, so speak to your teacher or exams officer to confirm exact costs and deadlines. In some cases, the school may also pay for a review of marking.

What is the process for requesting a remark?

Here’s how to go about requesting a remark:

1. Speak to your school or college

Your school or college must submit the request on your behalf, so start by talking to your teacher or exams officer. They’ll explain the process, key deadlines, and any costs involved. You can also find this information on exam board websites.

Note: If you sat the exam as a private candidate, you can contact the exam board directly to make the request.

2. Request access to your marked script (optional but recommended)

Before deciding on a remark, you can request a copy of your marked paper. This allows you and your teacher to check for any obvious marking errors or missed marks, and to see how close you were to the next grade boundary. It’s an important step in deciding whether a review is likely to be worthwhile.

3. Decide on the type of review

Choose between a clerical recheck, a review of marking, or a priority review of marking. Your teacher can help you decide which option is most suitable for your situation. The priority service is usually only available to AS and A Level students.

4. Complete and submit the request form

Your school will provide a form for you to complete, confirming which paper(s) you want reviewed and which service you’re requesting. Make sure your details are correct and that you’re aware of any fees involved.

5. Notify sixth forms and colleges 

If your place on a course depends on the result of a remark, let the college or sixth form know as soon as you’ve submitted your request. They may be able to hold your place while you wait for the outcome.

6. Wait for the outcome

Your school will submit your request to the exam board, which will then carry out the review. Processing times can vary between exam boards, but as a general guide, a standard review can take up to 20 days, while a priority review is usually completed within 15 days.

When is the GCSE remark deadline?

Most exam boards follow similar deadlines for post-results services, but it’s important to double-check the exact dates with your school or the exam board.

For the Summer 2025 exam series, the GCSE remark deadline for both a clerical recheck and a review of marking is 25th September 2025.

Edexcel also offers a priority marking service for GCSEs, the deadline for which is 28th August 2025.

How long does a GCSE remark take?

The table below shows the expected turnaround times for post-results services for the Summer 2025 exam series. As timings can vary, it’s best to confirm with your school or check the exam board’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What are your options if the marks don’t change?

Hopefully, your review of marking results in a higher grade, but if your marks stay the same or go down, you still have options. Here are some next steps to consider:

• Appeal the decision: If you believe there was a mistake in how the review was carried out, you may be able to submit an appeal. Speak to your school or exams officer for advice on whether this is a realistic option.
• Resit the exam: Resits are optional and whether to take one will depend on your future plans. If you need a higher grade to be accepted onto a course, a resit might be the right choice. Most resits take place the following summer, but English and maths can also be retaken in November. Many sixth forms and colleges allow resits alongside new courses—check with them to see what’s possible.
• Consider alternative education routes: There are plenty of alternatives to A Levels to consider, including BTECs, T Levels, NVQs, and apprenticeship programmes. These vocational courses are ideal if you prefer a more practical, skills-based approach to learning.

---

Requesting a GCSE remark can be a worthwhile option—especially if you’re only a couple of marks away from the next grade up. However, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons carefully. Always start by speaking with your school, reviewing your exam script if possible, and ensuring you fully understand the process.

For further exam-board specific information, you may find the following links helpful:

• AQA
• Edexcel
• Eduqas
• OCR

---

FAQs

Can I request a GCSE remark myself?

No, all requests must be made through your school or college, unless you are a private candidate, in which case you can contact your exam centre or the awarding body directly.

Do you have to pay for a GCSE remark?

Yes, there’s usually a fee for a GCSE remark, but it’s typically refunded if your grade changes. In some cases, the school may cover the cost—so it’s worth checking with your teacher or exams officer.

Do all exam boards offer the same services?

All major exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and WJEC) offer similar post-results services, but there may be slight differences in process and pricing.

Can a GCSE remark lower a grade?

Yes. A review of marking can lead to marks going up, down, or remaining the same. This is especially important to consider if your original score is close to the boundary for a lower grade, as in this case, an exam remark wouldn’t be recommended.

Do you find out why your mark changes, if it does?

Yes—if your mark changes after a review, the reason will be noted on your reviewed script. To view this, you’ll usually need to request an Access to Scripts (ATS) service, which can often be done at the same time you submit your request for the review of marking. There may be an additional fee involved.

Can you request a remark more than once?

No, you can’t request a second review of the same paper. Each paper can only go through the review of marking process once. If you’re still unhappy with the outcome, your next step would be to consider an appeal.

What is a review of moderation?

A review of moderation is requested by a school or college to check internal assessments. The exam board reviews a sample of students’ work to ensure the original moderation was carried out correctly and that any mark adjustments were accurate.

• Copy URL
• Share Article