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As A Level Results Day approaches, it’s natural to start thinking about all possible outcomes—including the scenario where your grades aren’t quite what you were hoping for. With many students relying on these results to secure a university place, it’s important to know what your options are if things don’t go to plan.
One of those options is requesting a remark. But how does the process work, and could it realistically lead to a better grade?
In this article, we’ll explain what an A Level remark is, how to request one, and the key factors to consider before making your decision.
What is an A Level remark?
An A Level remark—officially called a review of marking—is a post-results service offered by exam boards. If your grade was lower than expected, you can request a review to check that the original marking was carried out accurately and in line with the official mark scheme and assessment criteria.
There are a few different types of post-results services, depending on what you need:
- Access to scripts: Before deciding whether to request a review, you can ask for a copy of your marked exam paper. This lets you (and your teacher) see how your answers were marked and helps identify any obvious errors—making it easier to decide whether a review is worth pursuing.
- Clerical recheck: This is the most basic check. It involves making sure all questions were marked and the marks were added up correctly. It doesn’t review the quality of the marking itself.
- Review of marking: In this more detailed check, an examiner reviews your paper to see if it was marked accurately and in line with the mark scheme. It isn’t a full re-mark from scratch—but it can correct errors or inconsistencies in the original marking.
- Priority review of marking: If you need your result quickly to confirm a college or university place, you can request a priority review of marking. This works the same way as a standard review of marking but is processed faster.
Is it worth requesting an A Level remark?
If your A Level results were lower than expected—for example, they fall short of your predicted grades—requesting a remark could be worth considering. Here’s how to approach the decision:
1. Check the grade boundaries
Start by looking at the grade boundaries for your subject. Knowing exactly how many marks you were from the next grade up is key. If you’re only a few marks short—particularly in essay-based subjects where marking can be more subjective—a remark might be worth considering.
2. Understand the risks
It’s important to know that a review of marking can result in your marks increasing, decreasing, or staying the same. If the reviewer finds that too many marks were awarded, and your original marks were close to the lower grade boundary, it’s possible that you could drop down a grade. If you have a university offer riding on a specific grade, it’s important to factor in this risk.
Generally, a remark is more likely to be worthwhile if:
- You’re just a few marks off the higher grade, or
- You suspect a genuine marking error—such as a section being missed.
3. Speak to your teacher
Before making any decisions, have a conversation with your teacher. They can request a copy of your marked script (free of charge) and help you assess whether a remark is likely to change your result. Their experience with past remark outcomes and understanding of the mark scheme can be a valuable guide.
What is the A Level remark success rate?
If you’re curious about the likelihood of a grade changing after a remark, data from previous exam series offers a useful guide. On average, around 22.5% of AS and A Levels remark requests result in a grade change.
The vast majority of A Level grade changes after a remark are upward. This is because teachers typically examine scripts closely and weigh the potential risks before submitting a request. As a result, downward changes are rare—just 0.1% of grade changes in both 2023 and 2024 led to a lower grade.
Note: Data for 2020 and 2021 is unavailable due to exam cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
AS and A Level remark success rate
- Summer 2024: 14,325 out of 61,915 challenges (23.1%) resulted in a grade change.
- Summer 2023: 12,590 out of 57,350 challenges (22%) resulted in a grade change.
- Summer 2022: 10,235 out of 41,755 challenges (24.5%) resulted in a grade change.
- Summer 2019: 13,070 out of 63,980 challenges (20.4%) resulted in a grade change.
How much does it cost to remark an A Level paper?
The cost of requesting an A Level remark depends on the type of service you choose—a clerical recheck, a standard review of marking, or a priority review—and which exam board administered your paper. The latest 2025 fees from major UK exam boards are listed below, but it’s always best to double-check with your school or directly with the exam board, as prices can change.
Fees are charged per paper (or component), so if you’re asking for multiple papers to be reviewed (e.g. Paper 1 and Paper 2), the total cost will increase accordingly. However, if your grade changes as a result of the review, the exam board will usually refund the fee.
Remember: All review requests must be submitted through your school or college. Your teacher or exams officer can explain the process and confirm the fees. In certain cases, your school may also be willing to cover the cost.
How to request an A Level remark
If you’re thinking about requesting an A Level remark, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
1. Contact your teacher
All remark requests must be made through your school or college, so your first step is to speak to your teacher or exams officer. They’ll explain the process, go over deadlines and costs, and help you decide whether it’s the right option.
Note: If you took your exam as a private candidate, you’ll need to contact the exam board directly.
2. Request a copy of your marked script
Before going ahead with a remark, you can ask to see your marked paper. This allows you to review how marks were awarded, spot any obvious mistakes, and check how close you were to a grade boundary. This will give you a clearer sense of whether a remark might make a difference.
3. Choose the right review service
As detailed above, there are three types of post-results services available: a clerical recheck, a review of marking, and a priority review. If your university place depends on the outcome of an A Level remark, it’s usually best to request a priority review, as it’s processed more quickly.
4. Fill out the form
You’ll be asked to complete a form through your school, specifying the exam component(s) you’d like reviewed and the type of post-results service. Check the details are correct and that you understand any associated costs.
5. Update your chosen university or college
If your university or college place depends on the outcome, let the admissions team know that you’ve requested a review of marking. Some institutions may hold your place until you receive the result.
Once your request is submitted, the exam board will carry out the review. Timeframes vary, but you can generally expect it to take up to 20 days for a standard review and up to 15 days for a priority review.
When is the A Level remark deadline?
Deadlines for post-results services are usually consistent across exam boards, but you should always check the exact dates with your school or the exam board.
For the Summer 2025 series of exams, the A Level remark deadlines are as follows:
- Clerical recheck: 25th September 2025
- Review of marking: 25th September 2025
- Priority review of marking: 21st August 2025
How long does an A Level remark take?
Below are the typical turnaround times for post-results services during the Summer 2025 exam series. Since timeframes can vary slightly, it’s best to double-check with your school or college, or consult the relevant exam board’s website for the most accurate information.
What if your marks don’t change?
If your review of marking doesn’t result in a higher grade, it can be disheartening, but it’s not the end of the road. Depending on your goals, there are still several routes you can take:
- Look into an appeal: If you believe the review was carried out incorrectly, your school or college may be able to submit an appeal to the exam board. Speak to your exams officer or teacher to find out whether this would be worthwhile.
- Consider a resit: If a higher grade is essential for your university course or future plans, retaking the exam might be worth considering. Most A Level resits take place the following summer.
- Explore alternative routes: If you haven’t met the conditions of your university offer, don’t panic—there are still plenty of options available. These include applying through Clearing, taking a gap year and reapplying next year, or exploring other education pathways such as higher or degree apprenticeships and foundation degrees.
Requesting an A Level remark can be a smart move if your results fall short of your expectations—especially when a few extra marks could make all the difference to your university plans. However, it’s essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, costs, and timelines involved. By reviewing your marked script, consulting with your teachers, and understanding the process, you can make an informed decision about whether a remark is right for you.
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