Each year, thousands of students across the UK eagerly await their A Level results. For many, these grades determine university admissions, career choices, and future opportunities. However, not every student feels their results accurately reflect their performance. This is where the appeal process comes in. Appealing your A Level results in 2025 is a structured system that allows students to challenge grades they believe are incorrect.
Appeals can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, you’ll understand whether appealing is worth it, how much it costs, and what options you have if you’re still unhappy with the outcome.
What to Know Before Going Through Appealing A Level Results
Appealing A Level results isn’t just about being unhappy with your grade – you must have valid grounds. Before starting, it’s crucial to know the basics. Become a Franchise Partner with LT School
Understanding the Grounds for Appeal
- Marking errors: If you believe the examiner made a mistake in checking your paper.
- Procedural errors: If the exam board didn’t follow the correct procedures.
- Bias or unfairness: Rare, but appeals can be lodged if evidence shows unfair treatment.
Key Deadlines and Timelines You Must Follow
- Stage 1 review: Schools must submit a request quickly – often within 5–10 days of results day.
- Stage 2 appeal to the exam board: Usually must be lodged within 21 days of the outcome of the review.
- Missing a deadline may mean losing your chance to challenge your grade.
Who Can Apply for an Appeal – Student vs School
- Students cannot usually appeal directly to exam boards – appeals are submitted through schools or colleges.
- However, if you’ve left school, some boards allow direct applications.
Do You Have to Pay for Appealing?
Many students worry about the financial side of appealing A Level results. How to Solve Word Problems in Maths
Appeal Costs Explained
- A Stage 1 review usually comes with a small administrative fee.
- A Stage 2 formal appeal to the exam board may cost more, often £30–£150 per subject, depending on the board.
Who Covers the Fee – The Student or the School?
- Sometimes schools cover costs if they believe the appeal is justified.
- If you request the appeal yourself, you may need to pay up front.
Refunds: When Can You Get Your Money Back?
- If your grade changes as a result of the appeal, most exam boards refund the fee.
- If your grade stays the same, you usually won’t get your money back.
You Chose to Appeal, What’s Next?
Once you’ve decided to move forward, the process follows specific stages.
Step 1: School Review Before Exam Board Appeal
Your teacher or exams officer checks for obvious errors before escalating to the board.
Step 2: Submitting an Appeal to the Exam Board
The school formally sends an appeal request to the board. You’ll need to provide written consent.
Step 3: How Long Does the Appeal Process Take?
- Initial reviews may take a few weeks.
- Full appeals can stretch to several months, especially if they involve multiple stages.
What if you are not Satisfied with the Decision of the Exam Board?
Sometimes appeals don’t go as expected. If you’re still unhappy, you have five main options:
Requesting a Second Review
You may ask for another examiner to re-check your work.
Taking the Appeal to Ofqual
If you believe the exam board handled your case unfairly, you can escalate it to Ofqual, the regulator.
Considering a Judicial Review
In rare cases, you can take legal action through the courts – though this is costly and time-consuming.
Alternative Pathways – Retakes and Resits
You may choose to resit your A Levels the following year to improve grades.
Seeking University Support or Deferral
Universities sometimes accept students with pending appeals or allow deferrals until grades are finalised.
Pros and Cons of Appealing A Level Results
Appealing can be life-changing, but it’s not risk-free.
Benefits of Appealing
- Chance to secure a higher grade.
- May improve university admission chances.
- Ensures fairness in the system.
Potential Risks and Downsides
- Costs are involved if unsuccessful.
- Stress and uncertainty during the waiting period.
- Grades can go down as well as up.
Success Rates of A Level Appeals – What Do the Statistics Say?
While success rates vary, data show that only a small percentage of appeals result in grade changes. According to Ofqual, in recent years, fewer than 20% of appeals led to an adjustment. However, when mistakes are found, appeals can significantly change outcomes for students.
Conclusion
Appealing A Level results in 2025 gives students a chance to challenge grades they believe are unfair. While the process involves deadlines, fees, and some risks, it can also open doors to opportunities you might otherwise miss. The key is to carefully weigh your options, speak with your school, and make an informed decision that best supports your academic future. Enrol for the LT School’s affordable A-level Courses.
FAQs on Appealing A Level Results
1. Can anyone appeal their A Level results?
Yes, but appeals must be lodged through your school, unless you’ve already left.
2. How much does an appeal usually cost?
Between £30–£150 per subject, depending on the exam board.
3. How long does the appeal process take?
Anywhere from 2 weeks to several months, depending on the complexity.
4. What happens if my grade goes down after an appeal?
Your new grade will replace the old one, even if it’s lower.
5. Can I appeal directly without my school?
Usually no, but some exam boards allow direct appeals from private candidates.
6. Do universities accept pending appeals?
Yes, many universities allow conditional acceptance or deferrals while appeals are processed.