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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to feel uneasy that GCSE remarks depend on ability to pay

254 replies

CassandraWebb · 20/08/2026 08:06

My DC is only doing one GCSE this year, a year early, but as I was looking through the information to check timings etc I noticed an email about the "remark" service and the costs

We could afford to pay if needed, but I do a lot of work with people who are in financially difficult situations.

I do fully understand there's a cost to remarking. But it just makes me feel really uncomfortable that clearly the costs might mean some people just don't have that option.

Is there help for people who can't afford to pay? There's no mention of it in the email.

OP posts:
Original poster
CassandraWebb · 20/08/2026 08:11

AelinAG · 20/08/2026 08:09

Most schools will cover the cost where they agree there should be a remark, and they’d have that conversation with the parents and child on the day and offer to pay, rather than making it an open offer.

This is because there will unfortunately always be some people who want a load of unreasonable remarks and schools aren’t a bottomless pit of cash. This is especially important now it’s a review of marking rather than a remark.

Ah, that makes sense!

OP posts:
Mcdhotchoc · 20/08/2026 08:09

In dds state school, I think that if the tutor looked at the grade and the ground boundary they asked for the script and then recommended whether or not to remark. If they recommend, then the school paid for the remark. Tbf I think they only recommended when it would make a material difference, ie a 3 to a 4.

AelinAG · 20/08/2026 08:09

Most schools will cover the cost where they agree there should be a remark, and they’d have that conversation with the parents and child on the day and offer to pay, rather than making it an open offer.

This is because there will unfortunately always be some people who want a load of unreasonable remarks and schools aren’t a bottomless pit of cash. This is especially important now it’s a review of marking rather than a remark.

Itsnotallaboutyoulikeyouthink · 20/08/2026 08:09

You could say that about the whole system.. ability to pay for a tutor impacts grades. Ability to pay for extra clubs. It’s the society we live in. However there needs to be a charge otherwise every Tom Dick and Harry would want a remark.

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