Ofqual complaints about exam appeals

Just to add, Ofqual point out that the type of school is a good predictor of which results are most likely to be appealed. Comprehensive schools and academies will mainly appeal for candidates who have just missed out on a C, independent and selective schools are more interested in appealing for candidates who have just missed out on A or A*.

If you read Ofqual's report you will find that they don't directly make the link between appeals and school league tables. They recognise that the candidate benefits as well. They do, however, point out that the most common appeals are where the candidate has a high D grade at GCSE or a high B grade at A level.

Many parents may be asking for appeals but it is the school or college that actually makes the appeal. And the most common appeals are around cases where pushing the grade up a level is of most benefit to the school.

Ofqual's concern is that there are too many speculative appeals hoping to push a candidate from just below a grade boundary to just above it with some heads describing it as a one way bet. The growing volume of appeals could overwhelm the system. They are also concerned that exam boards believe examiners, when dealing with appeals, look for extra marks to award the candidate.

Not something we would have thought of doing until DS got a completely unexpected grade at GCSE. Since then we have had three exams remarked. Two resulted in him achieving significantly more marks and higher grades, eg far more than a mark or two in the margins. The other no change - he must have had a bad day.

They can tell schools to reduce the number of appeals but until schools and parents can feel confident about the results, I can't see things changing. Especially when popular University courses pay so much attention to grades.

Bollocks is it just league tables. The reason to appeal from a D to a C is of obvious benefit to the student. Also appealing from a B to an A means a student may then meet sixth form entry requirements.