Step 7: Post-results service

A helpline for centres to query results on behalf of their candidates is available immediately after the issue of results.
Sometimes, an individual candidate's result in one or more subjects is lower than expected (ie poorer than the estimate). In such cases, where there is sound evidence to support the estimate, an appeal can be submitted by the centre for an improvement to the results. (For Standard Grade, appeals are made on an Element basis.) Unlike most other awarding bodies, where an appeal is based on a re-mark of the examination script, our appeal system is based on consideration of alternative, centre-generated, evidence of attainment.

Appeals are considered by teams of experienced examiners who are specialist subject teachers and lecturers. They are briefed by SQA staff before they begin the appeals procedure. The examiners first consider the evidence (coursework, class tests, prelim exams) submitted bu the school or college. Where the centre's assessment instrument(s) are valid and reliable, and the candidate's demonstrated attainment at a higher level than the initial award, the examiners then review the candidate's examination scripts in detail to make sure they have been fairly marked.

An appeal cannot be turned down until all this evidence has been considered. For a full explanation of the procedures, please refer to the latest edition of The Appeals Process and Estimates and Assessment Appeals: Guidance on Generating Evidence, which are available from SQA's Customer Contact Centre 0845 279 1000. In addition, Notes of guidance for centres on the Appeals process and on the preparation of evidence to support Estimates and Appeals can be found in our NQ Digest section under the heading 'Guidance for Appeals'.

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