Results
Enquiries and appeals
Results Enquiries
Results Enquiries must be submitted by the exam centre on behalf of the candidate. The following Results Enquiry stages are available:
| Results Enquiry Stages | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage | What is the enquiry process? | How long does it take? | What does it cost? |
| Stage 1 | A full clerical re-check | Within five working days of receiving the request | No fee |
| Stage 2 | A re-mark of written papers (including review of the Listening paper where relevant, but does not apply to any Speaking test component) |
Letters will be sent within three weeks (All requests for Stage 2 will be acknowledged by return) |
Fee depends on the exam — refer to your centre |
Requesting a Stage 2 enquiry
To request a Stage 2 enquiry, a candidate must have completed Stage 1 and received their results.
If a candidate has already received a certificate but wishes to request Stage 2, the certificate must be returned to Cambridge ESOL. Requests will not be processed until this has been received.
Final dates for enquiries
Each exam has a final date for receiving Results Enquiries, and after this date it will not be possible to request an enquiry.
For March examinations, schools and candidates need to have contacted their centre to discuss a possible enquiry by 15 June.
For May/June examinations, schools and candidates need to have contacted their centre to discuss a possible enquiry by 15 September.
For November/December examinations, schools and candidates need to have contacted their centre to discuss a possible enquiry by 15 March.
Where an enquiry leads to a change of grade, any Results Enquiry fee paid will be reimbursed.
Where candidates are dissatisfied with the outcome of the Results Enquiry process, they are entitled to request a formal appeal against their result.
Cambridge ESOL appeals procedure
Cambridge ESOL provides a service to enable centres to appeal, on behalf of candidates, against decisions that affect grades awarded to candidates (e.g. decisions relating to results and decisions relating to irregular conduct).
The appeals procedure focuses on whether, in the course of reaching decisions, Cambridge ESOL:
- used procedures which were consistent with the regulatory authorities' code of practice
- applied its procedures properly and fairly in arriving at judgements.
The appeals procedure is not concerned with making judgements about candidates' work in the examination; an appeal will not involve re-marking or re-assessment of a candidate's work, although further re-marking might be ordered as a result of an appeal if it is found that procedures have not been satisfactorily followed.
Where the outcome of an appeal brings into question the accuracy of grades awarded to other candidates in the same assessment, Cambridge ESOL will take the necessary steps to protect their interests.
Conditions of appeal
Cambridge ESOL will consider an appeal only if the following conditions are met:
- The appeal is submitted in writing by the Local Secretary.
- The appeal is submitted within 14 days of the receipt of the relevant decision.
An appeal against a result may not be submitted in the absence of the Results Enquiry process having been followed.
Charges
There will be a charge of £150 for the submission of an appeal to each of stages 1 and 2, and the independent review. This charge will be refunded in full if the appeal is upheld.
Appeals procedure: stage 1
The written evidence relating to the case will be considered by the Chief Executive of Cambridge ESOL. The purpose of the initial consideration is to decide whether any further work relating to the appeal should be authorised (e.g. re-marking of additional scripts; gathering of additional evidence).
Appellants will be notified in writing of the outcome of stage 1, including the outcome of any further work authorised.
Appeals procedure: stage 2
Appellants remaining dissatisfied may have their case considered in full by the Cambridge ESOL Appeals Committee. The Appeals Committee includes the Chief Executive of Cambridge ESOL and at least one member who is not and has not been a member of UCLES' board or committees, or an UCLES employee or examiner at any time during the previous seven years.
Formal applications for an appeal to be considered by the Appeals Committee should be made by the Local Secretary within 14 days of the receipt of the outcome of the first stage appeal.
Appellants have the right to present their case in person to the Appeals Committee and they will be notified in writing of the outcome of their appeal within 10 weeks of submission.
Independent Review
Appellants remaining dissatisfied after receiving Cambridge ESOL's final response to an appeal may submit an appeal for independent review. Formal applications for an independent review must be made within three weeks of the receipt of the outcome of a Cambridge ESOL appeal. Cambridge ESOL will forward such appeals to an independent reviewer who will consider appeals against final Cambridge ESOL decisions.
Appellants will have the right to present their case in person to the independent reviewer and they will be notified in writing of the outcome of their appeal within 10 weeks of submission.
Consideration of an appeal by the independent reviewer concludes Cambridge ESOL's appeals procedure.
Appeals resulting in a change of decision
The outcome of an appeal may be a confirmation of the original decision or an overturning of this decision which may, in turn, lead to the award of a higher grade, a lower grade, or no grade change, or to the award of a grade where no previous grade was awarded.
Where an appeal leads to a change of syllabus grade or the award of a grade where no grade was previously awarded:
- any Results Enquiry and Appeals fees will be refunded in full;
- an amended Statement of Results and Certificate (where awarded) will be issued.
Final dates for appeals against results
For March examinations, all stage 1 appeals should be received by 7 August.
For May/June examinations, all stage 1 appeals should be received by 7 November.
For November/December examinations, all stage 1 appeals should be received by 7 May.
All other appeals should be received within 14 days of the receipt of the relevant decision.
Further information
If you would like information or advice, please contact your nearest Cambridge ESOL Centre.
