Many young people and families are clearly disappointed by the AS and A-Level results they would have received last week, with many having anxieties ahead of this week’s GCSE results day.

The Minister for Education asked Qualifications Wales to consider this summer’s appeal process, taking into account changes by regulators in England and Northern Ireland.

To ensure that learners in Wales are not disadvantaged in comparison to those in England and Northern Ireland, Qualifications Wales have worked with the WJEC and have extended the grounds for appeal for this summer’s GCSE, AS and A levels, and the Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate qualifications.

Speaking on the announcement Hannah Blythyn MS said:

“Students and parents have raised questions and concerns regarding the appeals process for A Levels, AS Levels and GCSEs, and I am glad that the Welsh Government are addressing those concerns. It is also reassuring to know that the Welsh Government will ensure that appeals are free to learners in Wales.

I will continue to update constituents as more information becomes available and as always, I am on hand to offer direct support to those with concerns.”

Internal assessment evidence 

An appeal can now be made on the grounds that there is evidence of internal assessment that has been judged by the school or college to be at a higher grade than the calculated grade awarded. Internal assessment evidence will need to meet specific criteria, which is being finalised and will be published shortly. If the appeal is successful, the learner’s grade will be revised to be the same as their internal assessment grade, but no higher than the Centre Assessment Grade submitted by the centre.

Qualifications Wales are aware that some centres are concerned that the statistical standardisation model used to calculate the A level grades awarded, has not reflected the value added relationship that may exist at the centre between performance at AS and A level. They believe that this new ground for appeal will address this issue.

WJEC will provide further details on the process to submit appeals which will be available this week.

Grade protection 

Qualifications Wales are also offering assurance that all learners who are named in an appeal, whether they have provided consent or not, will not be at risk of having their grades lowered as a result of the appeal. Grades will only go up or remain the same as part of the appeals process.