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Call for clarity over exam appeal charges

Maths exam in progress at Pittville High School, Cheltenham.
Maths exam in progress at Pittville High School, Cheltenham.

Cash-strapped schools will be forced to pay for some pupils’ exam appeals under a new system of charges introduced this year, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has confirmed.

The Courier revealed last week that there is confusion among parents, teachers and councils over who will pick up the tab for “Post-Results Services”.

The new scheme offers a £10 Clerical Check, a Marking Review costing £29.75, or a Priority Marking Review priced £39.75.

If the grade is changed or if pupils provide medical certificates proving that there is “exceptional circumstances” there will be no charge, however schools could still receive bills running to thousands of pounds.

In 2012 more than 20,000 unsuccessful appeals were submitted on behalf of S3 and S4 pupils, who are currently preparing to sit the new National 5 exams.

If every paper was remarked under the new Post-Results Services system the cost to Scottish schools would total more than half a million pounds.

“If unsuccessful Higher appeals are included, the figure is upwards of £800,000.

Teachers’ union the NASUWT, parent organisation the SPTC and several teachers raised concern that the scheme could discourage schools from submitting exam papers for review.

The SQA moved to quell fears, insisting Post-Results Services is “grounded in the principle of fairness”.

Eric Martinez, SQA’s director of operations, told The Courier: “SQA has introduced two new services which replace the former absentee consideration and exam appeals system Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service, which ensures that those candidates who have suffered genuinely exceptional circumstances, such as a bereavement or illness during exams are not disadvantaged, and Post-Results Services, which provides a safety net check of final exam results.

“There will be no cost to schools or colleges who submit an Exceptional Circumstances application on behalf of candidates. Post-Results Services will only incur a cost when there is no change to the candidate’s final grade following a marking review and/or clerical check.

“Those costs will be charged to the school or college. If a candidate’s grade increases or decreases, there will be no charge.”

Scottish Conservative education spokeswoman Liz Smith has written to SQA chief executive Dr Janet Brown to demand that schools are given “clear instructions” about the new system.

The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP said: “I am very surprised indeed to hear that there is not more clarity over this matterthe new charges could, in some cases, result in a disincentive to appeal.”

Mr Martinez said: “SQA will continue to share information with teachers, lecturers, local authorities, parents and candidates on the introduction of Results Services.”