A Level Remark Success Rate: Is It Worth It?

Results day nerves are normal, but the stakes can feel especially high for A Levels.

Whether you need a certain grade for university or you’re simply disappointed with your A Level results, don’t panic. You have options, and one of them is requesting a remark. Whether this is the right option for you depends on a few key factors, particularly success rates, costs and risks.

With our up-to-date statistics and an honest evaluation of the pros and cons, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on getting a remark.

Key Takeaways

• A remark is one of several post-results services to consider if you’re unhappy with your A Level grades

• Between 2022-25, around three quarters of remarks did not lead to a grade change

• Consider fees, subject-specific success rates and the pros and cons of remarks before making your decision

What Is an A Level Remark?

An A Level remark, also known as a review of marking, is a post-results service in which a senior examiner rechecks your A Level exam script. 

Unlike a clerical check, which simply verifies that all questions were marked and totals were added and recorded correctly, a remark ensures that the mark scheme was properly applied.

Whether you opt for a priority (faster) or non-priority (slower) remark, the process (opens in a new tab) is the same: contact your school or college so that they can make the request, and – if your school isn’t covering the cost – pay the required fee.

A Level Remark Success Rates: The Data

The table below compares percentages of grade changes from remarks in the years 2022 (opens in a new tab), 2023 (opens in a new tab), 2024 (opens in a new tab) and 2025 (opens in a new tab):

Different subjects have different numbers of review requests. The table below shows the 10 AS and A Level components with the highest proportion of reviews relative to the number of entries for summer 2025:

Note that many of these subjects are essay-based. As an English, History and Philosophy/RS tutor, this doesn’t surprise me; opinions on what makes a good essay can vary, so the mark schemes can be more subjective than they are for other subjects.

How Much Does an A Level Remark Cost?

The table below shows the 2025 costs for different post-results services (opens in a new tab) across the main A Level exam boards. The prices are likely to change soon, so always double check the fee with your school or exam board before submitting your remark request.

In some cases, schools will cover remark costs. Check with your specific school to see whether you need to pay for a remark yourself or not.

If a review leads to a grade change, the exam board will typically issue a refund for your remark. Check with your exam board to be sure.

There is no charge for requesting access to your script from any of these exam boards. Seeing your script can help you and your teacher to decide whether or not to request a remark.

Risks of Requesting a Remark

Though rare, the main risk of requesting a remark is that your grade can actually go down instead of up. This is especially important to consider if your university of choice has specific grade entry requirements, as you could end up losing your place.

If you’re not satisfied with your review, you can appeal it. If you think the appeals process (opens in a new tab) wasn’t done properly, you can request a review from Ofqual (opens in a new tab). However, this isn’t the right course of action for everyone, so it’s best to be pragmatic and realistic by accepting that your grade can go up or down.

When Is an A Level Remark Worth Considering?

You're Close to a Grade Boundary

Schools generally advise getting a remark if you’re within five marks of the next grade (opens in a new tab). Nothing is guaranteed, but being so close to a grade boundary could be a key factor in your decision.

Last year, my A Level History student was one mark off the next grade up. Her remark ended up pushing her overall grade from a B to an A, so it was very much worth it.

Your Result Is Significantly Different From Expected

While predicted A Level grades are not guaranteed, they are calculated to reflect what you’re most likely to achieve. If you receive a grade well below what you were predicted, it might be worth getting a remark.

You Need a Specific Grade for Your University Offer

If you miss the A Level entry requirements for your top choice of university, you might want to consider a remark.

If you think a remark is unlikely to make a difference, you may still have high enough grades for your other university choices (opens in a new tab). Outside of that, clearing is always an option.

Your Performance Was Consistent Across Papers

If you score two or more grades lower in one component than the others, it’s definitely worth considering a remark.

My friend got full marks in all her AS and A Level English Literature papers, including her coursework, apart from the last exam in which she got a D! She still got an A overall and didn’t technically need above that for university, but it was still a huge discrepancy compared to her other papers.

Your Teacher Supports the Decision

Whether you’ve had the same teacher for years or just for A Level, your teacher will have a good idea of what you’re academically capable of. They’re also in a good position to judge whether or not a remark is worth it.

Your teacher can’t make the decision for you, but definitely consider a remark if they think it’s a good idea.

When a Remark Probably Isn't Worth It

• You’re far from a grade boundary

  • If you’re more than five marks away from the next grade up, the chances of boosting your grade are significantly lower

• The risk outweighs the potential benefits

  • Since there is a chance you’ll lose marks and bring your overall grade down, it’s not worth a remark if a lower grade could lose you a place at university, for example

• You’re considering a remark for Maths and Science

  • These subjects have fewer grade changes due to the typically ‘right or wrong’ nature of the questions, so you’re much less likely to get a higher result

  • A clerical check might be a better option for these subjects to make sure there have been no counting errors

• Your teacher advises against it

  • If your result is in line with your predicted grade or your teacher advises against a remark after seeing your script, it’s best to go with what your teacher recommends

Alternatives to a Remark

Remarks are just one post-results service; there are others you might want to use alongside or instead of a remark. Speak to your teacher or school’s exams officer to find out how to request the following:

• Access to scripts

  • Having your teacher see your original marked paper is a great way to assess whether or not a remark is worth it

• Clerical check

  • This ensures that

    • All the pages were marked

    • All the marks were counted

    • The result matches the marks on the paper

  • It’s less thorough than a review, but it’s also cheaper and will verify that there were no mistakes made in the marking

• Resit

  • You can retake an exam to try to secure a higher mark

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my A Level grade go down after a remark?

Yes. While data from the last few years shows that it’s rare, it’s definitely possible for your grade to go down as well as up.

How long does an A Level remark take?

The timeframe varies, but it’s generally up to 20 days for non-priority reviews and up to 15 days for priority reviews (opens in a new tab).

Will I get a refund if my remark is successful?

In most cases, if your remark leads to a grade change, you’ll receive a refund. Check with your specific exam board for more information.

What's the difference between a priority and non-priority review?

Priority and non-priority reviews are conducted in the same way. The only difference between them is how long they take.

A priority review is just a faster service than a non-priority review. You should request a priority review if your place at university or another higher education institution depends on the outcome.

Final Thoughts

While most remarks in recent years have not led to grade changes, roughly just under a quarter of remarks have pushed students up a grade. This is especially the case for more essay-based subjects like English Literature, History and Philosophy, as well as creative subjects like Drama and Music.

If you’re within five marks of a grade boundary and need a specific grade for university, consider a remark. Discuss your options with your teacher and make sure you meet the relevant deadlines if you decide to proceed.

Ultimately, whether or not a remark is right for you depends on your individual circumstances. Use the information here to assess whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks, and remember that it’s possible for your grade to go down as well as up.

In some cases, you’re better off using other post-results services – like access to scripts, a clerical check or a resit – alongside or instead of a remark.

Whatever you decide, we’re wishing you the best of luck!

References

• Ashbourne College: A-Level Exam Remarks: What Parents Need to Know Before Deciding (opens in a new tab)

• Complete University Guide: How to choose a university (opens in a new tab)

• Gov.uk (opens in a new tab): Appeal against a GCSE, AS or A level grade or the result of a qualification (opens in a new tab)

• Gov.uk (opens in a new tab): Official Statistics: Reviews of marking and moderation for GCSE, AS and A level: summer 2025 (opens in a new tab)

• Gov.uk (opens in a new tab): Official Statistics: Reviews of marking and moderation for GCSE, AS and A level: summer 2024 (opens in a new tab)

• Gov.uk (opens in a new tab): Official Statistics: Reviews of marking and moderation for GCSE, AS and A level: summer 2023 (opens in a new tab)

• Gov.uk (opens in a new tab): Official Statistics: Reviews of marking and moderation for GCSE, AS and A level: summer 2022 (opens in a new tab)

• AQA: Review and priority review of marking (opens in a new tab)

• OCR: Post-Results Services Fees November 2025, January 2026 and February 2026 (opens in a new tab)

• OCR: Reviews of marking (opens in a new tab)

• Pearson Edexcel: Fees for post-results services (opens in a new tab)

• Pearson Edexcel: Post-results services: Edexcel A Level (opens in a new tab)

• WJEC Eduqas: Post-Results Services and Appeals (opens in a new tab)

• WJEC Post Results Services Fees and Deadlines - January 2026 Series (opens in a new tab)

• Wootton Park: Post-results services deadlines and fees: Summer 2025 Series (opens in a new tab)