IGCSE Remarks: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve just received your IGCSE results and they aren’t what you expected, you’re not alone. It can be especially frustrating if you were close to a grade boundary or relying on a specific result for your next step.

In this situation, you might be thinking about requesting a remark. Before you do, it’s important to understand how the process works, what the risks are, and whether it is likely to make a difference.

This guide explains everything you need to know about IGCSE remarks, including when they are worth considering, how to request one, and what outcomes you can expect.

Key Takeaways

• An IGCSE “remark” is officially called a review of marking, where your paper is checked again by an examiner.

• Remarks are most useful if you are very close to a grade boundary or your result was unexpected.

• Most remarks do not result in a grade change, and when marks do change, they are usually small.

• Your grade can go up, stay the same, or go down after a remark.

What Is an IGCSE Remark?

An IGCSE remark, officially called a review of marking, is when your exam paper is checked again after results day to make sure the mark scheme was applied correctly and consistently.

A senior examiner reviews your script to check:

• That all parts of your answer were marked

• That marks were added up and recorded correctly

• That the mark scheme was applied fairly

It is important to understand that this is not a full re-mark from scratch. Instead, it is a review of the original marking to ensure it was accurate.

After the review, your mark may stay the same, go up, or go down. If your mark changes enough to cross a grade boundary, your overall grade will change as well.

Remarks are just one type of post-results service. If you’d like to understand how appeals work, and how they differ from remarks, see our guide on how to appeal IGCSE results.

When Should I Request an IGCSE Remark?

You Were Close to a Grade Boundary

One of the most common reasons to request a remark is being just a few marks below the next grade.

In these cases, even a small increase of one or two marks could move you up a grade. This is when a remark is most likely to be worthwhile.

You can ask your school or exam centre for your marks to see how close you were to the next boundary.

Your Result Was Unexpected

If your result is much lower than you expected based on your past performance, it may be worth looking into further.

For example, you might consider a remark if:

• You were consistently achieving higher grades in mock exams

• Your performance in similar subjects was stronger

• The result does not match how you felt the exam went

In some cases, this could point to a marking issue, although it is not always the case.

There's an Administrative Error

Sometimes the issue is not with how your answers were marked, but with how marks were recorded.

An administrative error could include:

• Marks being added up incorrectly

• A question not being marked

• Marks being entered incorrectly

In these situations, a clerical re-check may be more appropriate than a full review of marking.

How Do I Request an IGCSE Remark?

You cannot request a remark directly from the exam board. Instead, your school or exam centre must submit the request on your behalf.

The process usually involves:

• Speaking to your teacher or exams officer

• Reviewing your marks and how close you were to a grade boundary

• Deciding which type of service is appropriate

• Completing the request through your school

• Paying the required fee

You will also need to give your consent before a remark is submitted, as your grade can go up, stay the same, or go down after the review.

If you are a private IGCSE candidate, you will need to contact the exam centre where you sat your exams.

In some cases, schools may advise you against a remark if they believe it is unlikely to change your result.

What Are the Different Types of IGCSE Remarks?

Clerical Re-Check

A clerical re-check looks at administrative accuracy rather than the marking itself.

This includes checking:

• All pages were marked

• Marks were added up and recorded correctly

• Marks were recorded accurately

There is a very low chance of a mark change, as this is not a subjective process.

Review of Marking

This is the most common type of remark. A senior examiner reviews your paper to ensure the mark scheme was applied correctly. This also includes the checks carried out in a clerical re-check.

If they find an issue, your marks may be adjusted.

This is not a full re-mark, but a careful review of the original marking decisions.

Priority Service

Some exam boards offer a priority review service, which is processed more quickly and is often used when a student’s place in further education depends on the result.

However, availability varies. For example, Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab) offers priority reviews for International GCSE, but Cambridge International (opens in a new tab) does not offer this service for IGCSE exams.

Always check with your school or exam centre to confirm what is available for your exam board.

How Much Does an IGCSE Remark Cost?

The cost of an IGCSE remark varies depending on the exam board and the type of service you choose.

In general:

• Clerical re-checks are the cheapest option

• Reviews of marking cost more

• Priority services are usually the most expensive

As a rough guide, typical costs are:

For example, Edexcel International GCSE fees (opens in a new tab) include £14 for a clerical check, £57 for a review of marking, and £68 for a priority review, although prices can change each year.

The fee is usually refunded if your grade changes.

Your school or exam centre will be able to confirm the exact cost for your subject and IGCSE exam board.

What Are the Deadlines for IGCSE Remarks?

There are strict deadlines for requesting a remark, usually within a few weeks of results day, although exact deadlines vary depending on the exam board and exam series.

Priority services, where available, have earlier deadlines shortly after results day.

Because of this, it is important to:

• Act quickly after receiving your results

• Speak to your school as soon as possible

• Check the exact deadline for your exam board

Can My Grade Go Down After a Remark?

Yes, your grade can go down.

When your paper is reviewed, the examiner checks it again to make sure the mark scheme was applied correctly. If they believe the original mark was too high, it can be reduced.

Most reviews do not result in a change, but it is important to understand that marks can go down as well as up.

Before requesting a remark, you should:

• Be aware of this risk

• Consider how close you are to the lower grade boundary

• Discuss your options with your teacher

How Long Does an IGCSE Remark Take?

The time it takes to receive the outcome of an IGCSE remark depends on the exam board and the type of service you request.

As a general guide:

For example, Cambridge International states that reviews of marking are typically completed within around 30 days, although this can vary depending on demand. 

Because of this variation, your school or exam centre is the best place to check expected timelines for your specific exam board.

What Happens If I'm Still Not Happy After a Remark?

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may be able to appeal, although appeals are only accepted in certain circumstances.

An appeal usually focuses on whether the correct procedures were followed during the review, rather than on re-marking the paper.

This means you cannot appeal simply because you disagree with the mark. Instead, the appeal looks at whether the process was carried out properly.

Your school or exam centre can guide you through the appeals process if needed.

Is an IGCSE Remark Worth It?

In some situations, a remark can be worth it. However, it is important to be realistic.

Most remarks do not result in a grade change, and when marks do change, they are usually small.

Because of this, remarks are most worthwhile when you are close to a grade boundary and the outcome is important for your next step.

A remark is most likely to be worthwhile if:

• You are very close to a grade boundary

• The grade is important for your next step, such as sixth form or college

• Your result is significantly different from what you expected

You should also consider:

• The cost of the remark

• The time it may take

• The risk of your grade going down

Your teacher or exams officer is the best port of call if you’re unsure. They can help you decide whether it is the right choice for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Universities Accept My Results If I Request a Remark?

Yes, universities understand that remarks are part of the exam process.

If your place depends on your result, you should contact the university and let them know you have requested a review. In some cases, they may hold your place while you wait for the outcome.

Can I Request a Remark for Coursework or Controlled Assessment?

In many cases, yes. However, the process is slightly different.

Instead of a review of marking, this is usually called a review of moderation, where the exam board checks that your work was marked correctly by your school or centre.

Your school will be able to explain what options are available for your subject.

Do All Exam Boards Have the Same Remark Process?

No, there are some differences between exam boards such as Cambridge International and Edexcel.

For example, some boards use different terminology, such as “enquiries about results”, and not all services are available for every qualification.

However, the overall process is similar, including clerical checks, reviews of marking, and strict deadlines.

Final Thoughts

Requesting an IGCSE remark can feel like an important decision, especially if your result affects your next step in education. While it can sometimes lead to a higher grade, most reviews do not result in a change.

By understanding how the process works, checking how close you were to a grade boundary, and speaking to your school, you can make a clear and informed decision about whether a remark is right for you.

To reduce the chances of needing a remark in the first place, it’s worth making sure your revision is as effective as possible. Using high-quality resources can help you understand exam requirements, avoid common mistakes, and perform at your best on the day.

Save My Exams offers a wide range of IGCSE resources, including revision notes, flashcards, exam questions and tutorial videos, designed to help you feel confident and prepared for your exams.

References

• Post-results services | Pearson qualifications (opens in a new tab)

• Pearson | Reviews of Marking & Moderation Fees (opens in a new tab)

• Fees for post-results services (from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026) | Pearson qualifications (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge International | Exam Results information (opens in a new tab)

• OxfordAQA International Qualifications | Post-results (opens in a new tab)