A Level Results Paper: Layout Explained

Getting your A Level results can feel like a big moment. After so much hard work, you’re bound to be nervous about the contents of your results paper. After all, these grades play a key role in your next steps, especially if you’re applying to university.

However, when you first look at your results paper, it might not feel as straightforward as you expected. There are codes, numbers, and different sections that may not immediately be clear. If you’re unsure what everything means, you’re not alone.

This guide explains the layout of your A Level results paper step by step, so you can understand exactly what each section shows and what it means for your results.

Key Takeaways

• Your A Level results paper, often called a Statement of Results, shows your final grades for each subject

• It includes important details such as your personal information, centre details, and subject codes

• Some results papers may also show component-level information, such as individual paper results

• These results are important for university applications, so it is essential to check them carefully

What Is an A Level Statement of Results?

Your A Level results paper’s usually known as a Statement of Results. It’s a document that shows your grades for each subject you’ve taken.

You’ll typically receive this on A Level results day, either as a printed document from your school or through an online results portal, depending on how your centre shares results.

It’s important to understand that this isn’t your final certificate. Your certificate’s issued later by the exam board, usually several weeks or months after results day. The certificate’s the official document you’d use as proof of your qualifications for university or job applications.

The Statement of Results gives you a clear summary of your performance as soon as your results are released, which is particularly important if you are confirming a university place.

Understanding Your A Level Results Paper Layout

Although the layout can vary slightly depending on the exam board, most A Level results papers follow a similar structure. Each section provides specific information about your identity, your exam entries, and your results.

Below is a breakdown of the key sections you are likely to see.

Personal Details Section

This section includes your name and sometimes additional identifying details such as your candidate number.

It’s important to check this carefully as soon as you receive your results. If there’s a mistake, such as a misspelt name or incorrect details, you should contact your school or exam centre straight away so it can be corrected.

Centre Information

The centre information shows the name and number of the school or exam centre where you were entered for your exams.

The centre number’s used by exam boards to identify where your exams were taken. This helps ensure your results are recorded correctly and linked to your school.

Examination Session

This section tells you when you took your exams. For A Levels, this is usually shown as a session such as May/June, along with the year.

This is useful if you take exams across different sessions or need to refer back to your results later.

Subject and Syllabus Codes

Each subject on your results paper’ll be listed alongside a syllabus or specification code.

This code identifies the exact course you’ve studied. There may be different codes for the same subject depending on the exam board and specification.

If you are unsure what a code refers to, your teachers or exams officer can help you match it to the correct subject.

Grades Column

The grades column shows your final result for each subject.

A Levels are graded from A* to E. Your results paper’ll clearly show the grade you achieved for each subject. These grades represent your overall performance and are based on your combined results across all assessed components.

If you want to understand how grades are awarded or what they mean in more detail, consult our guide to A Level grades.

Component Grades

Some A Level results papers may include additional information showing how you performed in individual components, such as different exam papers or coursework.

Not all students will see this level of detail. In many cases, only the overall subject grade is shown.

If component grades are included, they can give you a clearer picture of your strengths and areas for improvement within each subject.

A Level Grade Boundaries and What They Mean

Grade boundaries are the marks needed to achieve each grade.

Your results paper shows your final grade, not the raw marks you scored. This means you won’t usually see exactly how many marks you achieved for each paper.

If you want to understand how close you were to a particular grade, you can look at the official grade boundaries released by your exam board after results day.

Special Codes and Annotations on Your A Level Results Paper

In some cases, your results paper may show a code instead of a grade, or alongside it. These codes provide additional information about your result and may indicate that a result is under review or subject to further checks.

Absence Codes

If you were absent from an exam, this may be shown using a code such as “X”.

This indicates that no result could be awarded because you were not present for the assessment or because a result could not be issued.

Pending Results

If a result is listed as pending, it may be shown using a code such as “Q”.

This means that the final grade has not yet been confirmed, often because marks for one or more components are not available.

If you see this, your school or exam centre’ll be able to explain what’s happening and when you can expect an update.

Withheld Results

A withheld result means that the exam board has temporarily held back your result.

This may happen if there’s an issue that needs to be investigated, such as a query about your entry, administrative checks, or a potential malpractice investigation. Your school’ll have access to further information if this applies to you.

Other Special Circumstances

There may be other annotations on your results paper depending on your situation. These could relate to late entries, special consideration, or administrative issues.

If you see anything you don’t recognise, it’s always best to check with your school or exam centre for clarification.

What to Do If There’s an Error on Your Results Paper

If you think there’s an error on your results paper, the first step is to contact your school or exam centre as soon as possible.

They’ll be able to check your details and, if necessary, contact the exam board to correct any mistakes.

It is important to act quickly, especially if the error could affect your university place or other next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I receive my A Level results paper?

You’ll usually receive your results paper on results day, either in person at your school or through an online system, depending on your centre.

What’s the difference between the results slip and the certificate?

The results slip, or Statement of Results, shows your grades shortly after exams. The certificate is issued later and is the official document you keep as proof of your results.

Can I request a remark if I’m unhappy with my grades?

Yes, you can request a review of marking through your school or exam centre. There are deadlines and fees involved, so it is important to speak to your teachers as soon as possible.

Can I get a copy of my results paper if I’ve lost it?

Yes, your school or exam centre should be able to provide you with a copy or confirm your results if it’s needed.

Final Thoughts

While your A Level results paper may look complex at first, each section has a clear purpose. Take the time to check your details carefully, understand your grades, and ask your school for help if anything is unclear.

The best way to approach results day with confidence is to prepare well for your exams. Use our A Level revision resources, including revision notes, exam questions, flashcards and past papers, to make sure you’re smiling when you read that results paper. Good luck with your revision!

References:

• Edexcel A level results explained for students | Pearson qualifications (opens in a new tab)

• Understanding marks and grades | Pearson qualifications (opens in a new tab)

• AQA | Results Slips (opens in a new tab)

• AQA | Sample A Level & GCSE Statement of Results sample (opens in a new tab)