How to Appeal IGCSE Results: Key Deadlines, Costs & Tips

Just opened your IGCSE results and not sure whether they’re correct? Don’t panic! You may be able to appeal, and there’s lots of support available to help you every step of the way.

By understanding how to appeal your IGCSE results, you can make an informed decision about whether this is the route you’d like to take. 

This guide explains the IGCSE appeals process, key deadlines, costs involved and what to expect if you choose to appeal.

What is the IGCSE appeals process?

If you feel like something isn’t quite right with your results, it’s definitely worth reaching out to a teacher or exams officer. 

Sure, lots of students can be left disappointed if they haven’t quite achieved their target grades. But if it goes beyond this and you feel that a genuine error has occurred, it’s well worth acting on it. 

It’s completely normal to feel disappointed or confused, but you’re not alone, and your teachers are there to help.

They’ll start by reviewing your results with you and may suggest accessing what’s known as an ‘Enquiry About Results service’ or ‘post-results service’, depending on the exam board. This isn't quite a formal appeal—it’s the first step in checking if a mistake has happened during marking.

Here’s how it works:

• Access to Scripts: Your school can request a copy of your marked exam paper. This allows teachers to spot anything unusual or potentially incorrect.

• Review of Marking/Moderation: If your teachers think there’s a problem, they can ask the exam board to check that the correct mark scheme was used and that marks were added up correctly.

Different exam boards might have slightly different names for these checks, but they’re usually split into the following services:

• Clerical checks: Making sure all pages were marked and that the marks were added correctly.
  Review of marking: Double-checking that the paper was marked fairly and according to the mark scheme.

What are the different stages of the IGCSE appeal process?

If you’re not satisfied after the initial review, you can move to the formal appeal stage. Using Cambridge International (CIE) as an example, the IGCSE appeals process includes:

• Stage 1: A fresh investigation by someone not involved in your original result. If your appeal is about how the mark scheme was applied, a senior examiner may be asked to review your case.

• Stage 2: Stage 2 appeals are heard by an independent panel who have had no prior involvement in the case. 

Your Head of Centre can appeal on your behalf on these grounds:

• You disagree with the outcome of your review of marking

• You think there’s been a mistake with special arrangements (like extra time)

• There’s a claim of malpractice that you believe is wrong

Is there a deadline for appealing IGCSE results?

Yes, and they’re important to stick to. 

• Enquiries About Results (EAR): Usually need to be submitted within a few weeks of results day (around mid-September).

• Formal appeal: Must be requested soon after the outcome of the review. If you’re making a Stage 1 appeal with CIE, the deadline will be 28 days after receiving the review of marking outcome letter. For a Stage 2 appeal, CIE’s deadline is 14 days from receiving the Stage 1 outcome letter. 

If your next steps (like college or sixth form) depend on your results, ask your school to request a priority service. This means your results will be reviewed faster.

Here are the deadlines for accessing IGCSE post-results services in 2025:  

Edexcel has not yet released its summer 2025 post-results services deadlines, however they will fall around the same time (mid-September). 

How much does it cost to appeal IGCSE results?

Appeal costs vary depending on the exam board and whether you use their priority service. Cambridge International does not publicly share its fees, but you can find this information via the ‘My Messages’ section of Cambridge International Direct.

For OxfordAQA International, you can contact the exam board for more information about appeal fees by emailing [email protected]. 

For Edexcel, you can find the fees for post-results services here. They range from £46 per paper for a review of marking (or £53 for a priority review) to £150 for a first stage appeal and £200 for a second stage appeal. 

If your grade changes after a review, you often get your fee refunded. Check with your school or the exam board for the most up-to-date prices.

How long does it take to appeal IGCSE results?

Again, the time it takes for your appeal to be processed can vary depending on the board and the type of service you’ve requested. But generally speaking, here’s a guide to how long an IGCSE appeal can take:

• Priority reviews: Around 15–20 days

• Standard reviews/appeals: Up to 6 weeks

Be sure to let your school know if your appeal is urgent (for example, if your college place depends on your results).

What is the IGCSE appeal success rate?

Unfortunately, there is no public data on the success of IGCSE appeals. Cambridge International does not disclose specific success rates.

However, they emphasise that appeals are only upheld when there is clear evidence that procedures were not properly followed. 

Appeals don’t always lead to a grade change—but they can!

While it’s not guaranteed, if you really think something’s gone wrong, it’s definitely worth exploring.

How does appealing affect my college or sixth form place?

Worried about how an appeal might affect your college or sixth form place? Don’t worry—schools and colleges understand how appeals work. If your appeal could mean you meet their entry requirements, they may hold your place while they wait for the result.

Here’s what to do:

• Let your college know you’re appealing.

• If you use the priority service, they might ask for proof.

• Keep in touch with both your school and the admissions team.

If your appeal doesn’t change your grade or the college can’t wait, you can still explore other courses or colleges. 

What support is available?

We know how disheartening it can be to feel like your results aren’t reflective of your hard work and that a mistake has been made. 

Appealing your results can feel stressful—but you’re not alone! There are plenty of people and services you can reach out to for support during the IGCSE appeal process. 

You can get support from:

• Your teachers and exams officers – They’ll help guide you through each step. Even if you’ve accessed your results online, your teachers will be on hand to help. 

• Exam boards – You’ll find information and advice on their websites about navigating an appeal. 

• Mental health support services – Depending on which country you’re in, you’ll be able to access mental health support services to help you through the process. 

Alternatives to appealing your IGCSEs

If an appeal doesn’t seem right for you, there are other great options you can explore. 

1. Resit your IGCSE exams

You can usually resit IGCSEs the following summer or even in the November exam session. With time to prepare and support from your teachers, many students boost their grades the second time around.

This is the perfect opportunity to switch up your approach. If you struggled with revision this time around, Save My Exams’ IGCSE revision resources can help you to nail your exams. 

2. Try a different qualification

If you were planning on studying for A Levels or the IB diploma, you may want to consider a different route. 

Other options include:

• Vocational Qualifications (i.e. BTECs, NVQs, ) 

• Apprenticeships

• Access to Higher Education Diplomas

It’s important to remember that there are always options available to you, even if you no longer feel that A Levels are suited to you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I appeal coursework?

Yes –– CIE allows schools to request a review of IGCSE coursework through its Enquiries About Results process. This process is designed to ensure that internally assessed coursework has been marked and moderated accurately.

Can my IGCSE grade go down after an appeal?

Yes, it’s possible. Unlike with IGCSE resits where your highest grade stands, appeals can go either way. 

If the review finds that your original grade was too high, it may go down. Always speak to a teacher to weigh the risks before appealing.

Ace your IGCSEs with Save My Exams

Whether your IGCSE results are worth celebrating or you’re already thinking about how to improve next year, Save My Exams can help you. 

Join over 2 million students who trust Save My Exams and gain access to high quality, teacher-written revision resources. You’ll find everything from concise revision notes and exam-style questions to flashcards, each tailored to your specific exam board. This way, you can guarantee you’re only studying exactly what you need to know. 

Explore our IGCSE revision resources. 

References

CIE Direct

Fees for post-results services | Pearson qualifications