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

Just opened your IGCSE results and not sure whether they’re correct? Don’t worry. The IGCSE appeals process gives you a formal route to challenge your results

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 walks you through everything you need to know, including key deadlines, costs and what to expect from each exam board.

Key Takeaways

• You can't go straight to an appeal - a review of marking must come first.

• All requests go through your school's exams officer, rather than directly to the exam board.

• Grades can go up or down after a review, so always weigh the risks first.

• Costs vary by exam board and service type; fees are usually refunded if your grade changes.

Can you appeal IGCSE results?

Yes, but it's important to understand what that actually means.

The process starts with what's known as an Enquiry About Results (EAR), sometimes called a post-results service. This is a formal request for your paper to be checked or re-marked. A formal appeal is a separate, later stage. It only becomes an option once a review of marking has taken place.

Your school's exams officer handles the request on your behalf. You can't contact the exam board directly.

If you're a private candidate, your exam centre submits the request for you.

What's the difference between a review of marking and an appeal?

These are two distinct stages. It's helpful to understand both before deciding what to do.

How to appeal IGCSE results: step by step

Step 1: Talk to your teacher

Before anything else, speak to your subject teacher. They’ll review your result with you and help you decide whether a review of marking is worth pursuing. Your predicted grade and class performance give useful context for judging whether something may have gone wrong.

It's completely normal to feel anxious or confused. Your teachers are there to support you through this.

Step 2: Access your script

Your school will request a copy of your marked script from the exam board. Seeing exactly how your paper was marked will help you and your teacher assess whether a formal review is worthwhile.

Step 3: Ask your exams officer to submit an Enquiry About Results

If your teacher agrees there's reason to challenge the grade, your school's exams officer submits an EAR to the exam board. This is the formal first step - you can't skip it and go straight to a full appeal.

Step 4: Request a priority service if your future place is at risk

If your next steps - like a place at sixth form or college - depend on your results, ask your school to request a priority service. 

This speeds up the review significantly. Always let your intended school or college know a review is in progress, as they may be able to hold your place in the meantime.

Step 5: Wait for the review outcome

Cambridge International (opens in a new tab) will communicate the outcome of an enquiry within 30 days of receiving it. 

A priority review typically takes around 15 days, while a standard review takes around 20 days.  (opens in a new tab)

Step 6: Submit a formal appeal if needed

If the review of marking doesn't change the outcome and you're still unhappy, you can escalate to a Stage 1 appeal. 

This focuses on whether the exam board followed correct procedures - for example, whether the mark scheme was applied consistently and fairly. It isn't a request for a different opinion on your work.  (opens in a new tab)

IGCSE post-results services: key deadlines

Deadlines are tight. They fall within weeks of results day, so don't delay if you have concerns.

The table below shows the deadlines for the 2026 exam series. 

Note: Oxford AQA and Edexcel have not released their post results deadlines yet. Also, deadlines vary by region and exam series. Always confirm with your school's exams officer before submitting any request.

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 (opens in a new tab).

For OxfordAQA International, you can contact the exam board for more information about appeal fees by emailing [email protected]. (opens in a new tab) 

Edexcel, publishes its fees for post-results services (opens in a new tab). They range from £50 per paper for a review of marking to £60 for a priority review of marking.

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

Can your grade go down after an appeal?

Yes, it can. Unlike IGCSE resits, where your highest grade stands, an appeal can go either way. If the review finds that your original mark was too generous, your grade could be lowered.  (opens in a new tab)

This is why it's so important to speak to your teacher first. They’ll help you weigh up the likelihood of a positive outcome against the risk of a lower grade.

Alternatives to Appealing Your IGCSEs

If an appeal isn’t right for you, there are other options to explore. 

1. Resit your IGCSE exams

You can 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, why not consider a different route?

Other options include:

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

• Apprenticeships

• Access to Higher Education Diplomas

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 IGCSE results on my own? 

No. All requests must go through your school's exams officer. If you're a private candidate, your exam centre (such as the British Council) will handle the submission on your behalf.

What if I need my corrected grade urgently for a sixth form or college place? 

Ask your school to request the priority service immediately and contact your intended school or college to let them know a review is under way. Many will hold your place while the outcome is being processed.

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.

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 exam board aligned revision notes and exam-style questions to flashcards, each tailored to your specific exam board. 

Explore our IGCSE revision resources. 

References

British Council - Cambridge Assessment International Education (opens in a new tab)

Cambridge International (CIE) - Key dates for June 2026 series (opens in a new tab)

Oxford AQA - Post results (opens in a new tab)

Edexcel - Post results services (opens in a new tab)

CIE Direct (opens in a new tab)

Edexcel - Post results services fees (opens in a new tab)