IGCSE Results Paper: Layout Explained

Getting your IGCSE results can feel like a big moment. After all the work you’ve put in, you finally get to see your final grades. 

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 IGCSE results paper step by step, so you can understand exactly what each section shows, and feel confident interpreting your results.

Key Takeaways

• Your IGCSE 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

• Any unusual codes or missing results should be checked with your school or exam centre

What Is an IGCSE Statement of Results?

Your IGCSE results paper is officially known as a Statement of Results. It is a document that shows your grades for each subject you have taken.

You will usually receive this on IGCSE results day, either as a printed document from your school or through an online results portal, depending on how your centre shares results.

It is important to understand that this is not your final certificate. Your certificate is issued later by the exam board and is the official document you would use to prove your qualifications for job or university applications.

The Statement of Results is designed to give you a clear summary of your performance as soon as your results are released.

Understanding Your IGCSE Results Paper Layout

Although the layout can vary slightly depending on the exam board, most IGCSE 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 is 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 is used by exam boards to identify where your exams were taken. This information helps ensure your results are linked correctly to your school.

Examination Session

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

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

Subject and Syllabus Codes

Each subject on your results paper will be listed alongside a syllabus code.

The syllabus code identifies the exact course you studied. There may be different codes for the same subject, depending on the exam board and specification.

If you’re unsure what any of the codes refer 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.

IGCSEs are usually graded using a scale such as A* to G or 9 to 1, depending on the exam board and specification. Your results paper will clearly show the grade you achieved for each subject. These grades represent your overall performance in each subject. They’re 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 IGCSE grades.

Component Grades

Some IGCSE 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.

IGCSE 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 will not 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 IGCSE grade boundaries released by your exam board after results day.

Special Codes and Annotations on Your IGCSE 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 by the exam board.

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 for that component or subject because you were not present.

Pending Results

If a result is listed as pending, it means that the final grade has not yet been confirmed.

This could happen for several reasons, such as administrative checks or late marking. If you see this, your school or exam centre will be able to explain what is 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 is an issue that needs to be investigated, such as a query about your entry or an administrative concern. Your school will have access to further information about this, if it 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 other administrative factors. 

If you see anything you do not recognise, it is 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 is an error on your results paper, the first step is to contact your school or exam centre as soon as possible.

They will 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 applications or next steps such as further study.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I receive my IGCSE results paper?

You will 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 remark 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 needed.

Final Thoughts

Your IGCSE results paper may look complex at first, but 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. With a little guidance, you will be able to read your results with confidence.

Make sure you open your IGCSE results paper with a smile by preparing well for your upcoming exams. Use our IGCSE revision resources, including revision notes, exam questions, flashcards and past papers to get you ready to ace your IGCSEs. Good luck with your revision!

References:

• Cambridge International | Electronic statements of results (opens in a new tab)

• Electronic Statement of Results | Cambridge International Education (opens in a new tab)