This is a mandatory procedure as instructed by the JCQ – updated March 2017

Saint John Fisher Catholic College
Internal Assessment Procedure – Appeals Procedure 2017

  • This procedure is used in relation to internal assessment for work that contributes to external qualifications.
  • The procedure at this examination centre, St John Fisher Catholic College, will be supervised by Miss M Walsh, Examinations Officer. Information will be available from the Examinations Office. Mrs Madden, our Headteacher, will be aware of the details of all appeals in progress, and advised of their outcome.
  • Candidates will be advised of their coursework marks in accordance with the deadlines (26th April 2017 for AQA GCSE and 5th May 2017 for all other awards). Deadlines are updated and communicated annually.
  • Candidates should be aware that coursework marks are subject to external moderation and are subject to change. In addition to this, grade boundaries are often changed, therefore teaching staff may only estimate the grade expected based on current information.
  • Candidates will have two school days from receipt of the coursework marks in which to appeal. In the first instance informally through discussion with their subject teacher. If this fails to resolve the matter, the appeal must be made in writing, to the Exams Officer, stating the basis for the appeal.
  • Any appeal will be considered by three members of staff, one of whom will be a teacher involved in the internal assessment decision.
  • Consideration of the appeal will take place within two school days of receipt of the written appeal.
  • All Appeals will include a review of the procedure used at St John Fisher Catholic College to award marks for internal assessments to ensure that this complies with the requirements of the Awarding Body.
  • The decision of the panel considering the appeal is final and a written record of all Appeals will be held in the Examinations Office. This will include a record of the outcome, including the reasons for that outcome. A copy will be sent to all parties involved in the procedure.
  • An internal Appeal will be resolved before coursework marks are sent to the moderator/exam boards, in line with published timetables.

Note – ‘school’ days exclude published holidays.


This is a mandatory procedure as instructed by the JCQ – updated March 2014

Policy on Internal Assessment Procedures for External Qualifications

In accordance with examination regulations, St John Fisher Catholic College is committed to ensuring that:

  • internal assessments are conducted by staff who have the appropriate knowledge, understanding and skills;
  • assessment evidence provided by candidates has been produced and authenticated according to the requirements of the specification;
  • the consistency of the internal assessment is secured through internal standardisation as necessary;
  • Staff responsible for internal standardisation attend any compulsory training sessions.
  • Candidates need to be aware that coursework marks are subject to external moderation and are subject to change. In addition to this, grade boundaries are often changed, therefore teaching staff may only estimate the grade expected based on current information.

Occasionally a candidate does not agree with the coursework marks awarded by a teacher. If the disagreement cannot be resolved by discussion between the teacher and candidate concerned, then the candidate may appeal to the Examinations Officer, who will put into action the agreed appeals process. This will be the final stage in the normal process of considering and resolving disputes. It is expected that it will be used only on exceptional circumstances.

Please refer to the document entitled ‘Internal Assessment Procedure – Appeals’ for specific details as to how appeals will be managed.

Enquiries About Results (Re-marks)

In cases of Enquiries About Results, where the school does not uphold a request for such an enquiry, the student may normally pay to have an enquiry carried out. Where the student wishes to challenge the decision not to hold an enquiry or consequent appeal, a similar procedure to that mentioned above will be carried out.

Note: Each awarding body specifies detailed criteria for the internal assessment of work. The criteria can be found at the back of each subject specification, it is also discussed at standardisation meetings, and teachers sign a declaration when sending coursework to confirm these criteria have been met . In addition, the awarding body must moderate the assessment and the final judgement on marks awarded is that of the awarding body. Appeals against matters outside the School’s control will not be considered in the School’s appeals procedure.

To download the Internal Assessment Appeals Policy please click here