Support for Students on A-Level Results Day

On 13th August 2026, students across the country who have taken A-Level examinations will be receiving their results.

It will be a stressful day for many, especially because University offers for admission are often conditional upon receiving certain A Level grades. The pressure to perform is therefore significant. As Education Law Specialists, we have experience in assisting students in challenging the grades they have received for a variety of reasons, such as:

Special Consideration

The student may have been temporarily ill, suffering from a bereavement, or experiencing a serious disturbance during their examination. The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) allows for students to apply for Special Consideration where they have been “materially affected by adverse circumstances beyond their control”. Students can be awarded an allowance of additional marks to the affected assessments if they fulfil the criteria for Special Consideration. An application for Special Consideration must be submitted before the deadline for reviews of results for the examination series, so the student must act quickly to ensure this timescale is adhered to. Our Education Law experts will be happy to provide advice on this option.

Grade Reviews and Appeals

Additionally, if a student believes that there has been an error in the marking of their work, they can ask for a review of the marking. They can do this by asking their school or college, or by going directly to the exam board if they took the examinations privately.

If the student still believes there is a mistake after the review, or that the awarding body has not applied the correct marking or grading procedures, they may be able to appeal the outcome. This is a separate process from the initial review, and there are strict deadlines involved, so students and parents should seek advice as soon as the review outcome is known.

Inadequate Teaching

In some cases, a student’s grade may have been affected by how their course was taught, rather than by their own ability. This can include the syllabus not being fully delivered, a lack of support from teachers, or mock exams that did not reflect the standard expected in the real assessments. Where this has happened, there may be remedies available to the student, and our Education Law team can advise on the options open to them.

Clearing

Where a student has missed the grades required for their conditional offer, UCAS Clearing gives them the opportunity to find and apply for another course with places still available. This can be a fast-moving process on results day itself, so it is worth being prepared with a list of alternative courses and having key documents to hand.

If you are looking for advice and assistance with any of the above matters, please do not hesitate to call our specialist Education Law team on 0333 202 7175 or alternatively, send us an email at education@hcbgroup.com.

Or visit our dedicated Education Law Advice website