Appeals Procedure

Our commitment is to ensure a fair, transparent, and timely process for addressing learner concerns regarding assessment outcomes, procedural irregularities, or other significant academic or administrative decisions. Learners are encouraged to familiarise themselves with this procedure and to seek clarification from centre staff if needed.
If a candidate is dissatisfied with an assessment decision made by an assessor, s/he has the right of appeal.

General Principles:

• Fairness & Objectivity: All appeals will be handled impartially, based on the evidence provided.
• Timeliness: Adherence to specified timelines is crucial for all parties.
• Confidentiality: All appeal information will be treated with appropriate confidentiality.
• Written Communication: All formal stages of the appeal must be submitted and responded to in writing.

Grounds for Appeal typically including:

• Procedural Irregularity: The Centre’s published policies or procedures were not followed, and this adversely affected the outcome.
• Exceptional Circumstances: Valid extenuating personal circumstances, supported by evidence, which were not reasonably known or considered at the time of the original decision and directly impacted performance.
• Evidence of Bias or Discrimination: Clear and demonstrable evidence that a decision was influenced by bias or discrimination.
• Assessment Malpractice (by centre staff): Evidence of a significant and demonstrable error or injustice in the assessment process that fundamentally altered the outcome.

Where the candidate does not agree with the assessment, the candidate should advise the Centre indicating the points of disagreement with reasons and reference to the evidence in the portfolio.

Stage 1: The candidate appeals directly to the assessor who has carried out the assessment by completing the Candidate Appeal Report within 5 working days. The assessor will advise the candidate of the decision in writing within 5 working days. If a mutually agreeable resolution is reached a brief record will be kept.

Stage 2: If the candidate is not satisfied with the decision made in Stage 1, s/he can proceed to Stage 2 by appealing to the internal verifier.
All candidate appeals will be acknowledged within 3 working days and investigated to establish facts and evidence supporting the appeal. If an appeal is considered justified remedial action will be taken. The internal verifier will discuss the appeal with the Moderator/York Learning who will respond within 15 working days of receiving the candidate’s appeal.

Stage 3: Candidates who have exhausted Stage 1 and Stage 2 and are still not satisfied with the decision may proceed to Stage 3.
This appeal must be in writing to the Awarding Body and must be accompanied by copies of all the documentation used in Stage 1 and Stage 2.
The Awarding Body decision will be issued within 20 working days and will be final

Record Keeping: All stages of the appeal process, including all communications and decisions, will be thoroughly documented and retained by the Centre in accordance with data protection policies.
Learner Support: Learners who require assistance in understanding or navigating this appeals procedure should contact their programme manager for guidance.

Examinations Officers: exams.yorklearning@york.gov.uk
Quality Lead: kerry.harris@york.gov.uk