Appeals Procedure

In accordance with the Joint Council for Qualification (JCQ) Code of Practice for the conduct of external qualifications produced by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), London CPS is committed to ensuring that:

• Internal assessments are conducted by staff that has the appropriate knowledge, understanding and skills.
• Assessment evidence provided by candidates is produced and authenticated according to the requirements of the relevant Specifications for each subject.
• The consistency of internal assessment is assured through internal standardisation as set out by the Awarding Bodies.
• Staff responsible for internal standardisation/assessment, attend any compulsory training sessions.

Written Appeals Procedure

Each Awarding Body publishes procedures for appeals against its decisions, and the Examinations Officer will be able to advise students of these procedures.

Appeals may also be made to the college regarding the procedures used in internal assessment, such as coursework. 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 set out below. It is expected that it will be used only in exceptional circumstances.

1. The Exams Officer is in overall charge of managing appeals relating to internal assessments.

1. If a student wishes to appeal about his/her internal assessment marks, then the following procedures should be followed:

The appeal should be made in writing to the Examinations Officer stating the details of the complaint and the reasons for the appeal.

The appeal must be submitted before the end of the first week in May of the year in which the written examinations are taken.

1. The teacher(s) concerned in marking the assessment, which is the subject of the appeal, will respond to the appeal in writing to the Examinations Officer and a copy given to the candidate
2. If the candidates are not satisfied with the written response, they have received then they can request a personal hearing before an appeals panel.

1. • The appeals panel will consist of the Examinations Officer and two of the following – the Vice Principal – Curriculum & Quality, the Principal – Student Services, the Head of Faculty or Programme Coordinator.
   • The request for a personal hearing must be made within two days of receipt of the written reply to the initial appeal.
   • The candidate will be given at least two days’ notice of the hearing date.
   • A breakdown of the marks awarded will be given to the candidate in advance of the appeal.
   • The candidate may bring a parent/guardian to the hearing.

1. • The teacher(s) involved will be present at the hearing.
   • The Examinations Officer will convey the outcome of an appeal and the reasons for that outcome in writing to the candidate.
   • The College will maintain a written record of all appeals.
   • The College will inform the awarding bodies (examining boards) of any change to an internally assessed mark because of an appeal.

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