The purpose of this policy is to provide an opportunity for learners to appeal against outcomes of assessment for qualification for which they are enrolled with the College and registered with an awarding body.

Academic appeals are permitted only where the learner believes one of the following three circumstances have occurred:

a)where there is evidence that the assessment was not conducted in accordance with the regulations of the College or with awarding body rules

b)where there is evidence that the assessment criteria relating to the specific assessment in question were incorrectly applied in arriving at the grade or mark awarded (only where an assessment has not been second marked or internally verified)

c)where the learner believes that his/her performance was affected by circumstances beyond his/her control e.g. illness

Should any of the above circumstances arise, appeals must be submitted in writing (or by suitable alternative means) by the student within 10 working days of receipt of marked work. Learners may not appeal on the grounds of academic judgement (that is, disagreement with the academic decision of assessors or examiners) To protect the interests of the learners and the integrity of the qualification, the College will:

1.Tell learners about academic appeals process at induction;

2.Discuss informally with learners the grounds for their appeal, in an attempt to reach agreement between the learner and the assessor at the earliest opportunity (stage 1 – informal)

3.Convene an academic appeals panel to hear the appeal at a mutually convenient time, if informal resolution is not achieved, within 10 working days of receipt of the appeal, which must be submitted in writing (or by alternative media), with appropriate evidence (stage 2 – formal internal);

4.In the event of continued non-resolution, follow the relevant awarding body’s guidance on academic appeals which cannot be locally resolved (stage 3 – formal external);

5.Take appropriate action to protect the interests of other learners and the integrity of the qualification if the outcome of any appeal warrants such action;

6.Retain records of appeals in line with relevant awarding body guidance;

7.Monitor the content of appeals to inform quality improvement.

Policy shared with Awarding Organisations for scrutiny