Students can request examiners’ comments

Exams

Students who want to know exactly what the examiner thought of their work can request to see this information under the Data Protection Act, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said today, as students receive their A-Level exams results.

Individuals have the right to request the information that an organisation holds about them.

Once a request is received an organisation generally has 40 days to respond. In the case of exam results, exam bodies must respond within 40 days from the date the results were published or within 5 months of the request being received - whichever of the two is the earliest.

David Smith, Deputy Commissioner for Data Protection, said: “We’ve all experienced the excitement and occasional disappointment that the exam season can bring. Having access to information may not lead to their grades being altered but it could help them make decisions that impact on their future, such as deciding to re-sit an exam or pursue a particular subject at college or university.”

“This right doesn’t just apply to A-level exams. Students sitting GCSEs, Scottish Highers and degree examinations can also request to see their information. If examination bodies fail in their legal duty to respond then students can bring a complaint to the ICO and we will look into it.”