What happens to my paper after I finish an exam? The journey to results day explained
So, your exam has finished…now what?
After months of revision, it’s finally time to put the pen down and hand in your paper. But while you start to enjoy your well-earned break, your exam paper is only just beginning its journey.
In this blog, we’ll explore what happens between finishing your exam and getting your results, so you’ll know exactly what goes on during those weeks of waiting before the big day arrives.
We’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the marking process, including who marks your paper, how marks are checked, if your paper can be re-checked and how your final grade is decided.
The step-by-step journey of your exam paper
1. Collection
Once the exam has finished, invigilators will collect all papers and pass them to the Exams Officer, who will carefully sort and package them to be sent onward for the marking process to begin.
The sealed exam papers are then sent for processing and each package is tracked and logged through the ‘Yellow Label Service’ to help ensure your exam paper arrives safely and securely.
3. Scanning
Once they arrive,
It’s important to note that not all our papers are scanned for marking. Some are still mailed directly from centre to examiner and then returned to us once marked. We still scan, but only for awarding and Post Result Services purposes.
4. Marking
Your script is then allocated to an examiner who is a subject specialist. Before they start marking live papers they go through intensive exam marker training to make sure they understand exactly how to apply the mark scheme consistently and accurately.
5. Quality checks
Don’t worry - marking isn’t left unchecked. Senior examiners regularly review samples of marked papers to ensure consistency and accuracy.
6. Grade calculation
Our subject teams use a range of information, including statistical analysis to determine grade boundaries, ensuring standards are maintained from year to year. Final checks are then carried out before results are released.
What shall I do while I wait for results day?
Once your exams are finished, the wait for results day can feel strange. You’ve gone from spending most of your days revising, to having all this spare time.
Try not to spend too much of this free time replaying your exams. Instead, switch off and do things you enjoy, whether it be seeing friends, playing sports, volunteering, taking up a new hobby, getting a part-time job, or simply relaxing.
Exam Marking FAQs
Who marks my exams?
Exam marking is carried out by a team of trained examiners who are subject specialists. In most cases, these examiners are current or former teachers who have specialist knowledge in the subject they are marking.
Learn more about how much training exam markers get in our blog.
How are marks decided?
Examiners follow a detailed mark scheme created by our subject teams for each assessment. The marking criteria outlines how a response is marked and indicative content which gives either the correct answer (right/wrong questions) or examples of the kind of responses which will be accepted (when there is a range of acceptable responses).
How are grade boundaries decided?
Grade boundaries are the final step in turning your marks into the grade you see on results day. They are decided after all exams are marked by senior examiners who review overall student performance and the difficulty of the paper, then set the marks needed for each grade to ensure standards are fair and consistent from year to year. [link to the new grade boundaries blog that is going up in a couple of weeks time].
Could my paper be marked again?
Yes - if you think your exam results don’t reflect how you performed, you may be able to request a Review of Marking. There are several options, and we suggest speaking with your school or college to determine which is the best option for you.
For more insights and tips, check out our regularly updated student blog, including topics such as ‘3 easy ways to create a calm and productive study space’, ‘5 top tips for avoiding burnout during A Level revision’ and ‘How to improve memory retention when revising for exams’.