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Appeals
On this page, we provide detailed information about how to apply for an NCFE Appeal. The NCFE Appeals Policy should be read alongside JCQ Appeals Booklet.
What types of appeal will NCFE accept?
A centre can submit an appeal in relation to the following three areas:
- appeals against results
- appeals against malpractice decisions
- appeals against decisions made in respect of access arrangements, reasonable adjustment and special consideration.
You can find more detail on the types of appeal accepted from the NCFE Policy, or the JCQ Appeals Booklet.
Who can appeal?
A centre can submit an appeal on behalf of a learner or a group of learners, with their explicit permission and with approval from the Head of Centre. We cannot accept appeals directly from candidates, their parents or other third parties acting on their behalf.
When can an appeal be submitted?
To begin the preliminary stage please email the Appeal form to [email protected] within:
- 30 working days of receiving the outcome of the review of marking/30 calendar days for T Levels.
- 14 calendar days of receiving the malpractice or assessment decision.
Appeal acceptance
The decision of whether or not to accept the application for an appeal is based on several factors, and you will be notified within 5 working days from the date the appeal was submitted if it has been accepted or rejected. Please consult the Appeals Policy.
Appeal stages
Stage 1 – Preliminary Stage
- Review of the appeal carried out by NCFE staff who are independent and not involved in the original process or procedure
- The staff involved at this stage will not be subject matter experts, but will be experienced on all applicable processes, procedures and policies.
After the preliminary stage the case will either be not upheld or upheld in whole or in part.
Stage 2 – Appeal Hearing
- The appeal hearing involves a hearing of the case by the independent appeals committee.
- The committee will consist of at least 1 independent NCFE staff member not involved in the original process or stage 1 of the appeal
- Another independent person will also be appointed by NCFE for the committee
- Please review the above policy for further details regarding the Independent Appeals Committee requirements and process.
Changes to Appeals
From June 2023, the NCFE Appeals Policy is aligned with the JCQ Appeals Booklet for Summer 2023. This document provides a high-level overview of what the changes means for you.
Appeals Policy
This policy sets out NCFE’s framework for dealing with appeals to ensure that we are outlining and applying our processes, procedures and policies in a fair and consistent way for our customers.
Appeals form
Please complete the appeals form and email it to [email protected] within the required timescales.
EPA appeals
For all EPA appeals, please complete the form within the required timescales.
Appeal timescales, review and outcomes
If accepted at the preliminary stage, we will aim to resolve an appeal within 20 working days of acceptance. An appeal outcome report will be sent within 5 days of the decision being made, either upholding or rejecting the appeal at this stage.
You have the right to submit an appeal to Stage 2 Appeal Hearing following completion of the Stage 1 appeals procedure if you are not satisfied with our decision/outcome. We will aim to confirm acceptance within 5 working days, and once the committee have made a decision you will be informed within 5 working days.
If the Stage 2 review found that we had not correctly applied our processes, procedures or policies fairly or consistently, we will send you an appeal outcome letter or email, which will include remedial actions to be completed, including appropriate timescales.
If the Stage 2 review found all processes, procedures and policies to have been applied correctly and in a fair and consistent way the appeal will be rejected. The decision of the Independent Appeals Committee is final and will complete our appeals procedure. We will not accept any further appeal.
Should you disagree with the decision, you have the right to express your dissatisfaction regarding our actions, products or services through our Complaints Procedure.
Fees
A fee is charged for an appeal submission. If following the appeal the outcome is not in favour of the appellant, we will invoice in accordance with the fees below.
|
Service |
Cost |
|
Stage 1 – Review |
Please see the current fees and pricing guide. |
|
Stage 2 – Appeal Hearing |
Please see the current fees and pricing guide. |
|
Stage 1 – Review |
Please see the current fees and pricing guide. |
|
Stage 2 – Appeal Hearing |
Please see the current fees and pricing guide. |
How to submit an appeal
Please complete the appeals form and email to [email protected] within the required timescales.
For EPA appeals, please send the form to [email protected].
Contact us at [email protected] if you have any further queries.