Exam boards: appeal to a tribunal against a fine
How to appeal against an Ofqual or Qualification Wales fine imposed on your exam board for breaking your 'conditions of recognition'.
Applies to England and Wales
Appeals against Welsh Government fines are managed by Qualification Wales
What you can appeal against
You can either challenge the decision to impose the fine, or the amount you’ve been asked to pay.
The fine will be put on hold until after the tribunal has considered your case.
Your case will be dealt with by a tribunal in the General Regulatory Chamber.
The tribunal is independent of government, and will listen to both sides of the argument before it reaches a decision.
If you or your representative is outside the UK and wants to give live video or audio evidence, contact the tribunal to request it. Tell the tribunal what country you or the representative is in and what type of evidence is being given. You must do this as soon as possible.
Time limits for appealing
You have 28 days to appeal after the regulator sends you the fine.
If you miss the time limit, you can ask for more time to appeal. Explain why you’re late, and the tribunal will decide if it can still take your case.
How to appeal
Complete the relevant General Regulatory Chamber (First-tier Tribunal) form.
Say why you think the decision to impose the fine was wrong or unreasonable.
Include any supporting documents, such as the notice from the regulator.
Send the form to grc@justice.gov.uk or:
General Regulatory Chamber
HM Courts & Tribunals Service
PO Box 9300
Leicester
LE1 8DJ
Telephone: 0300 123 4504
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm
Find out about call charges
Tribunal staff can explain how the process works, but they cannot give you legal advice.
What happens next
The tribunal will write to you about the next steps.
Find out more about General Regulatory Chamber hearings and decisions.
Legislation and rules
You can find the rules on appealing to the tribunal in section 23 of the Education Act 2011.
Read more detailed rules on how your case will be handled in the General Regulatory Chamber procedure rules.
Updates to this page
Last updated 31 January 2024 + show all updates
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Updated the how to appeal section with a link to the General Regulatory Chamber (First-tier Tribunal) forms collection.
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Changed the telephone number for the GRC
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Removal of appeal right for Welsh qualifications
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First published.