Statistics: special consideration in GCSE, AS and A level
Statistics on the number of adjustments made to the marks of candidates who have not been able to demonstrate attainment because of exceptional circumstances.
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Overview
In this release, special consideration refers to a post-examination adjustment to a student’s mark or grade to account for unforeseen circumstances such as temporary illness, injury, or other forms of indisposition occurring at the time of assessment.
The aim of the special consideration process is to mitigate against the impact of unexpected factors that are beyond the student’s control occurring at the time of their assessment which could materially affect a student’s ability to demonstrate their level of attainment or to participate in an assessment.
For more information on special consideration, see the background information document accompanying each release.
Official statistics designation
These releases are designated as official statistics.
Our statistical practice is regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR). OSR sets the standards of trustworthiness, quality and value in the Code of Practice for Statistics that all producers of official statistics should adhere to.
We will do our best to respond to any comments about how we meet these standards. If you have any remaining concerns, you are welcome to contact OSR by emailing regulation@statistics.gov.uk or via the OSR website.
For related statistics, see our statistics at Ofqual page.
Collection
Note that because exams were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there are no releases on special consideration for those years.