Official Statistics

Special consideration in GCSE, AS and A level: summer 2023 exam series

Numbers of adjustments to the marks of candidates who have not been able to demonstrate attainment because of exceptional circumstances.

Applies to England

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Details

Key headlines

  1. In 2023, there were 700,600 special consideration requests, 19% higher than in 2022 and partially explained by an increase in GCSE and A level entries. In 2023, special consideration requests were submitted for 4.4% of all assessments, similar to 2022 (3.5%).

  2. Special consideration requests for GCSEs were 20% higher in 2023 (561,415 requests) than in 2022 (465,670 requests). Requests for AS and A level were 14% higher (139,185 requests) than in 2022 (122,500 requests). Most special consideration requests were for GCSE assessments (80%), similar to 2022 (79%).

  3. The majority of special consideration requests (95%) were approved, slightly higher than in 2022 (94%).

  4. There were 666,175 special consideration requests approved in 2023, meaning special consideration requests were approved for 4% of all assessments, similar to 2022.

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Updates to this page

Published 30 November 2023

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