Appeals Policy

We provide a formal route for learners who would like to appeal against an assessment decision. All learners are assessed against the relevant Awarding Organisation (‘AO’) criteria, where applicable. Assessment decisions are made by Assessors who have a recognised Assessor qualification.

Areas for Appeal

Our Appeals Policy enables learners in certain situations to make a formal appeal against an assessment decision relating to:

1. an application for a reasonable adjustment.
2. an assessment decision we make.

Appeals Process

Stage 1

A learner who is dissatisfied with an assessment decision must discuss the matter with the Assessor who made the decision within 24 working hours of the decision being communicated (excluding weekends and public holidays).

If the learner remains dissatisfied following this discussion and wishes to proceed with a formal appeal, they must complete the Learner Appeal Application Form and submit it to [email protected]

The appeal form must be submitted within five working days of the date the assessment decision was communicated and must include supporting evidence (see Additional Notes below).

An appeal received after this time will not be heard.

Stage 2

On receipt of the appeal, an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) will investigate and provide the learner with a written decision within 20 working days.

If the learner remains dissatisfied with the IQA’s decision, they may raise the matter directly with the AO in line with the AO’s complaints/appeals procedure.

Additional Notes

1. It is not possible to investigate an appeal without impartial evidence; therefore, an appeal against an assessment decision for a practical assessment based solely on the learner’s disagreement with that decision will only be considered when accompanied by a video recording of that practical assessment.
2. The learner has the right to video any aspect of their practical assessment using their own video recording equipment, provided it does not interfere with the assessment process, other learners, or the Assessor’s ability to carry out their role(s).
3. It is the responsibility of the learner to arrange a video operator.
4. Prior to the assessment date and so that a decision can be made about deferral (if applicable), it is the responsibility of the learner to notify us of any medical problem which may adversely affect their performance in the assessment process.

Version: APP-26 | Rev: Jan 2026