Assessment appeals policy

What you can appeal

You can ask us to review a decision we made about your learning, for example:

• the marking of an internal knowledge check or mock drive;
• a decision that you have not met a gateway (for example the practical safety sign-off);
• a decision about completion or your certificate;
• a decision about suspected malpractice or cheating;
• a refusal of a further attempt or an adjustment.

Official DVSA test results are decided by DVSA and cannot be changed by us. If you think an official test was not carried out properly, contact DVSA; we will help you with the information we have. Appeals about a regulated qualification also follow the awarding body's procedure ([to be confirmed: awarding body or bodies for any regulated qualification delivered]).

Stage 1 — informal review

Talk to your tutor or instructor within 10 working days of the decision. Many issues can be resolved quickly.

Stage 2 — formal appeal

If you are not satisfied, send a written appeal (email is fine) to [to be confirmed: complaints email address] within 10 working days of the stage 1 outcome, saying what decision you disagree with and why, with any evidence. A senior member of staff who was not involved in the original decision will review the evidence, including the platform record of your attempts, and reply in writing within 15 working days. If more time is needed we will tell you why and when to expect an answer.

Possible outcomes

The decision stands; a re-mark or a fresh attempt is granted (recorded with a reason — the original attempt is never altered); a gateway or completion is recorded; or another fair remedy. We tell you the outcome and the reasons.

Fairness

Appealing will never be held against you. You may bring a friend or supporter to any meeting. We make reasonable adjustments to this process where you need them. Automated flags (for example repeated failed attempts) are always reviewed by a person and are never an outcome on their own (Automated processing and AI notice).

If you are still unhappy

You can use stage 3 of our Complaints policy and procedure, and for a funded place escalate to the funding body or lead provider.

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