Unhappy with your grades? If you feel you deserve a higher mark you can appeal, writes Brian Mooney
If you feel that any grade you received in your Leaving Certificate result today is not a fair reflection of your work, you may apply to view the script.
This free service offers all candidates the opportunity to see how the marking scheme has been applied to their work, and will help you to decide whether to appeal a result.
With the exception of external candidates (those who studied for the exam outside a standard second-level school, for instance, in a grind school or on their own), all applications to view papers should be made through the candidate's school.
The closing date for receipt of completed application forms in schools is next Tuesday, August 22nd, the day after the CAO first-round offers are due.
What happens if I am an external candidate?
External candidates should follow the instructions that accompany their provisional statement of results.
All candidates will have access to the marking schemes for the papers that they wish to examine, and so they will be able to see how these were applied in their case.
When can I see my exam papers?
This will take place in schools on Friday and Saturday, September 1st and 2nd. Marking schemes in all subjects will be published by the State Examinations Commission in the coming days, and will be provided to schools to facilitate the viewing of scripts. The marking schemes will also be available online at examinations.ie.
Remember all students have to be personally present to view a script. It is strictly forbidden to nominate someone to view a paper on a student's behalf.
Having viewed my script, what do I do if I am unhappy with the grades?
Where this occurs following a viewing of a paper or not, you should consult the Leaving Certificate Results Appeal Process booklet that accompanies your statement of provisional results.
You should follow the instructions to ensure you lodge valid requests for viewing marked scripts and appealing results. This information is also available in the candidates section on the State Examinations Commission (SEC) website: examinations.ie.
School-based candidates who wish to appeal should do so through their school.
External candidates should follow the instructions that accompany their provisional statement of results.
What is the deadline for appeals?
All appeal applications must be with the SEC by 5pm on September 8th, 2006.
The fee per subject, refundable in the case of a successful appeal is:
Leaving Certificate Established, €37 per subject.
Leaving Certificate Applied, €14.50 per subject.
On average about 10 per cent of appeals are successful. Results of appeals will be issued in early October.