Exam records: Know your rights
We've all experienced it at one point.
You leave the exam with a spring in your step, or feeling near-suicidal in some instances; you're totally sure of your grade, be it amazing or awful. Then along comes Results Day.
You pull out the papers in the envelope, trembling with anticipation, and then...Oh. Something isn't quite right.
Whether it was that 2:1 you expected that had transformed into a less than desirable grade, or you'd performed much better than expected, surprises can happen.
There's no need to scratch your head in wonder for the rest of the summer.
Unbeknownst to most students, we can request further information about our exams under the Data Protection Act.
This includes scripts, comments, exam marks and minutes of examination appeals panels (if any).
What's more, universities have to deal with these requests within 40 days of the results being published.
You leave the exam with a spring in your step, or feeling near-suicidal in some instances; you're totally sure of your grade, be it amazing or awful. Then along comes Results DayAlexandra Sheppard
"The right to access the information an organisation holds on us is one of the cornerstones of the Data Protection Act" said David Smith, Deputy Commissioner at the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) - an independent body that promotes public access to official information.
"At this time of year many students are focusing on their exam results and may want to access further information about their performance."
"They can do this by making a subject access request under the Data Protection Act."
Some universities may withhold results if the student hasn't paid examination or course fees, but the ICO stresses that there is nothing in the Data Protection Act that could be used by universities as justification for that.
However, being given your results isn't the same as being awarded a degree - you'll still need to pay exam and course fees in order to be awarded a qualification, depending on your university's policy.
For more information on your access to information and privacy laws, visit the ICO website.
