Candidates sometimes don’t get the results that they hoped for. If this happens to you, try not to worry too much. Your results may still open up many different exciting opportunities for your further education and future career. 

However, in some cases, you may want to consider re-marking or retakes – for example, if your teacher predicted a much higher grade. 

Retake an exam

If you or your teachers think that you could achieve better grades, you can choose to re-take your exam. 

What is a retake?

  • For Cambridge assessment international education examinations:
    Cambridge assessment international education board considers a syllabus as a retake if you have sat the same syllabus in the same calendar year.
  • For Pearson Edexcel Exams:
    Please submit your application during the registration period of the next exams series. IALs students can re-sit each unit once before certification.   

What you need to do

  • Cambridge assessment international education examinations:
    If you are a school student you need to speak to your school exams co-ordinator. If you are a private student, please apply online through the application form:

Note: the retake option may not apply to all subjects. You can usually submit previously used coursework so you will only need to retake written exams. Any coursework that is resubmitted needs to meet the requirements of the syllabus in the new exam series and must be re-assessed.

  • Pearson Edexcel Exams:
    If you are a school student you need to speak to your school exams co-ordinator. If you are a private student you need to submit your application quoting your unique candidate identifier (UCI).

Re-marking

Teams of examiners assess every exam paper. They are specialists in their subjects, and follow a strict marking scheme. Principal examiners oversee the process to make sure that grades are awarded fairly. 

If a student is awarded a grade that differs significantly from their teacher’s prediction or comparative performance, their exam is automatically re-checked and often re-graded. Borderline grades are also re-marked to ensure the grade is fair. 

The exam marking process is carefully designed to be fair to all students. However, if you feel that your exam result does not represent your work, you can ask to have your paper re-marked. 

Request a re-mark (Enquiry About Results) 

If you are a school candidate and believe that your exam results are incorrect, you should talk to your teacher. If your teacher agrees that you should request a re-mark, you will need to submit your request to the British Council. Re-mark request deadlines and applicable fees are published below.  

If you are a private candidate and believe that your exam results are incorrect, please submit your request to the the British Council. Re-mark request deadlines and applicable fees are published below. 

Request submission forms:

For Cambridge assessment international education candidates: Download the Cambridge Enquiry About Results form, or collect one from the British Council Examinations Services counter.

For Pearson Edexcel candidates: Download the Pearson Edexcel Enquiry About Results form or collect one from the British Council Examinations Services counter. 

Remember: your grade and mark may be lowered, confirmed or raised following the enquiry. If your grade is raised, you may be entitled to a full refund for this service.

Fees and deadlines:

For Pearson Edexcel candidates: Please download the Pearson Edexcel Enquiry About Results form to find out the closing dates and the fees for the respective services.

All fees are payable in Sri Lankan Rupees.

  •   Fees may be paid in cash  
  •   Credit/Debit cards are accepted (Amex / Visa / Master)