Understanding Your Examination Results

Receiving examination results can bring excitement, relief, disappointment or uncertainty.

Whatever appears on your statement of results, it is important to understand the information carefully before deciding what to do next. A result is part of your academic journey, but it does not define your ability or future.

This guide explains the May/June 2026 results dates, Enquiries About Results, and what an ungraded result may mean.

May/June 2026 Results Dates

Cambridge International

• Cambridge International AS & A Level: 11 August 2026
• Cambridge IGCSE and O Level: 18 August 2026

Pearson Edexcel

• Pearson Edexcel International AS/A Level: 13 August 2026
• Pearson Edexcel International GCSE: 20 August 2026

Candidates registered through Tutors & Exams South Africa will receive communication explaining how their results will be made available.

Please monitor your email carefully and ensure that your contact details are correct.

Understanding Your Results

Your statement of results may include:

• Your candidate details.
• The subjects or units completed.
• The grade awarded.
• Component or unit marks.
• A percentage uniform mark or uniform mark scale result.
• A pending, incomplete or ungraded result.

Grades are not always based on a simple percentage. Examination boards use grade boundaries or thresholds to determine the minimum mark required for each grade.

These boundaries may change between examination seasons depending on the difficulty of the paper.

What Is an EAR?

EAR stands for Enquiry About Results.

It is a post-results service that allows the examination centre to ask the examination board to check a candidate’s result.

Pearson often refers to these services as Reviews of Marking and Moderation, while Cambridge continues to use the term Enquiries About Results.

An EAR does not involve rewriting the examination. It checks the administration, marking or moderation of the original assessment.

Types of Post-Results Services

Available services may include:

Clerical Check

This checks whether:

• Every section was marked.
• Marks were recorded correctly.
• Marks were added accurately.
• The correct result was issued.

Review of Marking

This checks whether the mark scheme was applied correctly and whether the original marking was reasonable.

Priority Review

A priority service may be available where a result is urgently required for university admission or another academic deadline.

Access to Scripts

Candidates may request a copy of their marked examination paper. This can help tutors and candidates understand where marks were gained or lost.

Should You Request an EAR?

Before requesting an EAR, consider:

• How close the mark is to the next grade boundary.
• Whether the result was significantly different from expectations.
• Whether a tutor recommends a review.
• The cost and deadline.
• Whether access to the script may be helpful first.
• Whether the result is needed urgently.

Tutors & Exams South Africa can explain the available services, fees and deadlines, but we cannot predict whether a grade will change.

Can a Result Go Down?

Yes.

After a review, a mark or grade may:

• Increase.
• Remain unchanged.
• Decrease.

Candidates must understand this risk before giving consent for a review.

What Is an Ungraded Result?

An ungraded result usually means that the candidate did not achieve the minimum standard required for the lowest available grade.

This may appear as a U or another result code.

An ungraded result is different from a pending, absent or incomplete result. Candidates should contact the examination centre before assuming what a code means.

Why Might a Result Be Ungraded?

Possible reasons include:

• The total mark was below the minimum grade boundary.
• The candidate did not complete enough of the paper.
• A required component was missed.
• The candidate did not meet the minimum standard across the required components.
• An administrative matter affected the result.

What Can You Do Next?

After an unexpected or ungraded result, candidates may:

Review the Marks

Look at the component results and grade boundaries to identify weaker areas.

Request Access to the Script

Review the marked paper with a tutor to identify mistakes, knowledge gaps or examination-technique issues.

Consider an EAR

A review may be appropriate where there is a reasonable concern about the marking or administration of the paper.

Rewrite the Subject

Candidates may enter the subject again during a future examination season, depending on subject availability.

Adjust the Academic Plan

A revised subject plan or qualification timeline can still help the candidate reach their intended goal.

Results and University Applications

Candidates applying to universities should check:

• Programme admission requirements.
• Subject-specific requirements.
• Matriculation exemption requirements.
• Conditional offer deadlines.
• USAf or SAQA verification requirements.

Do not assume that results will automatically be accepted or verified. Begin the relevant processes as early as possible.

Your Result Is Not the End

A strong result is something to celebrate. A disappointing result is an opportunity to pause, gather accurate information and decide on the best next step.

Avoid making rushed decisions based on panic or comparison.

Tutors & Exams South Africa is available to help candidates and families understand the administrative options available after results are released.

Email: info@tutorsandexams.co.za
Telephone: 087 655 5143

All post-results services are subject to examination-board deadlines, fees and candidate-consent requirements.