Some people think that information about your exam marks can only be given to schools and teachers. This is not true. Remember, your exam result – once it’s been published – and comments made on your exam paper are your personal information.
The Daily Telegraph reported on 30 September 2005, the case of an 11-year-old girl who sat her flute exam but was unable to find out her result.
Myth
The exam board said the Data Protection Act prevented them from releasing the mark to the girl. They said that only the person who submitted the paper (in this case, the flute teacher), could see the results.
Reality
The Data Protection Act does not prevent exam results being given to those who have sat exams – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. The exam board should have sent the result to the girl.
The girl received her mark after her Mum made a written request to the exam board.
Share your experience with others
If you have had experience appealing an exam mark, or trying to get information held about you from your school or university, please let us know. Email websitefeedback@ico.gsi.gov.uk.