QCA has issued the first ever 'league table' report on how examining boards handled Enquiries About Results - when schools and colleges query examination grades - in 1999. Edexcel has issued a statement following the publication of this report:

"Although the number of students receiving grade changes or querying their results is a very small percentage of the overall student numbers, Edexcel recognises that this represents many students at a critical stage of their academic lives. We regret that we did not meet the key target dates for handling Enquiries about Results set by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in 1999 and intend to make a step-change in our speed in turning around enquiries this year.

"Edexcel has reviewed its processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness in speeding up handling enquiries about results. This will be achieved through an expansion of the team dealing with enquiries, appointment of a manager dedicated to dealing with enquiries about results, improved IT systems and data storage and by working closely with schools and colleges to set performance targets and measurements on response time and feedback."