Appeals
DAIS-POL-001
Appeals Policy
Data and AI School of London, NCFE Approved Centre
Policy Owner: Compliance Manager
Version: 1.0 | Date: April 2026 | Review: April 2027
NCFE Risk Level: High
Mode of Delivery: Fully Online
1.1 Purpose and Scope
This policy sets out the right of all learners enrolled at the Data and AI School of London to appeal against decisions that affect their qualification outcomes. It applies to all NCFE qualifications delivered online and covers appeals against:
Internal assessment decisions
Internal quality assurance (IQA) outcomes
Reasonable adjustment or special consideration decisions
Centre-level administrative decisions that affect registration, progression, or certification
1.2 Principles
The Data and AI School of London is committed to ensuring that all appeals are handled:
Fairly, consistently, and without bias
Promptly and within the timescales set out in this policy
By a staff member not directly involved in the original decision
Digitally, with a full timestamped record maintained throughout
In a manner that does not disadvantage the learner for raising an appeal
1.3 Grounds for Appeal
A learner may submit an appeal if they believe that:
An assessment decision was made incorrectly or inconsistently with the assessment criteria
The IQA process was not applied fairly or correctly
A reasonable adjustment or special consideration request was wrongly refused
There was a procedural irregularity in the assessment or quality assurance process
They were disadvantaged by circumstances that the centre failed to take into account
A learner may not appeal simply on the grounds of dissatisfaction with a grade. The appeal must be based on a specific procedural or assessment-related concern.
1.4 Appeal Stages
Stage 1, Informal Review (within 5 working days of the decision)
The learner should first raise their concern informally with their assessor via the VLE messaging system. The assessor will respond within 3 working days. If resolved, the outcome is logged and no further action is required.
Stage 2, Formal Internal Appeal (within 10 working days of the decision)
If unresolved, the learner submits a formal written appeal using the Appeals Submission Form on the VLE. The appeal must state the decision being appealed, the grounds, and any supporting evidence. The IQA or a senior staff member not involved in the original decision will review and provide a written decision within 10 working days.
Stage 3, NCFE External Appeal
If dissatisfied with Stage 2, the learner may escalate to NCFE. The Compliance Manager will provide NCFE's Appeals Policy and relevant contact details. The centre will cooperate fully with any NCFE-led process.
1.5 Timescales
| Stage | Action | Timescale |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Learner raises informal concern | Within 5 working days of decision |
| Stage 1 | Assessor responds | Within 3 working days |
| Stage 2 | Learner submits formal appeal | Within 10 working days of decision |
| Stage 2 | Centre provides written decision | Within 10 working days of receipt |
| Stage 3 | Learner escalates to NCFE | As per NCFE Appeals Policy |
1.6 Record Keeping
The Compliance Manager maintains a secure digital log of all appeals, including the nature, stage reached, outcome, and resolution date. All appeal records are retained for a minimum of 3 years and are available to NCFE upon request.
1.7 Non-Retaliation
No learner will be penalised or disadvantaged for raising an appeal in good faith. Staff who retaliate against a learner for raising an appeal will be subject to disciplinary procedures.
1.8 Policy Availability
This policy is published on the VLE and provided to all learners during online induction. Learners confirm they have read and understood it before beginning their qualification.
This policy is reviewed annually. Next review: April 2027. Approved by: Head of Centre. © Data and AI School of London, April 2026. NCFE Approved Centre.