If you are a GCE school candidate and cannot collect your results in person, SEAB says you may inform your school that you are appointing a proxy. The proxy must produce the relevant documents for the school to verify at collection.
Contact the school before results day. Ask which documents it requires, when the proxy can collect the results and what to do if you cannot arrange one.
- Inform the school in advance.
- Confirm the proxy requirements and collection hours.
- Use the school’s approved route to share documents.
- Check any review, admissions or acceptance deadlines separately.
What to ask the school
Tell the school which examination you sat, that you cannot attend and who you intend to appoint. Ask whether it uses a form, requires advance notification or needs particular identity documents for verification.
Confirm the collection venue and hours. Give your proxy the approved instructions and the school contact. If the school requests personal documents, use its designated channel.
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Plan what happens after collection
Agree how the proxy will tell you the results have been collected and when the original documents will reach you. Ask the school whether anything else is being issued for your cohort and what steps you need to complete afterward.
For example, a student overseas can notify the school in advance, confirm what a family member must present and agree on how they will receive the result privately. The student can also check which application deadlines fall during the trip.
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If you cannot arrange a proxy
Ask the school for guidance as soon as possible. Explain when you can collect the documents and whether a time-sensitive application depends on them. Follow the school’s instructions for collection or assistance.
GCE private candidates have a different published route for results and eligible certificates. See the private-candidate results guide.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a relative simply turn up?
Notify the school in advance and confirm the documents it requires for verification.
Does a proxy change the deadline for a results review?
Check the published deadline for your cohort. Arrange for the result to reach you in time if you may want a review.
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Official information
Consult SEAB’s official GCE school-candidate FAQ on proxy collection and your school’s results-release instructions. Guidance checked on 8 November 2026.
