The Oxford University examination system is based around Finals; a set of exams at the end of three years of work which determine the classification of degree awarded. The only other examinations taken by students are Mods or Prelims which are taken during the first year. Current practice by the University is that comment sheets on these exams are shredded as soon as they are not needed, meaning that students cannot gain access to them.

Having access to these comments would benefit both students and the University. Students do not want the comments to argue or complain about the mark they are awarded. It is simply the fact that these comments are the only information available about exam performance and would be of great help to students when preparing for Finals. The university would benefit from improved academic performance from its students.

Oxford is the only University from the Russell Group which does not allow its students to gain access to comments made on examination scripts. We believe that Oxford should change its procedures and allow students access to these important comments without having to make a request to do so before results are published.