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Guidance

Dispatch of exam scripts: yellow label service

Information for exams officers about using the Parcelforce Worldwide yellow label service to dispatch exam scripts for general qualifications.

Updates to this page

From:
Standards and Testing Agency
Published:
20 March 2014
Last updated:
30 July 2026
Show all updates

  1. In the 'Dispatch of exam scripts guide': Removed information about temporary arrangements which were in place from April to July 2026. Added instructions for booking ad hoc collections on the Parcelforce website. Updated the guidance on packaging exam scripts and managing collections.

  2. As Parcelforce is working towards a new combined parcel network with Royal Mail, awarding organisations are working to align their IT systems with new Parcelforce systems by the end of July 2026. There will be temporary collection arrangements in place from April to July 2026, before reverting to the standard arrangements from August 2026. We updated the 'Dispatch of exam scripts' guidance, 'Secure delivery of exam scripts' guidance and 'Dispatch log' to reflect the latest arrangements. We also removed the separate YLS checklist and instead included important information from this in the 'Dispatch of exam scripts' guidance. All guidance on this page now includes the latest advice, links and contacts.

  3. All guidance and the dispatch log updated with the latest advice, links and contacts. All formatting updated to improve accessibility and usability.

  4. Updated dispatch of exam scripts guide for 2023.

  5. Removed the YSL list of qualifications which was no longer required - updated wording on page to clarify that awarding organisations will provide the appropriate stationery where appropriate.

  6. Updated Yellow Label Service GOV.UK products (attached) to include the contact details of a new awarding organisation NCFE.

  7. Updated Yellow Label Service list of qualifications.

  8. Documents have been updated to reflect 2020/21 school year

  9. Yellow Label Service list of qualifications updated.

  10. Added updated version of the checklists, dispatch of exam scripts guide, dispatch log and list of qualifications. Secure deliveries leaflet added to page.

  11. New version of dispatch log added.

  12. Yellow Label Service list of qualifications updated.

  13. YLS list of qualifications updated.

  14. The list of qualifications has been updated.

  15. Change to phone number for enquiries

  16. Amended guidance for dispatching materials before the summer half-term.

  17. First published.

Documents

Dispatch of exam scripts guide

HTML

Secure delivery of exam scripts: information for examiners

HTML

Dispatch log

PDF, 245 KB, 3 pages

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Details

The way that local authorities collect domestic and commercial waste in England is changing, to improve recycling. Please refer to the summary of implementation dates for non-domestic premises, which include examination centres.

Please note that all plastic wrapping used by the yellow label service is Low Density Polyethylene, even if it is not labelled as such. Until the above-mentioned changes are implemented, please recycle the plastic wrapping and any cardboard used to pack your examination materials using appropriate facilities, such as your local supermarket.

The yellow label service is a traceable exam scripts dispatch service provided by Parcelforce Worldwide. Exam centres can use the service to send unmarked materials to examiners. It covers the following materials for externally assessed general qualifications, Functional Skills and other eligible accredited qualifications:

  • exam scripts
  • coursework
  • controlled assessments

This service offers a high level of security for pre-arranged collections from exam centres.

Awarding organisations will provide the appropriate stationery to package test materials if the qualification is eligible for this service.

The service cannot be used to send internally marked coursework to moderators.

There is currently a moratorium in place for any new technical and applied qualifications entering the yellow label service.

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