Change of https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dispatch-of-exam-scripts-yellow-label-service

Change description : 2026-03-16 09:28:00: 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. [Guidance and regulation]

Showing diff : 2025-05-13 13:45:12.955198528 +00:00..2026-03-16 09:29:52.303496497 +00:00

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.

From:
Standards and Testing Agency
Published
20 March 2014
Last updated
1316 MayMarch 20252026 — See all updates

Documents

Dispatch logof exam scripts guide

PDFHTML, 174 KB, 3 pages

DispatchSecure delivery of exam scriptsscripts: guideinformation for examiners

HTML

YellowDispatch labellog service checklists

HTMLPDF, 245 KB, 3 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

SecureRequest deliveryan accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of examthis scripts:document informationin fora examinersmore accessible format, please email assessments@education.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

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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, functionalFunctional skillsSkills 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.

Updates to this page

Published 20 March 2014
Last updated 1316 MayMarch 20252026 + show all updates

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

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Update history

2026-03-16 09:28
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.

2025-05-13 14:45
All guidance and the dispatch log updated with the latest advice, links and contacts. All formatting updated to improve accessibility and usability.

2023-04-21 14:38
Updated dispatch of exam scripts guide for 2023.

2023-01-31 11:00
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.

2022-05-30 11:13
Updated Yellow Label Service GOV.​UK products (attached) to include the contact details of a new awarding organisation NCFE.