This page contains information on how to send completed assessment papers for marking using the yellow label service (eligible assessments only).

What is the yellow label service and what can it be used for?

The yellow label service is a traceable external assessment dispatch service provided by Parcelforce Worldwide, which allows you to arrange high-security collections to return papers to NCFE at no cost to you. This is the same service you may already be familiar with if you offer GCSE or A Level qualifications.

NCFE offers the yellow label service for our T Level Technical Qualification Core Exam papers A and B, and paper-based Functional Skills assessment papers (English and maths only).

For now, all other assessment papers must be returned through a secure courier arranged by your centre, using the white returns label included in your assessment packs.

 

How to arrange a collection

If you have timetabled exams on three or more days during any week in the summer exam series (May to June), your centre will automatically have daily scheduled collections.

For scheduled collections, Parcelforce Worldwide will contact you before the start of the exam series to arrange a mutually convenient two-to-three-hour time window to collect your exam scripts. This will be tailored to your centre’s closing time and Parcelforce Worldwide’s schedules. 

If you do not have a scheduled collection, you will need to arrange an ad-hoc collection. To do this, contact Parcelforce Worldwide exams helpdesk, using the Parcelforce Worldwide website or by calling 0344 561 7998.  

Collections can be arranged up to 14 days before your first exam and need to be booked at least 24 hours in advance. You’ll be given a booking reference number for each ad hoc collection, which you should note on the dispatch log for your reference. 

 

Preparing for the yellow label collection

Along with the grey envelopes used to return your completed papers, you will also now receive a yellow label within your assessment packs. This pre-addressed label should be used to return your completed papers for marking, to ensure that they are returned to the correct address.

Prepare for your collection by:

• Packing all assessment materials (including all completed and unused papers, additional pages and the completed invigilators’ register) into the grey envelopes received with the papers

• Checking that envelopes are securely sealed
• Ensuring packages are ready to collect
• Storing packages securely until the courier arrives

• Completing the dispatch log before the ParcelForce Worldwide driver arrives. 

 

Requesting replacement labels

If you need a replacement yellow label, contact [email protected] to apply for a replacement.

Labels are valid for two weeks from the date they’re produced. You shouldn’t request these more than two weeks before the examination date.  

Replacement labels are dispatched within three working days. If the exam is less than a week away, we may email the labels to you instead, to print yourself. 

 

White label returns

Where an assessment is not eligible for yellow label, we’ll send you a white label within the assessment pack. Use this to arrange return, using a secure, traceable courier or postage service, such as Royal Mail Special Delivery. Completed assessment papers must not be returned with only a stamped envelope.  

 

FAQs and further information

Please access our FAQs for further information on what action to take in different scenarios.

We hope that this change to the way we work will benefit you and we’re here to help if you have any queries on the process. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for in our FAQs, you can also contact our Customer Support team on [email protected] or through live chat.

You can find the JCQ Privacy Statement here.