XML results files for GCSEs, AS and A Levels

We’re pleased to let you know that, from the Autumn 2021 series, we’ll be providing new results files which will contain component marks and overall qualification marks (in addition to qualification grades) for linear qualifications such as GCSEs, AS and A Levels.

Developed jointly by the JCQ awarding bodies, these XML files will be issued via the A2C Transport application at the same time as your EDI files and can be imported into your management information system (MIS). This will allow you to use this data to produce more in-depth analysis and reports for students, teachers and other stakeholders.

Where do we find the new XML results files?

When you log in to A2C to download your Autumn 2021 results files, in addition to your EDI files, you’ll also see a new file type. This will have the file format: .xml. You can download and import the files in the same way you import EDI files.

For further details, please see the JCQ website.

How will the XML files be named?

XML files will be named a2c.CCCCC.AB.EDIResults.GUID.xml:

• CCCCC is a 5 digit alpha-numeric centre number (for EDI results always a numeric NCN)
• AB is the 2 digit AO identifier (same as the EDI AB identifier).  For OCR, this is board 01
• GUID (globally unique identifier) is the same GUID used in the Message ID.

For example, an OCR A level filename for centre 99999 would like this: a2C.99999.01.EDIResults.0AD3B770-2F1E-4779-A9FA-7606ED8D84366.xml

Do I need the latest version of the A2C Transport app?

If you haven’t updated to the latest version of the A2C Transport app, you will be able to download the files. However, the file will show as an unknown file type. Therefore, we recommend you update to A2C Transport app as soon as you can.

Do we need to import both EDI and XML files?

How to import the files will depend on your supplier’s implementation. Please contact your MIS supplier for more details. For some MIS you may need to import both the EDI and XML files.

For details of how SIMS users can use the XML files, take a look at their video:

Do we have to download the files via the A2C Transport app?

We will also be providing the files via our secure website, Interchange. To access the files, log in to Interchange, hover over ‘Results’ and click on ‘EDI Results’ in the left-hand menu. These will be updated weekly at the same time as the EDI files.