Retaking A-Levels for 2024

Taking A-levels is an important step for many students in the UK, as it can determine their future academic and career paths. However, not everyone achieves the grades they need on their first attempt.

This is where retaking A-levels comes in. Retaking A-levels involves studying the same subjects again and sitting the exams at the end of the academic year to try and achieve better grades. It can be a daunting prospect, but with the right approach and support, it is possible to improve your results and achieve the grades you need to move on to the next stage of your education or career.

Can you retake your A-levels?

Yes, you can retake your A-levels to improve your grades and enhance your academic prospects. Students have several options when it comes to retaking A-level exams, including enrolling at their original sixth-form college, choosing a different college within their local area, or opting for online courses.

Essential Points to Consider:

• Eligibility: Students can retake A-levels to improve their grades.
• Options: Retakes can be pursued at the original or a different sixth-form college, or via online platforms.
• Timing: A-level retakes are typically offered in the autumn and summer exam series.

Before deciding to retake A-levels, it is important to assess the benefits and potential impact on university applications. Consulting with teachers, career advisors, or educational professionals may provide valuable guidance in determining the best course of action.

Ultimately, the core principles of the exam will remain the same, but some courses' difficulty may rise in the time since you last sat it.

Universities are happy to defer a place for a year so that students can retake their A-level. They may even hold it for a few years after that. Universities will always be there, and students can attend at any time, so don’t feel too let down if you didn’t receive the grade you wanted or needed when retaking your A-levels.

Why retake your A-levels?

The reason why you may retake your A-levels will be down to you and you alone. Many students decide to retake their A-levels so they can meet the university entry requirements of a specific university or if the career they wish to pursue has specific grade requirements before a company will hire you.

Some students may just feel that they could have done better. Regardless of whether your place is assured, you may feel that you could have done better in certain subject areas and may want to resit the exam or course.

This can also have an impact on your future career. Some careers are only open to those with specific qualifications and, if you do not have the required A-levels, you will not be able to take these careers on. Therefore, retaking your A-levels can be essential for your future career as well.

What are the benefits of retaking your A-levels?

There are several key benefits to retaking your A-levels. The main advantages of resitting your A-levels are:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of a specific subject.
• Improve your career possibilities.
• Improving your A-level grades.
• Meet the entry requirements of the university you want to apply to.

Overall, retaking your A-levels can be a worthwhile investment for the future. It’s not necessarily suitable for everyone, but those who are interested in retaking their A-levels will have their own reasons.

You can retake your A-levels to improve your grades and enhance your academic prospects.

Who can retake A-levels?

Anyone can retake their A-levels; there are no age restrictions. The only prerequisite for anyone looking to retake their A-levels is that they have a GCSE grade C or higher in the subject they wish to retake.

Employers have been known to send workers to retake their A-levels if they are not at the required grade. This is generally done if the requirements for a role change or the company is looking to upskill their staff.

How long does it take to retake A-levels?

This will depend on what A-level you are retaking. In the past, students could resit specific elements or modules of a course. Unfortunately, the system has now changed and,any student looking to retake their A-levels will need to retake the entire course.

With this in mind, retakes can take a minimum of a year. Even if you are only retaking an exam, you can only retake it in the following May or June. However, you do not have to re-do all of your coursework if you are satisfied with your grades.

Where should I resit an A-level?

Where you resit your A-level is, ultimately, up to you. Some courses or exams may have specific requirements regarding where you retake them, but the decision will usually be yours.

Overall, retaking your A-levels can be a worthwhile investment for the future.

The three main A-level retake options are:

• Retaking A-levels at school.
• Retaking A-levels at college or sixth form.
• Retaking A-levels online.

Resitting your A-levels at college will cost more than the other two. If you are retaking your A-levels at a bespoke college, it has been known to cost upwards of £6,000.

How can I study for an A-level resit?

This will depend on you and your study habits. Many students have tried and tested methods for how to revise, while others may benefit from hiring a tutor or speaking to teachers for revision models.

Creating a revision timetable is an excellent way to keep on top of revision. You can look at past papers, download some helpful revision apps or even look over your previous year’s notes and work from those.

Retakes can take a minimum of a year.

How much does it cost to resit your A-levels?

You will need to pay to retake your A-levels. The amount they cost depends on the subject you are retaking. You will need to pay two separate fees, a course fee and an exam fee, with course fees ordinarily being the more expensive of the two fees.

Some colleges or schools may allow you to pay a flat exam fee, other times, it is one cost. Prices can be anywhere between £1,500 and £2,000 for the course and exam, while exam fees on their own may only be between £150 and £200, though these can vary depending on the exam centre that you use.

When would I resit my A-levels?

All retakes take place at the same time as regular A-levels. Typically, these exams will be around May or June, provided the schools are back from half-term.

The exam boards will post their exam timetables for the year. Key dates for AQA, Pearson and Cambridge Assessment International are all posted on their websites.

Many students have tried and tested methods for how to revise, while others may benefit from hiring a tutor or speaking to teachers for revision models.

Do universities accept A-level retakes?

Yes, universities accept students who have re-sat their exams. However, you must re-apply for UCAS and university with your new exam results. This will mean that your university start date will be a year later.

The risk of retaking your exams is more down to the grade and competition. Regardless of your own results, you will now be competing with the people who are, in effect, a year behind you and universities will want those with the best grades.

Are A-level retakes harder?

This depends on the subject. Ultimately, the core principles of the exam will remain the same, but some courses' difficulty may rise in the time since you last sat it.

The exam may be easier, but the mentality may be more challenging. Sitting an exam you have already sat or re-doing coursework you have already done may be a different obstacle than you were expecting.

All retakes take place at the same time as regular A-levels.

Can you have your A-level paper remarked?

This is another option for students instead of retaking A-levels. Having your original A-levels re-marked may mean that you will get a higher grade, although, conversely, it may also mean that you receive a lower one.

Remarking does sometimes cost money, depending on the exam board. It is not unheard of for some exam boards to charge £30, while others will carry out free reviews. Some students have been known to appeal their grades. However, there is a high burden of proof required for this process. If students encountered mitigating circumstances during their A-levels, such as health conditions, or family news that could have hindered their performance, there might be exemptions if that student can prove that this was the case.