Retaking Your A Levels - Everything You Need to Know

Your first thought is likely to be Univeristy Clearing. Are you concerned that universities view retakes in a negative way? Don't worry - resits demonstrate that you have a commitment to education and a determination to achieve your goals. It is also important to know it is not uncommon. Ofqual states that around 29% of A Level entries in 2019 were resits.

Can you retake A Levels?

Yes, you can retake A Levels.

How to retake A Levels?

From independent study to repeating Year 13, there are many ways to retake your A Levels. To decide which option is best for you, you need to consider a number of factors. If you choose to study independently you will need high levels of motivation. No one will be there to support you, check your work or provide feedback.

Online providers provide more support. Depending on your choice of provider you will usually have access to a tutor who will mark some of your work. They will also provide you with feedback and answer any questions you have.
If you choose to retake by repeating Year 13 at school or college, you will have the greatest level of support. This will include regular assignments and feedback.

Why retake A Levels?

Do you have a specific career path in mind? This may mean you need to take a particular course, or you may aspire to attend a university where the competition for places is fierce.

If you do not achieve the grades you hoped for it may seem like this will no longer happen. Many students who retake their A Levels do so to achieve better grades to gain their place on a specific course or at their dream university. Retaking A levels does not limit your choices of university or course which may happen if you go through Clearing.

What are the benefits of retaking your A Levels?

There are a range of benefits of retaking your A Levels. The aim of course is to achieve better grades. If you do this then retakes will give you:

• The choice of a wider range of universities and courses

• Improved grades on your CV

• Improved career prospects and earning potential

How much does it cost to resit A Levels?

The cost of retaking your A Levels varies depending on the method you choose for retaking.

At school

The cost of resitting A Levels varies depending on the resit pathway you choose. The cheapest option is to resit your A Levels at school. If your school agrees to allow you to resit they will usually only charge you the exam fees. The exam board websites list all the fees for their qualifications - AQA, OCR and Edexcel. Fees vary from £95 to £170 depending upon the subject.

Independent study

Studying independently means that you will not pay any tuition fees but you will need to pay to sit the exams at a private exam centre. As with schools the cost varies but is higher. The cost of sitting A Level English, for example, is about £100 in school but will cost approximately £550 at a private exam centre.

Private college

Colleges offering dedicated A Level resit courses. The cost of these varies from £7800 for one subject retake to £15,000 for three subjects.

Online

Online A Level courses vary in price. Those which include the learning materials and tutor support start at about £500. A science A level course with practicals and the cost of the exams can be over £2500.

When can you resit A Levels?

It is no longer possible to retake A Level exams in January unless you are sitting an international A Level. Resits occur during the summer exam session (May and June). For international A Levels there is the option to sit some components in January.

Where to retake A Levels?

Retake A Levels at school

Many schools will offer the opportunity for you to retake Year 13. The course will be the same as you have experienced over the last two years. This may suit some people but you may feel ready to move on from school in which case there are other options open to you.

Retake A Levels at a private college

There are some colleges that offer dedicated A Level retake courses. These colleges will often charge a fee for tuition on top of the exam fees.

Retake A Levels online

There are increasing numbers of online providers offering A Level courses. These providers offer access to learning materials and often tutor support.

How many times can you resit A Levels?

In the UK you can retake A Levels as many times as you want. It is important to remember that the exams are only available once a year. This means that each time you re-sit it will take at least a year.

Alternatives to retaking a levels

Don’t forget there are many alternatives to retaking your A Levels. These include foundation courses, Clearing, degree apprenticeships, HTQs and a gap year.

Foundation courses

Many universities have foundation courses. A foundation course is an additional year of study. The aim is to enable you to reach the level required to start the full course at that university. Foundation courses are tailored to the institution. This means you will have a head start once you start the first year of the degree course. The year also gives you the opportunity to decide whether the degree is right for you, before committing to the full degree course.

UCAS Clearing

Clearing is the way in which universities fill courses where they still have places. Over 33,000 students secured a university place through clearing in 2022. There are lots of reasons that students go through clearing including late applications and changing choice of course. It may well be the first option you consider if your grades are not what you hope for. This doesn’t mean that you should compromise and it is important not to accept the first course offered. You will not gain a place in medicine or veterinary science through clearing. However, there are many places available including at Russell Group universities.

Degree apprenticeships

Unlike university places Degree apprenticeships are available throughout the year. A degree apprenticeship can take between 3 and 6 years to complete. Your employer will cover all costs, including tuition, and you get paid a salary whilst completing the course. You will study part-time at university whilst working, this is usually a 20(university)/80(work) split. Career opportunities vary from law to engineering.

Higher Technical Qualification (HTQs)

A new level 4 and 5 qualification offers an alternative to a degree or an apprenticeship. They include higher national diplomas and higher national certificates. HTQs are available in an increasing number of occupations. Options include software developers and other digital careers. From 2023 they are also available in the construction, health and science sectors.

Gap year

Each year around 30,000 students defer their university studies to take a gap year. If you have not gained the grades you hoped for, your gap year can help you to gain valuable skills and experience. During the year you can apply to university with your actual grades. This enables the universities to make a more informed judgement when offering places. It will also give you the opportunity to write a personal statement which includes the skills and experience gained during your gap year. Of course, you may decide you want to review your plans and not go to university.

Further reading:

• What A Levels Should I Take?

• How Many A Levels Can You Take

• UCAS Tariff Points Explained

• A Levels For Architecture

• A Levels for Engineering

• A Levels For Law

• A Levels For Dentistry

• Is Psychology A Level Hard?

• How To Get Into Oxford University

• What A Levels Do You Need To Be A Vet?