Retaking Your A Levels - Everything You Need to Know

Results day can be overwhelming. If your grades weren’t what you hoped for, you might be wondering whether resitting your A Levels is the right move.

Retaking exams is more common than many students realise, and it can be a practical way to improve your options. This guide explains how A Level resits work, when they take place, what they cost, and whether resitting is the best choice for your situation.

Key Takeaways

• A Level resits are for students who want to improve their grades after their first attempt.

• Most resits take place in the summer exam series; there are no standard winter resit dates in the UK.

• You can resit at school/college, independently or through online/private providers.

• Alternatives to resitting include Clearing, foundation years, degree apprenticeships, HTQs and gap years.

What Are A Level Resits?

An A Level resit means taking one or more of your A Level exams again to improve your grade. You sit the same qualification and the same exam papers, and your work is marked in exactly the same way.

In England, A Levels are linear qualifications, which means exams are usually taken at the end of Year 13. If you resit, you normally retake the full set of exams for that subject in the next available exam series.

Can You Retake A Levels?

Yes, you can retake A Levels, and it is more common than you might think.

Each year, many students choose to resit one or more subjects to improve their grades or meet specific university requirements. Schools, colleges and universities are familiar with this pathway.

You can resit one subject or several, depending on what you need. Because A Levels are usually only available once a year in the summer exam series, retaking normally means sitting them the following year.

If you are unsure whether this is the right step, speak to your teachers or a careers adviser before deciding.

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 To Resit A Levels

If you decide to retake your A Levels, there are several ways to do it. The right option depends on how much support you want and what works best for your situation.

Most students choose one of the following routes:

• Repeat Year 13 at school or college

• Register as an independent (private) candidate

• Enrol with an online provider or private college

Whichever route you choose, the core process is the same:

1. Decide which subjects you are resitting.

2. Register with a school, college or approved exam centre before the exam board deadline.

3. Prepare for the exams, either independently or with structured support.

4. Sit the exams in the summer series (usually May and June).

5. Receive your results in August.

Before making a decision, think about how you study best. Some students benefit from classroom structure and regular feedback. Others prefer independent study with flexibility.

In the next sections, we’ll look at each pathway in more detail so you can decide what suits you.

Retaking A Levels at School or College 

Repeating Year 13 at your school or college gives you the most structured support.

This usually means rejoining lessons, completing assignments, receiving regular feedback and sitting mock exams before the final summer exams. You will follow a timetable and have teachers available to explain difficult topics and help you improve your exam technique.

This option often suits students who:

• Feel they would benefit from continued classroom structure

• Want regular feedback and accountability

• Need support with motivation or confidence

If your school agrees to let you repeat the year, they will usually manage your exam entry and deadlines. You may need to pay exam fees, but tuition is sometimes covered depending on your circumstances, so it is worth asking.

Retaking A Levels as an Independent Candidate 

Studying independently means preparing for your exams without attending school or college full-time. You organise your own revision, choose your study materials, and register with an approved exam centre as a private candidate.

This route gives you much more flexibility. But it does require strong self-discipline and good time management. It may be a good option if you are confident that you tick those boxes, or if you’re trying to balance revision alongside work or other commitments. 

Remember, you won’t automatically receive regular feedback unless you arrange it yourself through a tutor or online provider. Check the costs and deadlines involved, so there are no surprises.

To resit independently, you will need to:

• Find an exam centre that accepts private candidates

• Register before the exam board deadline

• Pay the exam entry fee and any additional administration charges

• Prepare for the exams using textbooks, online resources, or tutoring

Learn more about how to take A Level exams privately.

Retaking A Levels Online or at a Private College

Another option is to enrol with an online provider or a private college that offers dedicated A Level resit courses.

These programmes usually provide more structured support than independent study. Depending on the provider, you may receive:

• Regular lessons or recorded classes

• Marked assignments with feedback

• Access to subject tutors

• Mock exams and exam technique support

Private colleges often offer full-time resit programmes, while online providers can offer more flexible study around work or other commitments. 

This route may suit you if you want structured teaching but do not want to repeat Year 13 at your previous school. However, it is usually the most expensive option, so it is important to research providers carefully and understand exactly what support is included before enrolling.

Find out more in our guide to studying A Levels online.

When Can You Resit A Levels? 

In the UK, A Levels are normally only available in the main summer exam series, which takes place in May and June. If you decide to resit, you will usually sit your exams in that series.

There are no standard January resits for A Levels in England. However, international A Levels offered by some exam boards may have additional exam windows, including January sessions for certain subjects.

Make sure you check entry deadlines with your school or exam centre early, as registrations typically close several months before the exams begin.

How Much Does It Cost to Resit A Levels? 

The cost of resitting A Levels depends on how you choose to retake them.

Here is a general guide:

If you are repeating Year 13 at your school or college, you may only need to pay the exam board entry fee. Private exam centres usually charge more because they include additional administration and invigilation costs.

Online providers and private colleges offer different levels of support, reflected in their prices. Before committing, check exactly what is included so you understand what you are paying for.

Do Universities Accept A Level Resits?

Yes, most universities accept A Level resits.

Retaking exams does not automatically disadvantage you, and many students who resit go on to secure university places. Universities understand that students sometimes improve their performance the second time around.

However, policies can vary. Highly competitive courses such as medicine, dentistry or veterinary science may have stricter requirements, and some universities prefer grades achieved in one sitting. Always check the specific entry requirements on the university’s website before making a decision.

If you are unsure, contact the admissions team directly. They can confirm whether resits are accepted for your chosen course and explain any conditions that apply.

How Many Times Can You Resit A Levels?

There is no formal limit on how many times you can resit A Levels in the UK.

However, A Level exams are normally only available once a year in the summer series. This means that each resit takes time, and you would need to wait until the next exam session to try again.

If you decide to resit, approach it with a clear plan about how to ensure you achieve your goals this time. Improving your exam technique, practising past papers regularly and using structured revision resources can make a significant difference to your outcome.

Alternatives to A Level Resits 

Resitting your A Levels is one option, but it is not the only one.

Depending on your goals, there may be other routes that still lead you towards university, employment or further training. In some cases, an alternative pathway may allow you to move forward without waiting another year.

Here are some options to consider:

• UCAS Clearing

• Foundation years

• Degree apprenticeships

• Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)

• Taking a gap year

Let’s explore briefly how each option works, so you can make an informed decision. You can also find further details in our guide to your various options after A Levels.

UCAS Clearing 

Clearing is the UCAS system that helps students secure a place at university when they don’t meet their original offers, decide they want a different course, or simply apply late. It runs after A Level results day and continues into the autumn.

Clearing is used by a large number of students each year. According to UCAS, in 2025, 21,970 applicants entered university through Clearing. That’s an increase on previous years.

Many universities, including a wide range of institutions across the UK, take part in Clearing, and it can be a positive route into higher education if you didn’t initially get the grades you needed or your plans have changed.

If you want to understand exactly how the process works and how to approach universities during Clearing, see our complete guide to UCAS Clearing.

Foundation Years 

A foundation year is an extra year of study built into a university course. It’s designed to help you reach the academic level needed to start a full degree.

Foundation years are often suitable if:

• You did not meet the required A Level grades

• You studied different subjects from those required

• You want extra preparation before starting a degree

During a foundation year, you study key subject content and develop academic skills such as essay writing, research and independent study. If you pass the year, you usually progress directly into the first year of the degree at that university.

Foundation years can be a strong option if you are committed to a specific subject but want a supported transition into university-level study. It also gives you time if you need to confirm that the subject is right for you before committing to the full degree programme.

Degree Apprenticeships 

A degree apprenticeship allows you to work while studying towards a university qualification.

You are employed by a company, earn a salary and study part-time, usually spending most of your week working and a smaller portion in structured study. Your employer covers your tuition fees, so you do not pay university fees yourself.

Degree apprenticeships typically take between three and six years to complete, depending on the course. They’re available in a wide range of fields, including engineering, digital technology, law, business and healthcare.

This route may suit you if you prefer practical learning and want to gain work experience alongside your qualification. It can also be a good option if you want to avoid taking on student tuition debt while still achieving a recognised degree-level qualification.

If you would like more details about how they work, see our full guide to degree apprenticeships.

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) 

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are career-focused courses at Levels 4 and 5 that teach practical skills for specific industries, such as digital technology, engineering, health, and construction. They include qualifications like HNCs and HNDs and are designed with employer input to make sure what you learn is directly relevant to the workplace.

HTQs can lead straight into skilled jobs or be used as a stepping stone to further study, including some degree programmes.

Taking a 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.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are A Level resits harder than the first time?

No. You sit the same qualification and your exams are marked in exactly the same way as before. The content and grading standards do not change because you are resitting.

Will resitting A Levels delay university?

Usually, yes. Because A Levels are normally only available in the summer exam series, resitting often means applying for university the following year. 

However, alternatives such as Clearing or foundation years may allow you to start sooner.

Can you resit just one A Level?

Yes. You can resit one subject, two subjects or all of them, depending on what you need to improve. You do not have to retake everything.

Are resits recorded on your UCAS application?

Yes. You must declare all your qualifications and exam attempts on your UCAS application. Universities can see when you achieved your grades.

Is it better to resit or go through Clearing?

It depends on your situation. If your grades are close to your target and essential for a specific course, resitting may be worthwhile. If you are open to different courses or universities, Clearing could be the quicker option.

Final Thoughts

Not getting the grades you hoped for can feel disappointing, but it does not close the door on your future. A Level resits are one option, and for some students they provide a great opportunity to strengthen their results and expand their choices.

Before deciding, think carefully about your long-term goals, how close you were to your target grades and whether an alternative route might suit you better. There is no single “right” answer: only the pathway that works best for you.

If you decide to resit, do so with a positive attitude. Focus on improving your exam technique, practising past papers regularly and using structured revision support to build your confidence. You’ve got this!

If you need help preparing, explore our A Level revision resources for subject-specific notes, exam questions and revision guidance designed to help you perform at your best.

References:

• The new era of Clearing: What it means for universities | UCAS (opens in a new tab)