How to Retake A Levels Without Going Back to School

Didn’t get the A Level results you hoped for? Or maybe you know you could do better with a fresh start? First of all, don’t panic. You’ve got options, and going back to school full-time isn’t the only one.

While some students choose to go through UCAS clearing, every year thousands of students successfully retake their A Levels outside the traditional classroom. Whether you failed your A Levels, want more flexibility, didn’t enjoy school the first time round, or simply need to fit study around work or personal commitments, retaking independently is absolutely possible.

This guide will walk you through every option, step by step. We’ll cover online courses, private exam centres, tutoring, and more. You’ll also find clear timelines, cost comparisons, and advice to keep you motivated when studying without school.

Is It Possible to Retake A Levels Without Returning to School?

The good news is, it’s 100% possible to retake your A Levels without returning to school. You can register as a private candidate and retake your exams without setting foot back in a sixth form or college. Many students do exactly this every year.

Here are the main routes you could take:

• Online A Level courses (structured learning with remote tutor support)

• Self-study and private exam centres (independent revision, then entering yourself for exams)

• Part-time or evening college courses (in-person support, but with flexibility)

• Private tutoring (one-to-one guidance alongside self-study)

Which one is right for you will depend on how you like to learn, your budget, and your schedule.

Alternative Ways to Retake Your A Levels

Let’s explore each pathway in more detail so you can see what’s possible.

Online A Level Courses

These are full A Level programmes delivered online. Providers like ICS Learn (opens in a new tab) or Open Study College (opens in a new tab) send you course materials, assignments, and tutor support.

How it works:

• You’ll receive modules covering the exam board’s full specification

• You’ll have online tutors you can message for support

• Assignments are marked with feedback to guide your progress

• When you’re ready, you’ll register as a private candidate at an exam centre to sit the exams

Benefits:

• Study at your own pace, anytime, anywhere

• Don’t need to travel to a college or classroom

• Get structured learning with professional feedback

This option works best for independent learners who want flexibility but still value regular check-ins with a tutor.

Private Exam Centres and Self-Study

If you’re confident in your ability to plan and revise independently, this is the simplest and cheapest way to retake.

How it works:

• You choose your subjects and exam board

• Register at a local private exam centre as an external candidate

• Revise using textbooks, online resources, and past papers

• Sit the exams during the summer exam season

Be aware that this option is cheapest, but not free. Prices can vary significantly based on the exam board, subject, location, and centre admin fees. However, on average, you can expect to pay around £65 – £400+ per subject, plus a centre admin fee.

Tips for success:

• Make an A Level revision timetable early and stick to it

• Use structured resources like Save My Exams’ A Level revision notes 

• Set mini-deadlines so you don’t leave everything until the last month

This route demands discipline, but it gives you maximum control.

Part-Time or Evening College Courses

Some further education colleges offer part-time or evening A Level classes, often aimed at adult learners or students who need flexibility.

How it works:

• You attend classes once or twice a week

• Teachers cover the syllabus, but in a more condensed style

• You register for exams through the college itself

Best for:

• Students who learn best with face-to-face teaching

• Those juggling work or family commitments alongside study

• Mature students returning to education

Check your local college’s “Adult Learning” or “Evening Courses” page for availability.

Private Tutors or Tutoring Agencies

If you don’t want a full course but know you need extra support, hiring a tutor can make all the difference.

Benefits:

• One-to-one attention tailored to your weaknesses

• Flexible scheduling, online or in-person

• Focused exam preparation and revision strategy

Tutors are particularly useful if you’re close to your target grade and just need that final push.

For more information about the different retake options available, check out this guide all about retaking your A Levels.

How the Retake Process Works (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the process broken down so you know exactly what to expect.

Step 1: Choose Your Subjects and Exam Board

Decide which subjects you want to retake. Most students retake the same exam board (AQA (opens in a new tab), Edexcel (opens in a new tab), OCR (opens in a new tab)) as before, this way you can reuse your notes. Switching boards is possible, but make sure you study the right specification.

Step 2: Find a Centre and Register for Exams

If you’re studying independently or online, you’ll need to book an exam centre. Approved centres can be found online, and your course provider may recommend some.

Step 3: Study and Revise Independently

This is where your effort really counts. Plan your revision carefully, balancing content learning with active practice.

In our guide about how to make an A Level revision timetable, we walk you through the best revision techniques, subject breakdowns, and provide example revision timetables, to help you knuckle down.

Step 4: Sit the Exams

A Level resit exams take place in May–June at your registered centre. The experience is exactly the same as if you were at school — you’ll just be entering the exam hall as a private candidate.

Advantages of Retaking Without School

Retaking outside of school isn’t just possible, it can actually be better for many students, for four key reasons.

• Flexibility: You’re free to study at times that suit you, whether that’s early mornings, evenings, or weekends. This makes it much easier to fit revision around other commitments.

• Efficiency: Instead of sitting through a full timetable of classes, you can concentrate solely on the subjects you’re retaking. This focused approach helps you spend your time where it matters most.

• Independence: You can choose the learning style, resources, and pace that suit you best. For many students, this freedom makes studying less stressful and more rewarding.

• Balance: You can combine your studies with part-time work, volunteering, or personal projects, building valuable experience alongside improving your grades.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Studying without the structure of school can feel daunting, and it’s true, there are challenges to going it alone. But the good news is that each of these can be managed with the right mindset and strategies.

Motivation

One of the biggest hurdles is motivation. Without teachers setting deadlines, it’s easy to fall behind. The key is to break your overall goal into small, achievable steps, like finishing a topic each week or completing a past paper every fortnight. Reward yourself when you hit these milestones to keep your momentum going.

Time Management

Another challenge is time management. When you’re balancing study with work, hobbies, or family life, it can be hard to stay consistent. Using a study timetable, digital calendar, or productivity app can help you keep on track. Think of your study sessions as appointments with yourself that you don’t want to miss.

Support

Finally, there’s the issue of support. Without classmates or teachers around you every day, revision can sometimes feel isolating. That’s why it’s important to build your own support network. This could be family and friends who check in on your progress, a tutor who keeps you accountable, or online study forums where you can share tips and encouragement with other students in the same position.

Above all, remember: you’re not alone in this. Thousands of students retake their A Levels independently every year—and many go on to achieve the grades they need. With determination and the right strategies, you can too.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to retake A Levels privately?

To retake your A Levels privately, expect to pay between £65–£400+ per subject for exam entry. Online courses or private tutoring add extra costs. Self-study with free resources is the most affordable route.

Do universities accept A Level retakes?

Most universities, including top Russell Group institutions, accept A Level resit grades, as long as you meet their entry requirements. Always check the specific course page on UCAS.

How long does it take to retake A Levels?

To retake A Levels, Most students spend one academic year preparing. However, with online courses or self-study, you can progress faster or take longer if needed.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to go back to school to give yourself a second chance. Retaking A Levels independently is flexible, empowering, and often more suited to students who want control over their learning.

Yes, it takes discipline. But with the right resources, a clear plan, and support when you need it, you can absolutely achieve the grades you’re aiming for. 

If you want support on the run-up to your A Level exam date, or resits Save My Exams has your back. Our experienced teachers and examiners have developed high-quality, course-specific A Level revision resources designed to help you achieve your potential. 

Explore everything from concise revision notes to exam-style questions and past papers, all tailored to your exact syllabus.

A Levels are just one step on your journey, and this time, you get to choose the path that works best for you.

References

• Exam resits | National Careers Service (opens in a new tab)

• A Level Resits: The Complete Guide to Retaking A Levels in 2025 | ICS Learn (opens in a new tab)