What Are Considered ‘Bad’ A Level Grades?

Reviewed by: Liam Taft

Published

1 September 2025

Contents

Worried about whether your A Level results are “good enough”? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of students ask the same question, especially in the run-up to results day.

It’s natural to feel nervous about your grades. Maybe you’ve set your heart on a particular university. Maybe you just don’t want to let yourself or others down. But here’s the important thing: A Levels are one of the hardest qualifications you’ll ever take, and completing them at all is something to be proud of.

The truth is, “bad” A Level grades aren’t always what they seem. What feels disappointing in one situation might be completely fine in another. The key is understanding how grades are judged, and, most importantly, what you can do if things don’t go to plan.

Let’s break it all down.

Is There Such a Thing as a 'Bad' A Level Grade?

First off, there isn’t really such a thing as a truly “bad” A Level grade. Every grade shows effort, resilience, and achievement.

The label “bad” usually comes from:

Comparisons with others: Seeing classmates achieve higher grades can make yours feel less impressive. But everyone's journey is different.
Predicted grades vs reality: If your final results don’t match what you were predicted, it can feel like you’ve underperformed. But predicted grades are not guaranteed.
University entry requirements: Missing the conditions of an offer can add pressure and make a certain grade feel like a setback. But other options are always available.
Personal expectations: Sometimes your toughest critic is yourself. If you worked hard and still feel you fell short, you shouldn’t let disappointment overshadow your efforts.

It’s important to remember that your grades are only one measure of success. They don’t define your potential, intelligence, or future opportunities.

Understanding the A Level Grading Scale

A Levels are graded from A* (the top) to E (the lowest pass). If you get a U, that means “unclassified” – the only result considered a fail.

Here’s what those grades mean:

A*–B: Strong passes, often required for competitive universities.
C: A solid grade and a common requirement for many uni courses.
D–E: Pass grades, though they may limit some university or career options.
U: Unclassified; considered a fail.

So, if you achieve a D or an E, you’ve still passed your A Level. That’s an achievement to be proud of.

Possible Scenarios on A Level Results Day

Not Meeting University Offers

Most universities make conditional offers (e.g. ABB). If you don’t quite reach those grades, it can feel like a huge setback. But remember:

Near misses are sometimes accepted: Many universities will still take you if you’re only one grade off (e.g. ABC instead of ABB).
Clearing provides another route: UCAS Clearing (opens in a new tab) opens up plenty of opportunities at other universities, often with great courses you might not have considered.
It’s not the end of the road: Even if your first choice says no, there are multiple pathways into higher education.

Subject-Specific Requirements

Some subjects have particularly strict grade expectations, which is why context matters:

Medicine (opens in a new tab) often asks for (opens in a new tab)AAA or higher (opens in a new tab), plus strong grades in science subjects.
Engineering (opens in a new tab) usually requires at least an (opens in a new tab)A in Maths (opens in a new tab), since it’s central to the degree.
Law and Economics also tend to be highly competitive, meaning entry requirements are tougher than average.

In a situation like this, a B or a C could be considered a ‘bad’ grade when in actual fact they are still strong, well-respected grades that reflect real achievement.

So, what's considered “bad” for one course could be perfectly acceptable for another. That’s why the idea of a “bad” grade is always relative to your goals, not the grade itself.

What to Do If You Get Lower Grades Than Expected

Use UCAS Clearing

Clearing is the process that connects students without a university place to courses (opens in a new tab) that still have spaces. It runs from July to October each year, and thousands of students successfully use it to find a new option.

In 2024, around 18,000 students used went through clearing (opens in a new tab) because they didn’t get the grades they needed. 74,000 used it in total, showing that clearing isn’t necessarily a “second best” option. It can lead to brilliant opportunities and exciting new paths.

It’s quick, flexible, and pretty simple. You can search for courses through the UCAS website, speak directly to universities, and sometimes even get offers the same day. Many students discover courses they hadn’t even considered before.

Consider Resits

If you’re not happy with your results, you can choose to resit one or more A Levels. This gives you the chance to improve your grades and aim for the university course or career you really want.

Remember, resitting takes commitment. You’ll usually have to spend another year preparing. But with focused revision, practice papers, and strong support, many students raise their grades the second time around. Be sure to use resources like Save My Exams A Level revision notes, mock exams, and past papers. These can give you the skills, structure and confidence you need to do better.

Explore Alternative Pathways

University is just one option – and it’s not the right choice for everyone. Lower grades don’t close doors, they just open different ones.

You could look into apprenticeships, where you earn while you learn. Foundation years can get you onto a degree with lower entry requirements. A gap year gives you time to gain experience, travel, or build skills before applying again. Or you could go straight into work, training, or vocational qualifications.

Plenty of successful people built their careers outside the traditional university route. What matters most is finding a path that excites and motivates you.

Seek Support

It’s normal to feel upset, stressed, or even embarrassed if your grades aren’t what you hoped for. But you don’t have to face it alone. Talking things through makes a huge difference.

Your teachers and tutors know the system and can guide you through your options. Careers advisers can help you find new routes that match your interests. Family and friends can remind you of your strengths and keep you motivated.

Don’t bottle it up. Reaching out for support is a smart step forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a D a bad grade at A Level?

Not necessarily. A D is still a pass. While some universities and competitive courses may require grades of C or above, a D shows you’ve completed the course and demonstrated subject knowledge under exam conditions – which is no small feat.

Whether a D feels “bad” really depends on context. For example, if your chosen course requires ABB, then a D could create a problem. But for other pathways, such as foundation years, apprenticeships, or vocational qualifications, a D may be perfectly acceptable.

What grade is a fail at A Level?

The only failing grade at A Level is a U. This stands for “unclassified” and means you didn’t meet the minimum standard for a pass. Anything from E upwards is a pass.

So even if you get an E, you’ve technically passed your A Level. Universities, colleges, and employers may view it differently depending on the requirements of the course or job, but it’s still an official qualification you can put on your record.

Can I still go to university with low A Level grades?

Yes. Many students with lower grades still secure university places each year. Here are some possible routes:

UCAS Clearing (opens in a new tab): This is the main option if you didn’t meet your original offers. Universities list available courses, and you can apply directly. Thousands of students use Clearing successfully every summer.
Foundation years: Some universities offer foundation programmes designed for students who didn’t meet the standard entry grades. Completing a foundation year can lead straight into a full degree course.
Less competitive courses or universities: Entry requirements vary widely. Even if you missed your predicted grades, you might still find a great match.

So while low grades may narrow your options, they don’t close the door on higher education entirely.

Should I retake my A Levels?

That depends on what you want to do next. If you have a clear career goal that requires higher grades – such as Medicine, Dentistry, or certain competitive universities – then resitting may be the best option. Many students retake one or more subjects and come back stronger the second time.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to label grades as “good” or “bad”, but the reality is more complex. A Level results are just one moment in your journey, not the final word on who you are or what you can achieve.

Plenty of successful people didn’t get straight As. Some found their passion through alternative routes, apprenticeships, or careers they hadn’t even considered at school. What really matters is how you respond. Whether that means pushing for a resit, exploring Clearing, or choosing a different path altogether.

With the right support, determination, and a bit of flexibility, you can find a route that works for you. There are always more options than you might think.

Remember, your value isn’t defined by letters on a page.