What To Do If You Fail Your A Levels

Failing your A Levels can feel like the end of the world — but it isn’t. Every year, thousands of students find themselves in the same position, and still go on to secure university places, land rewarding jobs, or discover alternative paths they hadn’t considered before. 

The most important thing you can do right now is take a deep breath, gather the facts, and make a plan.

This guide will walk you through each step, giving you the information, timelines, and confidence you need to move forward.

Step 1: Don’t Panic, Assess Your Results Carefully

On A Level results day, emotions can run high, especially if the numbers on the page aren’t what you expected. 

Before making any big decisions, take time to understand your results in detail. Confront the grades for each subject. If possible, check your marks to see how close you were to the next grade boundary. Sometimes a few extra marks can make all the difference.

Asking for a Grade Review

If your grades are unexpectedly low, especially in subjects you usually perform well in, you may want to request a review of marking. This isn’t the same as a full remark; it’s a re-check to ensure the marking followed the correct process.

Deadlines for reviews are often tight (sometimes within a week of results day), so speak to your school or college immediately to get the process started. Private candidates can contact their exam board directly or the school/college that submitted their entry.

Before you raise a review, be aware that:

• The exam board will review your work for marking errors, which could raise or lower your overall grade, depending on the mark. 

• If the grade stays the same, you may need to pay a fee, so, check with your school or college before requesting a review.

Making an Appeal

If you receive your review results, and you still believe there’s an error, you can ask your school or college to appeal.

The exam board will review your work again and decide if your mark or grade should change. If you feel the appeal wasn’t handled correctly, you can ask Ofqual to review the process (opens in a new tab).

Step 2: Understand What “Failing” Means for You

Failing your A Levels can mean different things depending on your situation. For some, it’s missing a university offer by one or two grades. For others, it’s getting below a pass (E) in one or more subjects. 

Some students pass certain subjects but not all, which can still affect their future plans.

The good news? There are several routes you can take from here, and each one can still lead to a successful outcome.

Option A: Clearing (August–September)

If you’ve just missed your university offer, your first step should be to call your chosen university. Many universities accept students who fall slightly short of their offer, especially if they have spaces left on the course. 

Be polite, prepared, and ready to explain why you’re still a great fit.

If your firm choice won’t accept you, UCAS Clearing is your next port of call. Clearing runs from results day until mid-October and lists available university courses. It moves quickly, so be ready to act. 

When calling universities through Clearing, have your grades, UCAS ID, and course preferences at hand.

Here’s an example of what to say when calling universities:

“Hi, my name is [Name]. I’ve just received my results — [list grades] — and I’m really interested in your [Course Name]. I’ve researched your course, and I’m particularly drawn to [specific module/topic]. Are there any spaces available?”

Option B: Resits (May–June)

If you’re determined to meet your original university target or boost your grades, resitting exams may be your best choice. A Level resits usually happen the following summer, giving you several months to prepare.

Many students use this year to focus solely on weaker subjects, sometimes with the help of a tutor, extra coursework practice, or past paper drills. Some continue working part-time or pursue short courses alongside revision to strengthen their CV and keep momentum.

Option C: Alternative Routes

University isn’t the only way forward, and a less conventional route can sometimes be the right one for you. Many universities offer foundation years for students who don’t meet standard entry requirements. These courses give you an extra year to build the skills and knowledge needed for a degree.

You might also consider apprenticeships, where you can earn a salary while gaining a qualification and valuable work experience. 

Vocational qualifications, such as BTECs or industry-specific certifications, can also lead directly into employment or higher education.

Step 3: Keep Track of Key Dates

Acting quickly is essential, so make sure you know the important deadlines:

• A Level results day: Mid-August (14th August 2025)

• Deadline for priority reviews of marking: Usually within one week of results day

• Clearing closes: Mid-October (5 July until 20 October 2025)

• UCAS deadline for 2026 entry: January 2026 (check the exact date on UCAS)

Mark these dates in your calendar and set reminders so you don’t miss critical windows for action.

Step 4: Protect Your Mental Health

It’s easy to get caught in a spiral of self-doubt after disappointing results. But, it’s especially important to take care of your mental wellbeing. 

Start by talking to people you trust, whether that’s family, friends, teachers, or a school counsellor. Sharing your thoughts can help you process the situation and put things into perspective.

Try to limit time on social media in the days after results day, as constant comparisons can fuel anxiety. 

Channel your energy into making a clear, step-by-step plan. Having a written list of actions helps shift your mindset from “I’ve failed” to “Here’s how I’ll move forward.”

Your Next Steps Checklist

• Check if you were close to a higher grade and consider requesting a remark.

• Contact your firm and insurance universities to see if they’ll still accept you.

• Search UCAS Clearing and make calls with your grades and details ready.

• Decide whether resits, alternative qualifications, or apprenticeships suit you best.

• Add all important deadlines to your calendar.

Final Word

Failing your A Levels doesn’t define your future, it just changes your route. Many successful people have taken alternative paths after missing their expected grades. Whether you choose Clearing, resits, or a completely different route, you still have the power to shape your next chapter.

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.

Your grades are only one part of your story. What matters most now is the decisions you make next, and you have more options than you might think.

References

• Appeal against a GCSE, AS or A level grade or the result of a qualification: Ask for a GCSE, AS level or A level grade to be reviewed - (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)

• Appeal against a GCSE, AS or A level grade or the result of a qualification: Overview - (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)

• Clearing and results day | UCAS (opens in a new tab)