Thinking of retaking your A-Levels?

Students occasionally don't receive the grades they anticipated or believe they might have performed far better. Retaking the exam is an option if you believe a better grade is possible.

A Level retakes can be a worrying possibility since schools are occasionally unable to offer the direct assistance required for focused retake revision while simultaneously teaching a new subject. Repeating tests can make people frustrated, irritated, and anxious. It's critical that all students understand they do not have to handle exam retakes alone. Read on to find out everything you need to know if you are considering retaking your A-Levels.

What do I do if I fail my exams?

There are various options available to you if you don't pass your exam;

- Have your paper remarked

- Retake the test

- Accept your grade

If you receive your results, and your marks are close to the next grade up, it might be a good idea to get the papers remarked. This varies depending on the subject, as with some subjects the mark can change a lot, but others rarely change at all. If you decide to get papers remarked, you will have to let your teacher know and they can inform the exam board. You usually have to pay for your papers to be remarked.

Alternatively, if you were hoping for your grades to be a lot higher, or your marks are not near the higher grade boundary, it may be a better option to retake your exams. You will have to speak to a teacher to let them know and they can contact the exam board to arrange the resit.

Although retakes are frequently administered at the same school, students do have additional possibilities. Enrolling in a school that specialises in A-Level retakes could be a good option. It may also be good to find a school that specialises in your particular subjects.

How soon can I retake?

Students can currently retake tests the following May or June. Even if they choose to work or volunteer during that year (which will look good on a UCAS application!), this gives all students who are retaking the course plenty of time for revision.

Benefits of retaking A-Levels

There are many benefits to retaking your A-Levels, with the main one being receiving a higher grade. Students often do not like the idea of taking an extra year to complete A-Levels, but after finishing school, everyone goes on different paths and it is really not something to worry about. People take gap years and change their mind about what they want to do, so don’t feel like you are getting left behind.

Taking extra time to complete them will not only help you receive a higher grade, but also ensure you have a solid understanding of the subject, which will be helpful if you end up attending university or getting a job within a similar sector. The longer you spend studying these subjects, the more confident you will be and the better you will perform in exams.

You will also have another year to make new friends, work, volunteer and gain other relevant experiences. If you attend a different school, it can be really valuable to experience different styles of teaching and get a fresh perspective on the subject.

Will retaking the A-Levels affect my ability to enrol in university?

Simply put, no. The grade earned is what counts, thus retaking any A Levels typically has little effect on your university application.

However, you should be tactful when addressing your retakes in interviews and in your application. You do not need to speak about why you failed the first time, but pay attention to the positives, for example describing how it aided your personal growth. Retaking A Levels is also a great time to gain some extra experience such as volunteering or working, and this is great to talk about on university applications or in interviews. It shows you were proactive and motivated.

Certain courses however such as medicine are extremely competitive so often do not accept students who took 3 years to complete their A-Levels. Speak to a teacher to get advice on your specific circumstances.

How can I ensure that my retake is successful?

If you decided to retake the exam, great! You now have another chance to get a top grade. However, you'll want to be sure to succeed this time. You'll increase your chances of passing your retake and being admitted to university by hiring a one-on-one tutor or registering for specialised revision classes. You will need to make sure you put a lot of work in, and ask for help when needed.

Where is the best place to retake my A-Levels?

Choosing to enrol in a school that specialises in A-Level retakes will significantly increase your chances of achieving a high grade. Choose a school that offers exam revision classes as well as one-on-one teaching from tutors if you need it. This will ensure you are able to get a full understanding of your course, and are able to go over and practise every aspect to increase your confidence.

Being taught by highly qualified teachers will increase your chances of doing well. Look for somewhere that has knowledgeable teachers who are well experienced in their field of study. Rochester Independent College

What should I look for when choosing a new place to study my A-Levels?

Smaller classes are another factor which can really have a positive effect on your education, as the teacher will be able to understand what areas you are struggling with and help you to understand them.

It is also helpful to find somewhere where the teachers also serve as examiners, as they will have a unique perspective on how to approach the exam. They will know exactly what will get you high marks and what you should avoid, so advice from them is highly useful.

Also pay attention to how much care the school seems to put into your area of study. They might be a great school but if their priorities and best teachers are focused on another subject area, it might not be the place for you.

While no one aims to go down that route, there are many great benefits to retaking your A-Levels. If you do choose to, make sure you do your research about where to complete them so you ensure you can receive the best possible grade. You might decide to stay at your school or move to a school that specialises in A-Level retakes. Whatever you decide, make sure to make the year worth it by working hard and receiving grades you want.