Retaking your A-Levels entails studying the same material once more and taking the tests after the following school year. You have the opportunity to raise your grade because of this. Though it may seem overwhelming, it is a possibility. This article will provide the answers to your most pressing issues, regardless of whether you are reading it in preparation for results day or you have your results and want to comprehend this alternative.
Can You Retake Your A-Levels?
If you have already completed your A-Levels and want to improve your results, you can retake them! When it comes to retaking, you have various options, including returning to your previous sixth-form college for another year, attending a new college, or taking online classes. You will then retake your A-Levels after the academic year, during the autumn and summer exam windows.
Before deciding to retake A-Levels, consider the benefits and potential impact on university applications. Talk to your teachers or career consultants; they can advise you on the following steps.
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Why Will I Want To Retake My A-Levels?
The reasons for retaking your A-Levels include failing to meet the grades specified in the university’s admission requirements or pursuing a vocation that demands a specific set of grades.
You may be considering this choice because you believe you might have done better; we have all been there! Exams are difficult and can leave you feeling disappointed. Before you decide to retake the year, you should consider the implications on your future—are you committed to a specific vocation or university that requires higher grades? Are you willing to repeat the exam after a year of studying?
What Are The Benefits Of Retaking Your A-Levels?
The main advantage is you get another shot to improve your A-Level grades. You’ll already have some knowledge from Year 12, which means you can potentially start the year ahead of the other students. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and have a stronger understanding of what is needed for the exam, as well as brush up on the important exam techniques.
Here are a few benefits of retaking your A-levels:
- Retaking your A-levels helps you focus on and eradicate weak areas of knowledge
- It will help determine whether your original academic route is still the right one for them
- It affords candidates the time to practice exams and improve their approach and time management along the way
How Long Does It Take To Retake A-Levels?
As things stand, you’ll need to retake the full course to be able to retake the final tests. This indicates it will last at least a year, with tests in May or June.
The exception is coursework; if your A-Level included coursework and you’re satisfied with your scores, you can skip those assessments!
The exam boards will post their exam timetables for the year nearer to the time. Key dates for AQA, Pearson, and Cambridge Assessment International are all posted on their websites.
How Much Does It Cost To Retake A-Levels?
The cost of retaking A-levels will depend on the subject, but you’ll need to pay two separate fees: the course fee and the exam fee.
In some circumstances, the college or school may support the costs, so check with them for further information. Prices can vary, with fees being around £150-200 and course and exam fees together known to reach as much as £2000.
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Do Universities Accept A-Level Retakes?
Universities accept students who have retaken their exams. However, you will need to reapply for UCAS and universities using your updated exam results. This means that your university start date will be a year later than originally planned.
The risk of retaking your examinations is mainly dependent on your grade and competitiveness. If you’re deciding to retake a course because you want to attend a specific university, keep in mind that the admission requirements may have changed. A course that meets the ABB admission criteria this year may become an AAB the following year.
Are There Alternatives to retaking
You may have considered retaking the year and are unsure whether it is the best decision, but what else can you do?
You may be able to have your A-level results remarked. Your teachers will have your grade breakdown and can inform you whether a re-mark will improve your grade. There is a risk you will have to pay for this, so plan accordingly. You can appeal your marks, but must offer convincing evidence of mitigating factors that impacted your score.
Clearing is available if your grade is preventing you from enrolling at the university of your choice. Clearing will commence on the day of A-Level results, enabling you to swiftly apply to institutions with spots available in their courses. Plan B can look just as wonderful even though it wasn’t plan A. Having the Clearing App installed and ready on results day is one thing we advise!
How Many Times Can You Retake A-Levels?
You can repeat your A-level exams as many times as you like in the UK. There are restrictions on how many times a student can retake a certain topic, though. Certain courses, like English and mathematics, are unrestricted, while the majority of A-level subjects have a maximum of four attempts.
According to data from Ofqual, around 29% of A-level entries in 2019 were from students who were resitting one or more exams. This highlights that retaking A-level exams is a common practice in the UK.
It is crucial to remember that retaking A-levels more than once has some repercussions. First of all, it can be costly; for students retaking several tests, the expenses can mount up rapidly. Furthermore, retaking tests may negatively affect a student’s self-esteem and emotional well-being. Students who retake tests may experience tension and worry, as well as feelings of disappointment and self-doubt.
Conclusion
Retaking A-levels is not only possible but also a wise decision for many students looking to improve their academic standing or secure admission to their dream university. Whether you underperform due to personal challenges or simply want to aim higher, the option to retake A-levels provides a valuable second chance to achieve your goals.
Whether you retake through a school, college, or self-study route, the process might feel challenging, but it’s also immensely rewarding. With proper planning and the right mindset, retaking your A-levels could be the key to unlocking new academic and career opportunities.
