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A Level
Last Reviewed: 02 March 2026 - 4 min read
Did you miss the mark on your A Level grades? Don't worry, you can still get into university!
If you didn't get the A Level results you needed, it's natural to feel like you'll miss out on all your big dreams for the future – but trust us, that's not the case!
Not getting the right grades on your first attempt doesn’t mean the end of the road. With A Level resits and a bit more time and effort, you can still achieve your goals.
In fact, many students find that retaking their exams makes them more determined, resilient, and better prepared for university life.
Thinking about giving it another shot? Check out our complete guide to retaking your A Levels.
Are you aiming for a specific career that requires a university degree? If your A Level grades are holding you back from getting into your first-choice university, resitting your exams could be the key to achieving your goals!
While some students consider applying through UCAS Clearing (available from July to October) to secure an unfiled place at uni, it's still a good idea to take some time to think about your options. For instance, rushing into a course that isn’t a good fit could lead to you dropping out down the line – wasting both your valuable time and money.
However, if you decide to retake your A Levels, you can:
If you're serious about securing a place at your preferred university, investing time in an A Level resit course could be the best decision for your future.
With the current linear A Level system, you must retake the full exam in the following May/June exam series if you want to improve your results. You can access the exam timetables for each awarding body below:
If your subject includes coursework (also known as Non-Examined Assessment, or NEA), you may be able to carry forward your previous coursework mark instead of redoing it. However, this depends on the specific exam board and subject, so it's always best to check their guidelines.
When it comes to where you can resit your A Levels, you have a few options. You can choose to study at:
Here's a more in-depth overview of your options:
If you want to retake your A Levels in a classroom setting, you may be able to resit at your school. However, not all schools offer this option, so it’s best to speak with your teachers to confirm availability.
By resitting at school, you’ll follow a structured timetable, attend lessons with other students, and sit your exams in-person.
That said, if you’re ready to move on from school, don’t worry – there are other options available!
If you prefer a change of environment, you can resit your A Levels at a sixth form or further education college.
Both options follow a traditional classroom-based format, meaning you’ll prepare for your A Level resits alongside your classmates.
For students who want intensive academic support, there are also specialist independent colleges that focus on exam preparation and small class sizes to help you boost your grades.
The downside? Tuition fees range generally from £5,000 to £15,000+, making this option less accessible for many students (but more on that later).
For a more flexible and affordable approach, you can resit your A Levels online with a trusted online or distance learning provider (like us!).
The only thing to keep in mind is that A Level resits require in-person exams, even if you study online. You’ll need to book your exam at a centre or a school that accepts private candidates – ideally around six months in advance to secure your spot.
You can find local exam centres that accept private candidates by using the JCQ Joint Council for Qualifications tool.
Please note that if you're studying A Level English Language, A Level English Literature or A Level History with us, you must find and book an exam centre before applying for entry with ICS Learn.
If you're planning to retake your A Levels, there are two main costs to consider: course fees and exam fees. The total cost of your A Level course will depend on where and how you choose to study.
Your course fees typically cover tuition and course materials, but prices vary based on your study method:
Regardless of where you study, you’ll usually need to pay exam fees separately, as these are set by individual exam centres. Prices can vary significantly based on the exam board, subject, location, and centre admin fees. However, on average:
Since A Level exam prices differ between centres, we strongly recommend contacting multiple exam centres in your area to compare costs and secure the best deal.
By choosing the right A Level resit option, you can balance affordability, flexibility, and the best possible preparation to achieve the grades you need for university or career progression.
In most cases, universities won’t penalise you for retaking your exams – as long as you approach your application the right way!
However, some competitive degrees – like medicine – have strict entry requirements and won't accept applicants who have taken three years to complete their A Levels. The exception is if they can provide evidence of extenuating circumstances (such as a medical condition).
If in doubt, check with the university to clarify their policy before applying!
Your UCAS personal statement is your chance to show why you’d make a great student, so don’t let your A Level resits hold you back! Instead of worrying about how they might be perceived, use them to your advantage:
Universities value determination, resilience, and a strong work ethic. The fact that you're willing to retake your A Levels proves your dedication and commitment to your goals.
UCAS points are a way of converting qualifications into a numerical score to evaluate applicants.
Since some universities use UCAS Tariff points instead of grades to evaluate applicants, it's a good idea to have a look at how much each of your A Level grades is worth to ensure you're working toward a grade that meets entry requirements.
To make sure you succeed in retaking your A Levels, here are a few quick study tips:
You can collect your A Level results in person from your school or college, or you can arrange to receive them via email or post.
Since opening times vary for in-person collection, be sure to check in advance so you know when and where to go!
Remember, failing your A Levels or narrowly missing the grades you need the first time around doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Your ideal choice depends on your learning style, budget, and schedule. Whether you want the structure of a classroom or the flexibility of online learning, retaking your A Levels can be a smart investment in your future – helping you get into your first-choice university or advance in your dream career!
Want to resit your A Levels online? Enrol on an A Level course with unlimited tutor support today!
At ICS Learn, most of our A Level qualifications are awarded by AQA with a select number awarded by Edexcel:
No matter which awarding body accredits your A Level with us, your qualification will be fully recognised by colleges, universities, and employers worldwide – just like if you studied in school!
With over 130 years of experience in distance learning, ICS Learn is the world’s most experienced online learning provider.
We’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot by 10,000+ independent student reviews and trusted by thousands of learners across 100+ countries every year.
Our flexible, self-paced courses, unlimited tutor support, and interest-free* payment plans make it easy to fit your A Level studies around your life.
Join thousands of students who achieve their goals us, on their own terms.
Whether you study online or in a classroom, all A Level students must sit their exams in person at the same time as all the other students in the UK.
Exam centres are usually schools or colleges that submit their own students for the same exam. You'll book to sit your A Level exams at your nearest exam centre roughly six months before your chosen exam date.
However, please note that for our A Level History, English Language and English Literature courses, we are the 'entering' centre for your exams. This means you must find and book an exam centre (your 'host centre') before applying for exam entry with us. This will typically be halfway through your course and before the entry deadline.
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