The A Level Resit Guide:
Everything you need to know about retaking A Levels in 2024

Why should you retake your A Levels?

Retaking your A Levels can give you a fresh chance to secure the grades you need for your preferred university course. Many students find that a second attempt allows them to focus better and understand the material more deeply, leading to better results. Clearing can be an option if you don’t resit, but it might land you in a course that doesn’t align with your long-term goals. Given the investment of time and money in a university degree, it’s worth considering a resit if it could improve your chances of success.

For mature students, retaking A Levels can be an important step towards entering a new field or advancing in your current career. Universities often appreciate when people return to education with a clearer sense of purpose.

Which exams do you need to retake?

When retaking your A Levels, you’ll need to sit the entire exam again during the May/June examination period. Unfortunately, January resits are no longer an option. However, if you completed coursework in your previous attempt, you might be able to carry forward the mark you received. This can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on improving your exam performance instead.

Where can you retake your A Levels?

You have a few options when it comes to resitting your A Levels:

At Your School or Sixth Form: Some students prefer the familiarity of their old school or sixth form for retakes. This can be a comfortable environment, but you’ll need to check if your school allows it.

Independent Colleges or Retake Centres: These institutions are specifically geared towards helping students improve their grades. They offer small class sizes and personalised tuition, which can be very effective. However, be aware that these programmes can be very expensive, with costs reaching up to £7,000 per subject.

Online Learning: You don’t need to go back to school to resit your A Levels – another increasingly popular option is to study online through platforms like Up Learn. Online courses offer flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace and focus on areas where you need the most help, while personalised learning algorithms can guide you through the most relevant content for you more effectively than a teacher who only sees you a few times a week. Many online platforms also provide tutor support, and Up Learn even offers an A*/A money back guarantee if you complete the course. Another advantage is that you don’t have to commute, allowing you to balance your studies with work or other commitments. However, you’ll need to find a local exam centre that accepts private candidates and make sure to book your exam at least six months in advance.

How much will it cost?

The cost of retaking your A Levels varies depending on where and how you choose to study. Private tutors or independent colleges offer an in-person experience but can be very expensive, with tuition fees ranging from £40 an hour with a tutor to thousands of pounds per subject at an independent college. Online courses tend to be more affordable, providing complete subject coverage and tutor support from less than £270.

In addition to course fees, there are exam fees to consider. The cost to sit an A Level exam typically starts around £175 per subject, but at some exam centres, the fees can be as high as £400 or more. Given these differences, make sure you compare the prices at multiple exam centres in your local area when planning your resits.

When can you retake your A Levels?

A Level resits are only available during the main exam period in May and June, so it’s crucial to plan ahead and make sure you’re registered for the correct exam dates. Exam boards publish timetables for their exams each year – be sure to check these and prepare accordingly by reaching out to your local exam centres at least six months ahead of time.

• –AQA
• –Pearson Edexcel
• –OCR
• –CAIE

Will universities penalise you for retaking the exam?

Generally, universities do not penalise students for retaking their A Levels – what matters most is showing your commitment to further education and learning. Your personal statement plays a key role in this, as it allows you to explain why you’re retaking your exams and how the experience has helped you grow. Tutors can also be beneficial in helping you craft the perfect personal statement – at Up Learn, each of our tutors have achieved A*/A in their A Level exams and gone on to study at top universities, and are available 24/7 to walk you through how to write personal statements, or provide guidance on what tends to work well for specific degree subjects.

However, it’s important to be aware that some courses, particularly competitive ones like Medicine, may have stricter entry requirements. For example, many medical schools prefer students who completed their A Levels within two years, unless there were special circumstances like illness that impacted your studies.

What’s the best way to retake your A Level exams?

When deciding how to retake your A Levels, it’s important to choose the option that best suits your needs and budget. Whether you opt to retake your exams at school, at an independent college, or through an online platform, make sure it aligns with your learning style and personal circumstances.

We’re obviously biassed here at Up Learn, but if you’re looking to retake your A Level exams, we strongly believe we’re the best choice. Unlike many other private colleges or online learning platforms, we specialise in A Level success. There’s a reason we’ve been able to offer an A*/A money back guarantee for over seven years, and why 1 in 3 A Level students are now using Up Learn to prepare for their exams. 

If this sounds interesting (or perhaps even too good to be true), you can see for yourself by signing up to a free trial for any of our A Level courses below – no credit card details required.