15 Mar 2023
This comprehensive guide is designed to help you to understand how A level retakes work. This guide is comprised of ten of the most frequently asked questions about A level retakes. Read on to discover the answers to ‘Do I have to retake an entire A level?’ to ‘do universities accept A level retakes?’ and more. Please note that all information is valid as of Summer 2023.
Contents (click to select):
- Is retaking an A level necessary?
- Where can I retake my A levels?
- Who can retake A levels?
- Do I have to retake the whole A level?
- How do I go about retaking my A levels?
- How much will an A level cost?
- How many times can you resit an A level?
- Are A level retakes harder?
- Are there any alternative options?
- Do universities accept A level retakes?
1. Is retaking an a level necessary?
Even if you are in a position where you can retake, it doesn’t mean that you should retake. Whether or not to retake should be central to your strategy for further education. You will definitely need to retake if you have decided on a university or career that requires a certain set of results (which you may not have achieved).
2. WHERE CAN I RETAKE MY A LEVELS?
You can retake your A levels at any sixth form college or school, whether it be your old school or a different one in your area, or perhaps online. It’s important to consider your educational needs and desires before committing to a retake. If you decide to go back to school to retake, you will obviously be subject to the usual restrictions of timetable. At Greene’s, you can study either online or face-to-face, and at your own pace, giving you the flexibility you need. We also have a campus in Estoril (Portugal) where you are welcome to study some or all of your A level retake.
3. Who can retake a levels?
In 2022, the number of A and A* grades dropped by more than 24,000 as examination regulator Ofqual tackled the record levels of pandemic-induced grade inflation. Each year, thousands of students across the UK retake their A levels.
If you have completed an A level, and are dissatisfied with your result, you have the option to resit it. Although some schools may only accept students below a certain age limit, Greene’s welcomes all candidates. An initial interview and assessment will enable the Academic Team to understand your educational goals and how we can help. Fill in the form below to learn more.
4. do i have to retake a whole a level?
As A levels are linear (i.e. A level grades are determined by your final examination results at the end of Year 13), you will need to retake the whole course. However, it is important to note that if you are satisfied with the mark received for your coursework during your original A level, you can carry this forward into the resit.
5. how do i go about retaking my a levels?
With Greene’s, if you have a rough idea of what you want to do or no idea at all, and want to discuss your options, you can contact us here.
If you would like to start the enrolment process, you can do so here.
If you are looking to complete you’re a level retake with a different educational provider, we recommend that you contact them directly to initiate the process.
6. how much will an a level retake cost?
Our A level retake fees can be found here. Fees include: initial academic assessments, study plans for each subject, one-to-one tutorials with a subject specialist, subject-related seminars, and Personal Tutor support and guidance (including a formal weekly meeting). You will also explore a weekly Leadership Programme, trial examinations (four times per year), university entrance advice and careers guidance, and access to Greene’s Online.
At a different educational provider, fees may vary. Wherever you choose to retake, it is important to remember that you will still need to pay the examination fee.
7. how many times can you resit an a level?
You can, in theory, retake your A levels an unlimited number of times. However, overworking yourself will likely not help in increasing your grade (and may even reduce it). It is better to take a considered approach, finding the right educational provider for your learning style.
8. are a level retakes harder?
The answer to this question is complex and entirely depends on which factor you are thinking about. In a general academic sense, A level retakes are just as difficult (or easy) as A levels. However, the actual difficulty of examination questions, like all A levels and GCSEs, will vary from year to year, paper to paper, candidate to candidate.
One factor that might actually decrease the difficulty in some sense is the increased mental fortitude that we often see in our A level retake candidates, who have prior experience, effective study and revision habits, a greater depth of understanding of their subject areas, and refined examination techniques. This all helps to ease the pressure on the day of the examination and provide genuine confidence in one’s academic ability.
9. are there any alternative options?
A gap year programme is an effective alternate option for some students. Greene’s gap year programme provides an unforgettable year for those looking to explore, work, and gain valuable life experience, all whilst topping up their academic knowledge.
10. Do universities accept a level retakes?
From our experience over the last five decades in providing full-time tuition to thousands of A level retake students, generally, most admissions teams at universities do not look down on A level retakes. Candidates with improved results are seen as motivated, serious, and ready to enrol.
As an A level retake student at Greene’s, the Director of Studies will assist and direct you with UCAS, providing insight into universities, degrees, work experience, and your Personal Statement, optimising your application for your desired educational goals. Click here to talk to a member of our team.
My question was not answered…
If you have a question about A level retakes, which has not been answered here, or you would like to learn more about how Greene’s can help you, complete the form below to talk with a member of our team.
