Getting a remark of an A-level or GCSE exam – Reviews of Results (RoR)

Most students will opt for a full one-year A-level retake course, particularly if they are aiming for highly competitive courses at top universities. It is only possible to re-sit papers in May/June, unless you have sat Cambridge International A-levels.

Depending on your results you may wish instead to take some time out and take a revision course January-June. Each person’s case is different, and the pros and cons of retaking can be difficult to work out. cife colleges are happy to talk options through to help you map out your best strategy and preparation timeline.

One thing is really clear: you need to come up with a plan as soon as possible after you get results. As mentioned below, UCAS applications should be made well before Christmas, even if you’re not starting study again until 2024. Speak to cife colleges and they will be happy to help you with a retake and university application strategy.

To be effective your UCAS reference needs to cover your past, to explain why the grades you got were not the best you are capable of, and it needs to justify better grade predictions for the future. It may be that your old school can do all this for you, but the most effective reference is one in which your old school and your retake college co-operate in writing a new reference with information from them both. cife colleges are very experienced in facilitating this, and it’s certainly something to ask them about if you visit to discuss retakes. Check out our ‘Six top tips for an outstanding UCAS form‘ for more about references.

Obviously your new college can’t write a reference if it hasn’t taught you at all. This poses a particular problem for students who want to take time out and start retake work at their new college sometime in 2025.

Putting in a late UCAS form isn’t a good idea, so you may still need to apply for university in autumn 2024, using your old school for the reference. It’s vital to know that the reference they give will be supportive and that they are happy to predict the grades you need. Do discuss this with a cife college if you’re worried about it.