This article takes you through the FAQs about A-level resits/retakes. There's a section on GCSE resits/retakes too. And if you want to talk options through just contact cife or a cife college. We're the experts!

What about getting an exam remark in 2024?
This year, your GCSE and A-level grades will be issued as usual by the exam boards. Ofqual published details of their approach to grading in 2023 which is still helpful. A-level results day 2024 is Thursday 15th August. GCSE results will be published on Thursday 22nd August. You will have the right to appeal your grades if you want to and guidance on how to do this is available here.

Do I have to spend a whole year studying to retake?

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.

Who will do my UCAS reference?

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.

What's possible with GCSE retakes?
GCSE retakes are available in November and January as usual depending on the exam board, or in May/June for students who need to do a full one-year course. Check out our page on GCSE courses for more information about GCSE retake courses.

Last updated: Jul 9, 2024

Our Advice page links to more cife articles. 

Related article on this site

FAQs about A-level retakes

 

Unable to get the mark you feel you deserve?

Consider an A-level retake course

 

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    On 7th June 2019   /