A-Level Retakes and Exam Remarks – Reviews of Results (RoR) (2024-2025 Academic Year)

If you believe your GCSE or A Level grade is lower than expected, you can request a review of the results. The process includes different services:

• Clerical Re-check (Service 1): A basic check that ensures all marks have been added correctly.
• Review of Marking (Service 2): A full review of the examiner’s marking by a senior examiner.
• Priority Review of Marking: A faster version of Service 2, typically used if a university place is at risk.
• Access to Scripts: Students can obtain a copy of their marked exam paper before requesting a remark

Non-exam assessments (NEAs) are subject to different remarking rules. Unlike written exams, NEAs are moderated by exam boards based on the teacher’s original marking. Requests for NEA remarks must go through the school or college and be submitted within a specific deadline set by the exam board. Unlike written exams, individual students cannot request a remark independently

If a remark results in a higher grade and meets your university’s offer conditions:

• If the university has already rejected you, you should contact them immediately with the updated grade. Some universities may reinstate your place if they have spaces.
• If your place is still pending, the university will automatically process your updated results and confirm your place.

If your grade does not change or remains below the offer condition:

• You will have to consider Clearing for alternative university places.
• You may need to defer your application and reapply with your new grades the following year.

Some competitive universities may not accept late grade changes, so checking with admissions offices in advance is advisable.

Most students opt for an entire one-year A Level retake course, mainly if aiming for highly competitive courses at top universities. A Level exams can only be re-sat in May/June unless they are Cambridge International A Levels.

Depending on your results, you may wish to take a revision course from January to June instead. Each student’s case is different, and the pros and cons of retaking can be challenging to determine. CIFE colleges can help you map out the best strategy and preparation timeline.

It is crucial to make a plan soon after receiving results. UCAS applications should be submitted well before Christmas, even if you’re not resuming study until January 2026. Speak to CIFE colleges for help with a retake and university application strategy.

To be effective, your UCAS reference needs to:

• Cover your academic history.
• Explain why your original grades were lower than expected.
• Justify improved grade predictions for future study.

Your old school may be able to provide this, but the most effective reference includes contributions from both your old school and your retake college. CIFE colleges are experienced in managing this process. If you need more guidance about UCAS references, please see our article, ‘Six Top Tips for an Outstanding UCAS Form.’

If you take a gap year before resuming studies in 2025, your new college cannot write a reference if they haven’t taught you. In such cases, applying for university in autumn 2025 using your old school’s reference may be necessary. Please ensure the references they provide are supportive and include predicted grades aligned with your goals.

When retaking A Level qualifications, handling Non-Examination Assessments (NEA), coursework, and practical endorsements varies by awarding body. Generally, students may carry their previous NEA marks and practical endorsement grades to future exam sittings. For instance, AQA allows students to carry forward NEA marks and practical endorsement grades, even if the original assessment was with a different awarding body. Similarly, OCR permits the carry forward of NEA results for the lifetime of the specification, using the relevant ‘carry forward’ entry code. Eduqas guides internal assessments and the submission of internally assessed work, including procedures for carrying forward marks. It’s essential to consult the specific

guidelines of your awarding body to understand the procedures and ensure the correct entry codes are used for carrying forward assessments.

CIFE colleges are experienced in supporting students who wish to roll over their previous NEA and practical endorsement grades. Students should speak to their chosen college during enrolment to ensure that all necessary procedures are followed correctly and that they meet the specific requirements set by the exam board.

Students can retake their NEAs or coursework units when retaking A Level qualifications. The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) provides clear guidance on the supervision requirements for NEAs. According to JCQ’s Instructions for Conducting Non-Examination Assessments, while candidates do not need constant supervision, schools and colleges must ensure that the work submitted is genuinely the student’s own. Teachers must provide sufficient supervision and authentication, verifying that any work completed outside direct supervision remains the candidate’s original effort.

Exam boards such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, and Eduqas follow JCQ’s rules, requiring coursework and NEAs to be completed under the correct teacher and centre supervision level. If a student retakes an NEA or coursework component, they must redo it under the required conditions, and previous submissions cannot simply be reused unless carry-forward rules apply. Students should check with their chosen CIFE college and discuss supervision requirements.