If results day did not quite go as planned and you are considering an A Level retake, we have outlined the options and answered the questions we are commonly asked at Keystone.
How do I apply for a remark?
If you have missed your university offer and your A Level score was close to a grade boundary, you can apply for a remark to see if the grade will increase (although it can also go down).
If you took your exams at school you will need to contact them as they will need to apply for the remark on your behalf. You cannot do this yourself unless you were a private candidate where you can contact the exam centre you used or contact the exam board directly.
If you apply for a remark you will need to contacting the universities you have applied for to let them know, they may be able to hold the place for you.
Should I retake my A Levels?
- Speak to your teachers as they will know you best and will be able to advise knowing the context.
- Be realistic about your chances of improving your grades. Were there any mitigating circumstances which meant you could have done better? Could you have worked harder?
- Do your target universities accept retakes? Conduct some initial research into your university choices so you know what your options will be if you do retake.
Do I have to retake all of my A Levels or can I choose just one?
You can retake as many A Levels as you choose and most students focus on one or two to give themselves the best chance of increasing the grades.
A Level retakes generally only take place in the May/June series, so you will need to wait a full academic year until you can take the exams.
Where do I do my A Level retake?
The most straightforward option is to ask your school if they will accommodate this. You can then return to a familiar environment to sit your exam. If this is not possible you can register as a private candidate at an exam centre. Keystone can provide suitable recommendations based on your location and exam boards.
Do I have to redo any coursework?
This depends on the exam board and course structure. In lots of cases the original coursework mark can be carried forwards. This will be a discussion to have with your school, or exam centre if you are retaking as a private candidate.
Do I need predicted grades for my A Level retakes?
If you are applying to university you will need to submit predicted grades through UCAS for any pending qualifications which includes retakes. If you have recently finished school, many schools will support the UCAS application process and provide a predicted grade for you.
If you are applying as an independent applicant through UCAS, your nominated referee will need to provide the predicted grade using the evidence they have available. This evidence can be provided by tutors and at Keystone we regularly support this process.
Do universities accept A Level retakes?
Many do, but not all. You need to check with the universities and then the specific course you want to apply to ensure they will consider your application.
Some universities accept retakes but state that your application may not be as competitive as those without retakes. For example, Oxford and Cambridge say the following:
- Oxford: Generally candidates who need to retake exams in order to achieve the required grades have a lower chance of being offered a place. They do recognise that sometimes there are extenuating circumstances, and would like these to be flagged in the application
- Cambridge: Understand that retakes do happen. But they would be concerned if many exams are being retaken due to the high examination demands and workload placed on Cambridge students during their course.
How can Keystone help?
Keystone's Homeschooling team supports many students every year who are retaking A Levels whether it is a full programme or a singular subject. We can provide full teaching support including coursework, advise on exam centres for independent candidates and guide students through the UCAS process. You can book a free consultation with our homeschooling team at this link or contact us via the website here.