FAQs about A level resits/retakes and GCSE resits/retakes

Ofqual publish a helpful overview each year about results that can help put your results into context if you are thinking about a re-mark.  Last year’s information gives some insight into the data.  The analysis for A levels in 2025 is https://ofqual.blog.gov.uk/2025/08/14/level-3-results-analysis-2025-key-trends-and-context-for-teachers/

That analysis for GCSEs in 2025 is https://ofqual.blog.gov.uk/2025/08/21/gcse-and-level-1-and-2-results-2025-at-a-glance/

The feedback for 2026 will appear on the day of results being published so keep an eye out for those.

A level results will be published on Thursday 13th August. GCSE results will be published on Thursday 20th August.

You will have the right to appeal your grades if you want to and the most up to date guidance on how to do this is available here.

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 resit 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 January or Easter 2026. 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 2026. Putting in a late UCAS form isn’t a good idea, so you may still need to apply for university in autumn, 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.

GCSE retakes are available in November and January, depending on the exam board, or in May/June for students who need to do a full one year course.

GCSE English language and GCSE mathematics exams are available in November, but only for students who are aged 16 or above on 31 August of that year.

International GCSE (IGCSE) exams offer a January series, unlike UK GCSEs which focus on May/June, providing extra flexibility for international students or resits.

Check out our page on GCSE courses for more information about GCSE retake courses.