Retaking GCSE Exams

Hi,

I’m Alix and it’s my mission to help as many of the next generation as possible work in jobs that meet their passion and purpose, making them happy and fulfilled adults.

I freely admit in my articles that I was clueless at your age. With no parental or teacher support, there was no one to mentor me in the reasons why ‘O’ levels, as GCSEs were called then, were so important. What a high pass rate would do for me. That the studying I did then would open opportunities for me. That it was even possible to retake exams.

And it’s the reason for this website. Here you can get hints and tips on why, how, and what to consider when stepping out to make sure you’re on the right career path for you, one step at a time. If you give me the opportunity, I would like to be a ‘virtual mentor’ for those who don’t have one.

Join me in making sure you’re headed for the future you deserve by making sure you’re taking the right steps forward…

News flash…

I have great news!

Exams are not ‘one-time opportunities’ and you are allowed to retake exams in subjects you wish (or need) to, to improve your grade(s).

You can choose to retake certain GCSE subjects to achieve better grades so that you can meet specific entry requirements for college or sixth form, or if you want to enter an apprenticeship, or you may just want to enhance your overall academic profile (ie higher grades to be added to your CV).

Why...

Before doing so, however, it could be worth considering why your grades did not meet what you needed/or wanted.

If, for instance, you want to be a French teacher, but got a low grade, you may want to think about your commitment to the language. I don’t mean to imply that you can’t learn it to the required level, but if you’ve been studying for two years and didn’t get the grade you needed, maybe a different language would be more for you (I’ve always fancied American!!!)?

However, if you want to be a doctor, something that you need to have a (minimum) of 7 GCSEs (5 at grades 7-9) and pass grades in Maths, English Language and either Triple or Combined Science for and just one of the subjects didn’t meet the required grade, then giving up on your dream wouldn’t make sense – at least to me.

Bringing one or maybe two subjects up a grade is do’able, especially as you’ll be able to concentrate on just those subjects, not all the others you were taking at the same time.

Maybe you struggled on just one or two particular aspects? Remember one mark can make the difference between one grade or another.

Beyond the basics…

However, if the higher grade was elusive because the basics were simply too difficult to grasp, are you prepared for the hard work and dedication required? Let me be clear that this is not about avoiding challenges or hard work – it’s about not pushing yourself and your mental health beyond what is healthy for you.

The next stage of your education will build on what you’ve learnt so far. If taking the GCSE exam was harder than you thought, would you cope with the next level?

So, before taking any steps, think about what happened and why.

Talk to your parents and teachers, do they think you should re-sit?

Your teacher(s), in particular, should know whether the grade is within your reach having taught it to you for the past two years. Anyone can push themselves, especially short term, but discuss what they think was ‘missing’.

Next steps…

Having thought through the above and made the decision to go ahead, check with the exam board for your particular subject to see what opportunities they offer.

Generally, there are the following opportunities for GCSE exam retakes:

November resits: Some exam boards offer resit opportunities in November for certain GCSE subjects.

This allows students who are dissatisfied with their results to retake exams relatively soon after receiving their initial grades.

This works in your favour as your revision will be fresh in your mind and you may only now be revising for one subject – so you can give it your all.

Summer resits: Most students retake their GCSE exams during the following summer, which usually take place in May and June.

This provides more time for you to prepare and improve your performance, however, you’re unlikely to be studying for just the one subject, ie spending the whole year solely on that one topic.

It may be that you’re studying for, for instance, ‘A’ levels, at the same time for different subjects, so be mindful of how much work you’re committing to.

Private exam centers: Private exam centers may offer additional retake opportunities throughout the year, depending on demand and availability.

Search your local area online to find any available options.

Practicalities…

When considering the retaking of GCSE exams, it's essential to keep the following points in mind:

Exam fees: There are usually fees associated with retaking GCSE exams with costs varying depending on the exam board and exam center.

Make sure you check the fees and payment procedures before registering for retakes.

Time constraints: Be mindful of any time constraints or deadlines set by your educational institution or the examination board for registering for retake exams. Make sure to plan accordingly to meet these. Don’t hang around.

Grade improvement: When you retake GCSE exams, the highest grade obtained in each subject is usually the one that counts towards your final result.

This means that if you achieve a lower grade in the retake, it will not negatively impact your overall grade and the previous one will count.

University and college applications: If you plan to continue your education beyond GCSE level, some universities and colleges may consider your retake results when assessing your application.

It's always a good idea to check individual institution policies to understand their approach to retake grades.

This might come down to a way of thinking. For instance, if you achieve a higher grade you demonstrate a determination and will to succeed, however they may question why you needed to retake the exam in the first place.

Preparation…

Next, take the time to thoroughly prepare for the retake exams.

Identify areas of challenges and work on improving your understanding and skills in those areas.

Consider seeking extra support, such as tutoring or additional study resources, to boost your chances of success.

The internet also offers support. There may be videos explaining specific concepts that you struggle with and you can watch and re-watch them until that lightbulb moment where everything slots into place.

See my article on ‘Mastering Revision’ if you need any help organising yourself for studying for the re-sit.

Conclusion…

Remember that retaking GCSE exams requires dedication and effort, but it can be a valuable opportunity to improve your academic achievements and open up more possibilities for your future education and career.

I’d love to hear how you’re getting on and, where possible, if we can help more.

Lastly, I wanted to both wish you luck and say that I know you can do it.

Success is within your grasp - good luck!