Exam
resits
Advice and information if you're considering taking your exams.
Not everyone gets the grades they want the first time. It's okay to consider retaking your exams if you're not happy.
Cost of resitting exams
It might be free to retake your exams the year after you get your results. It usually depends on the grade you got, the subject you want to retake and the type of school or college you attend.
You should check with your school or college to see if you need to pay to resit your exam.
Dates for resitting exams
You can resit GCSE English and maths in autumn.
For all other exams, you'll need to take them next year during the usual exam period.
Subjects you can retake
You can usually retake any exam you want.
You’ll need to continue studying GCSE English, GCSE maths, or both if you’re on a 16 to 19 study programme and do not have a grade 4 or above in one or both of these subjects. You're not required to resit the exam, but you can if you and your institution think you're ready.
Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible to take a functional skills qualification in English or maths instead. This is also a level 2 qualification and allows you to apply English or maths in real life. You can check with your school or college if this option is available to you.
Arranging an exam retake
You should contact your school or college if you want to retake an exam or assessment.
Things to consider
To help you decide if a resit is right for you, you might want to:
- check that the topics included on the exam will stay the same
- think about whether you’re likely to get the grade you want the second time
- check that the university you want to go to accepts resit marks as some only accept them in certain circumstances
Gap years
You could resit your exams during a gap year.
If you did not get the grades you expected, a gap year can give you time to:
- rethink your next steps
- explore all your post 18 options
- pause and reflect
- get advice
Alternatives to retaking exams
Even if you did not get the grades you wanted, you still have lots of options to choose from.
Take a look at all the different post 16 options and post 18 options available to you.
Special educational needs (SEND) advice
You can get education advice if you're disabled or have special educational needs.
It may help you choose what you'd like to do next.