Exam resits
Not everyone gets the grades they want the first time.
If you're not happy with your results, you can consider retaking your exams.
Cost of resitting exams
It’s usually free to retake your exams the year after you get your results. You may need to pay if you attend a private or independent school.
If you’re not sure, you can check with your school or college to see if you need to pay.
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 have to retake GCSE English and maths if you're under 18 and did not get at least a grade 4.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to take functional skills qualifications instead.
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 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 study and work 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.