Why retake an A level?
Common reasons: missed a university offer by a grade, changing course, or improving a Russell Group application.
Qualifications · A levels
A level retakes online: how it actually works
You can retake an A level online in the UK by studying with a distance provider and sitting your exams at an approved centre. AQA, OCR and Pearson Edexcel boards available.
- Up to 56 UCAS points · per A* A level
- 3 main exam boards · AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel
- Two exam series · summer and autumn
Short answer
A level retakes online combine self-paced distance study with an in-person exam at an Ofqual-approved centre. The qualification you get is identical to a school-sat A level.
The three things to plan
Get these right and the rest of the process is mechanical.
Which exam board to pick
AQA, OCR and Pearson Edexcel all have online-friendly specifications. Match the board to your nearest exam centre.
When to sit the exam
May/June is the main series. Some subjects also offer an October/November series for resits.
Why retake an A level?
A level retakes are most commonly taken by students who did not achieve the grades needed for their university place, those who deferred entry and want to improve their profile, and adult learners who studied A levels years ago and want to upgrade their grades for career or educational purposes. Online distance learning makes it possible to prepare for retakes without returning to a sixth form or college in person.
Which exam boards are available for online A level study?
Pearson Edexcel and AQA are the two main awarding bodies offering A level qualifications that are accessible to private candidates and distance learners in England. Both are regulated by Ofqual.
- AQA — offers A levels across a wide range of subjects including sciences, humanities, social sciences, and languages. AQA A levels are available in the June summer series.
- Pearson Edexcel — offers A levels in a comparable range of subjects. Edexcel International A levels are also available for learners outside the standard school system and offer a modular structure with more frequent examination sittings.
When selecting an online A level course, confirm that your provider is using a specification from an Ofqual-regulated awarding body and check whether you are enrolled on a UK A level or an International A level, as the sitting patterns and entry routes to UK universities can differ.
Exam series: when can you sit A level exams?
Standard AQA and Pearson Edexcel A levels are examined once per year in the summer series (May and June). Unlike GCSE maths and English, most A level subjects do not have a November resit series. This means planning around a single annual sitting is important for distance learners.
Pearson Edexcel International A levels are structured into units and offer more frequent examination windows, including January and June sittings for many units. This modular approach can suit adult learners who want to spread the qualification over a longer period.
Approved exam centres: where do you sit the exam?
As a private candidate or distance learner, you will need to register with an approved examination centre to sit your A level papers. Your online learning provider may have a network of approved centres, or you can search for local centres that accept private candidates directly through the relevant awarding body's website.
Costs vary by centre and subject. Some centres charge an administration fee on top of the exam entry fee. It is advisable to confirm your exam centre and entry deadlines well in advance of the sitting, as late entry fees apply.
What does online A level study involve?
Online A level courses provide access to study materials, tutor support, and marked practice assessments through a virtual learning environment. The quality and depth of support varies by provider. Look for providers who offer:
- Full course content aligned to the current awarding body specification
- Regular tutor feedback on written work and practice questions
- Access to past papers and mark schemes for exam preparation
- Guidance on exam centre registration and entry procedures
Most learners studying online for an A level retake require approximately one academic year to work through the course content and prepare for examinations. If you are retaking from a previous partial study, a more intensive preparation period may be sufficient.
Frequently asked questions
Can I retake A levels as a private candidate?
Yes. Both AQA and Pearson Edexcel allow private candidates to enter for A level examinations. You will need to register with an approved examination centre to sit your papers.
Is there a November resit for A levels?
No. Unlike GCSE maths and English, most A level subjects are only examined once per year in the summer series (May–June). Some Pearson Edexcel International A level units have January sittings, but standard UK A levels do not.
How long does it take to prepare for an A level retake online?
Most learners follow a full academic year of online study to prepare for a retake. If you already have partial knowledge of the subject, a more focused revision programme over six months may be sufficient.
What is the difference between AQA and Edexcel A levels?
Both are Ofqual-regulated and carry equal weight with UK universities. The main differences are in specification content, exam format, and assessment style. Your choice should be guided by which specification best matches your study strengths and prior knowledge.
Do universities accept resit A level grades?
Yes. Universities accept grades from resit A levels on the same basis as first-sitting grades. Some very competitive courses may note whether a grade was achieved at first sitting, so check individual course entry notes on UCAS where this matters.
Plan your retake
Resources that pair with this guide.
Tool
UCAS Tariff calculator
Add up your A level grades to see your UCAS Tariff total.
GuideGCSE retakes in maths and English
Many university courses ask for GCSE maths or English — here is how to retake them.
GuideHow to study online effectively
The routines adult learners use to stay on track through a distance A level.
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