Failed your A Levels? Or wondering what happens if you do?
We’ve got your back. Getting bad A Level results can be distressing – especially if you’ve missed out on the grades you need for university. But your life isn’t over!
Here, we’ll answer all your questions about what happens if you fail your A Levels, and help you plan your next steps.
Is my life over if I fail A Levels?
No! You won’t be the first student to fail your A Levels and you certainly won’t be the last.
Plenty of students have failed their A Levels and gone on to have tons of success in their further studies and career.
So, don’t beat yourself up over failing your A Levels.
Instead, have a little cry if you need to. But then get yourself out of bed (wallowing won’t help!) and work out what steps you want to take next. You’ll have lots of options to choose from – which brings us onto…
What happens if you fail your A Levels?
If you’ve missed out on the grades you need for university, it’s not the end of the world.
Here are eight things you can do next – whether you’re still determined to get into your dream uni or you’re open to a new path entirely.
- Seek advice from your college of sixth form
- Speak to the university
- Appeal your grade
- Retake your A Levels
- Apply for clearing
- Consider other types of qualifications
- Research apprenticeships
- Take a gap year
In this practical guide, we’ll walk you through each step to help you decide what to do next.
And remember: our handpicked tutors are here to support you every step of the way – whichever path you choose.
Browse expert, vetted tutors, message free, and book instantly.
1. Seek advice from your college or sixth form
If you’ve failed your A Levels, or not achieved grades high enough to get onto your chosen course at university, it can send you into panic mode.
A solid first step is to talk to a tutor, teacher, or career counsellor at your college.
The staff at your school will have plenty of experience dealing with similar situations and will be able to help you decide what next steps are right for you.
If you’ve already logged into UCAS and seen that you’ve been rejected for the courses you applied for, it can be tempting to stay in bed and not go to pick up your grades.
But picking up your results in-person is really important if at all possible.
We know it can be tough to be practical when the feelings of fear and disappointment are washing over you, but the first step to getting on the right path is to turn up for your results and start accessing the support available to you.
2. Speak to the university
Make sure you speak to the university you were hoping to go to before making any big decisions.
Missing out on the requirements for your conditional offer doesn’t always mean you have lost your chance at a place.
There are a number of other factors that the university will take into consideration, such as your personal statement, mitigating circumstances, or even socio-economic background.
If lots of students have missed out on the grades they need, your university may also relax the entry requirements to fill up the spaces on your course.
Ultimately, you won’t necessarily get rejected automatically. So, don’t lose hope!
3. Appeal bad A Level results
If you have only missed the results you need by one grade in one subject, it might be worth getting your paper remarked.
This involves a second examiner reviewing your paper to identify genuine marking errors or unreasonable marking. It will also include a clerical re-check to make sure that all marks were properly tallied up and your result matches the marks on your paper.
Are remarks worth it for A Level?
Applying for a remark can be a really good option if you left the exam feeling like you absolutely smashed it, and that the grade you received doesn’t reflect the work you put in.
It could be as simple as an admin error with tallying up the marks, or having it reviewed by a different examiner might mean you gain a few marks in places where you lost them previously.
Many students have positive outcomes from having their paper remarked – we touched on some of these in our article helping students who fail their GCSEs.
However, there is always a chance that you may receive a lower grade.
It also costs money – although your college may be happy to cover the cost for you in some cases.
How much does it cost to get your A Levels remarked?
The cost to get an A Level remarked can vary depending on factors like your exam board, subject and time frame.
However, as a rough guide, the exam board AQA currently charges £48.65 per unit or component for a review of marking.
You can also request a priority review of marking if your university place is pending on the result. This currently costs £57.85 per unit or component if you’re with AQA.
How long does an A Level remark take?
How long an A Level remark takes will depend on your exam board.
However, a standard remark typically takes around 20 days. Meanwhile, if your university place depends on it, you can opt for a priority remark to speed things up.
In this case, you’re usually looking at around 15 days.
Just make sure to keep in touch with the university so they know you’re in the process of getting your paper remarked and when you’re expecting the result.
4. Consider retaking your A Levels
If you’ve missed out on the grades you need for your first-choice uni, there’s nothing to stop you from retaking your A Levels and reapplying next year.
This is a particularly good option if you only need to improve your grades in one or two subjects.
Here’s lots of useful information on how to resit A Levels, to make it as stress-free as possible.
When can I resit my A Levels?
A Level resits only take place once a year – at the same time as the general A Level exams.
There is no option to resit them any sooner, which means that you would need to delay your entry to university by a year if you choose this route.
How will resitting my A Levels affect my uni application?
You may be wondering whether resitting your A Levels will make you look bad to your chosen university. The answer is not necessarily!
Since you will have to apply again, this will mean a new personal statement, which is a great way for you to communicate to the university your reasons for choosing this route.
Make sure you get across your desire to achieve your goals and your ability to persevere and find your way around obstacles.
Can you retake A levels without going back to school?
If you’re hoping you can resit your A Levels without going back to school, you’re in luck!
There are a number of different routes you can choose to take when it comes to A Level resits.
The three main routes you can take are:
- Return to study at your original school or college
- Study at an alternative college
- Retake your A Levels as a private candidate
Whichever route you choose, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the support you need to achieve your goals.
At Tutorful, our handpicked tutors can bring any subject to life. They’ll be able to work with you to create a tailored learning plan that fits around your other commitments and ensures you’re fully prepared for your resits.
How much do A Level resits cost?
Unlike resitting your GCSEs which are usually free, resitting your A Levels comes with a cost.
Exam fees average between £100-£400 depending on the exam centre.
Just bear in mind that you’ll also have to account for the course fee. This could end up costing several thousands of pounds.
Luckily, a private tutor is a cost-effective way to prepare for your exams.
As a rough average, you’re looking at around £41.88 per hour for an A Level tutor – although there are tutors covering all sorts of price points here at Tutorful, starting as low as £20.
Head over to our guide on how much a tutor costs to learn more.
Can I go back to resit my A Levels at college for free?
Some colleges have been known to accept learners back to restudy their failed subject without paying a fee.
This isn’t always the case though, so you will need to check with your college as soon as possible.
Is it worth resitting my A Levels?
If you are determined to get onto the exact course you applied for at the exact university, resitting your A Level exams may be the best way to get there.
If you make the decision to do this, you need to be prepared for a year of hard work and study.
A Levels are tough, and you won’t get the grades you need without putting in 100%.
It’s a big commitment, and there are a lot of pros and cons to weigh up. Seeking advice from an expert could really help with this decision, which is why we recommend enlisting the help of an experienced tutor.
Browse expert, vetted tutors, message free, and book instantly.
5. Apply for clearing
Clearing. That one word can send a shudder down the spine of any university hopeful, but we’re here to tell you it doesn’t deserve its bad reputation!
Whilst no one wants to end up in a situation where they have to apply for clearing, it can actually open doors to new possibilities and opportunities that you may not have considered otherwise.
“New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.” – Lao Tzu
What actually is clearing?
Clearing is a process that matches applicants to university places that are yet to be filled.
It isn’t just for people who are left disappointed on results day. Rather, it can be used in a variety of situations.
For instance, it’s an option for students who didn’t receive any conditional offers when they applied for uni, students who have changed their mind about their original course, or last-minute applicants who didn’t apply earlier in the year.
To put it simply, clearing is a way for universities to boost the number of students on their courses, meaning an opportunity for you to nab a top spot!
Do universities accept lower grades in clearing?
Clearing opens the door to many opportunities, as a lot of universities will accept students who didn’t quite reach the grade requirements for certain courses.
This means that you may even get accepted to study at a university that you thought was out of your league!
The best thing to do is to ensure you are registered for clearing with UCAS so that you can get an idea of the options available.
When does clearing open?
Contrary to popular belief, clearing doesn’t start and finish on exam results day.
Clearing officially opens at the beginning of July and runs right through until mid-October.
If you were thinking of appealing your grades, clearing will still be available as a Plan B if your appeal isn’t successful.
Should I try going through clearing?
So many students have a positive outcome with clearing. It is a very valuable option for students who didn’t get the A Level grades they needed for their original university choice.
We spoke to Hanif Roslen, an entrepreneur in the environment sector, about his experience with using clearing.
“After failing my A Levels, I was initially filled with a sense of despair and disappointment. However, I soon realised that it was not the end of the world.
“Clearing granted me a second chance. It allowed me to reassess my career goals and what I truly wanted to study.
“I ended up enrolling in a course at a university that was not initially on my list. The course was more aligned with my interests and abilities than my initial choice.
“It was through this unexpected turn of events that I discovered my passion for environmental studies, which eventually led me to found ecosguide.com.
“Failing my A Levels and going through clearing was indeed a challenging experience, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened doors I didn’t even know existed.
“It taught me that failure is not a dead-end, but rather a detour to a potentially better path.”
– Hanif Roslen, Entrepreneur
6. Consider other qualifications
If you have failed your A Levels or been rejected from your chosen university, you might have to take a step back and reassess your options.
This might mean undertaking an additional qualification in order to get onto your course, or changing your path entirely and embarking on a new route of study.
Can I get into uni without A Levels?
Many students in your shoes wonder whether you can go to uni without A Levels. The short answer is yes!
While many universities will want to see that you have A Levels under your belt, there are also lots of alternatives.
Two options you can consider are BTEC qualifications, or an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
What is an EPQ?
Good question! Many people have never heard of an EPQ, but it is actually a super interesting qualification.
An EPQ is worth up to 28 UCAS points/half an A Level.
Not only that, but if you are just short of the required grades but complete an EPQ, many universities will be prepared to accept it in lieu of the required grades. After all, it shows your passion for and dedication to your chosen subject and university.
What does an EPQ involve?
A lot of work! EPQs aren’t for the faint of heart, as you can expect to spend up to 120 hours working on your project.
The exciting part is that it is fully self-directed – you can complete the project on anything you like, and will be marked on what you choose to create. In many cases, this would be a 5,000-word essay, but for more practical topics this could be a website, music video, or even a costume.
Why do an EPQ?
An EPQ can be brilliant practice for university. It means you have to plan your own time and do your own research, similar to many subjects at uni.
It can also help you get stuck back into learning after the disappointment of being rejected from university, and will give you something to focus on.
Surprisingly, even Oxbridge-level universities value the EPQ. Cambridge University has been reported as saying:
“We welcome the EPQ and would encourage applicants to take one as it will help to develop independent study and research skills valuable for higher education.”
The main drawback of the EPQ is that it is usually taken during A Levels as opposed to after. This means you’ll need to be attached to a school that runs EPQs – reach out to them for a chat to get more information.
What is a BTEC qualification?
BTEC qualifications tend to be more hands-on than traditional study routes like A Levels. They are great for students who have a firm idea of the career they want. Most colleges offer BTECs and they are often in subjects such as accounting, animal care, IT and hospitality.
These courses combine practical skills with theory-based learning, and are great for those who don’t excel in a typical classroom environment or who may have failed their A Levels.
What can I do with a BTEC qualification?
Having a BTEC qualification can open up the door straight into employment without having to undertake any further study. Many employers are looking for candidates with a BTEC qualification, and may even support you through further study if needed.
Most universities also accept BTEC qualifications as part of their entry requirements. However, in some cases, they will require at least one A Level too – which is great if you already have this!
How much does a BTEC qualification cost?
If you’re undertaking a BTEC qualification straight out of school, then it will generally be free.
The bad news is that if you’re taking one after you’ve already completed your A Levels, you will probably have to pay.
This is because most college courses are only funded if the student does not already hold a level 3 qualification, such as an A Level.
Some courses do have funding for applicants who are on a low wage, so this could always be an option further down the line. Alternatively, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan that may be able to help towards the cost of the course.
This often differs by institution so ensure you check with your local college. A level 2 course will often cost much less than a level 3 or 4 course, with the latter averaging at £2,000+ for the year.
7. Look into apprenticeships
University isn’t the be all and end all. If you failed your A Levels because you’re simply not good at taking tests, then there are other routes into a career you’ll love.
If you decide university just isn’t the right option for you, check out our article full of alternatives to university, many of which you may not have considered.
One of the most attractive options is likely an apprenticeship.
The best part? You’ll start making money from day one!
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship gives you the chance to earn whilst you learn.
Not only do you get to choose the type of qualification you will obtain the apprenticeship in, you also get to choose the business you will work for.
This will give you a real insight into your chosen career path, and may even get your foot in the door of the company that you could be working for indefinitely.
How does an apprenticeship work?
An apprenticeship combines work with classroom-based learning.
An apprentice will spend approximately 80% of their time working for a business, and the other 20% learning with a college or university.
They will have to submit papers and receive grades. However, an apprenticeship is much less reliant on exams than A Levels.
Is an apprenticeship worth it?
Yes! For the right student, an apprenticeship is absolutely worth it.
Marketing and SEO Specialist Tom Williams got in touch to tell us his story, which started with him dropping out of A Levels in 2010 in favour of an apprenticeship:
“I got an apprenticeship with a Digital Marketing company in Lichfield called ClickThrough Marketing and they took me on after my apprenticeship ended.
“I got a job as Marketing Executive and slowly worked my way through the company over the 10 years I was there, eventually reaching the position of Director of SEO & Content.
“I was heading up a team of roughly 13 people and overseeing delivery of our work to a large range of brands.
“I am now working with a business called National Education Group as the SEO Manager.
“I am so glad I chose the apprenticeship route as it’s given me a lifelong career where I am now on a very good salary!”
– Tom Williams, Marketing and SEO Specialist
8. You can always take a gap year
There is absolutely no obligation to go to university straight after A Levels. If you’ve failed your A Levels and you’re wondering what to do next, a gap year might give you the time you need to choose your next steps.
Plus, you can always do some travelling or get a job and save up some money ready for uni!
I failed my A Levels – what’s next?
As you can see, failing your A Levels isn’t the end of the world. All is not lost, and there’s no reason you still can’t get where you want to be.
Hopefully, this article has given you some practical steps you can take next.
If you want further help and advice from an expert, consider booking a session with one of our experienced tutors. They’ll be able to help you reach your goals, whichever direction you decide to go in. You got this!
Browse expert, vetted tutors, message free, and book instantly.
FAQs
Is it okay to fail your A Levels?
Failing your A Levels is naturally disappointing, but your life isn’t over!
Rather, there are all sorts of options you can take – from getting your paper remarked to resitting your A Levels or choosing an alternative university through clearing. You might just find that failing your A Levels opens up new doors you never knew existed.
What happens if you don’t get the grades for A Levels?
If you don’t get the A Level grades you need to get into your chosen university, you won’t necessarily be rejected automatically.
Always talk to the university first to see if there’s anything they can do. If not, there are plenty of other options out there, whether you’re desperate to go to uni this year or you’re happy to make alternative plans.
How many students fail A Levels?
According to Statista, 2.4% of students failed their A Levels in 2023, meaning they got less than an E.
So, if you’ve failed your A Levels, you’re certainly not alone!
Can you get into university with 3 Cs?
Yes! Plenty of university courses will accept students who’ve achieved three Cs in their A Levels.
However, it all depends on which university and course you’re applying to. More competitive unis will often ask for higher grades, while some unis will equally accept lower.
It’s always worth checking the entry requirements for each specific course and uni to make sure.
Do unis accept D-grades?
Yes, several unis accept D grades – it all depends how competitive the university and course is.
Will unis still accept lower grades?
Yes, unis will often accept lower grades.
It’s always worth checking the entry requirements for any universities and courses you’re considering before applying, to be sure.
However, even if you don’t get the grades you need, that doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get in. Your university may lower the requirements if they find they have more spaces available than anticipated, meaning you may still be accepted – or you may be able to get in through clearing.
Can I do a degree without A level?
Yes, it’s possible to do a degree without having A Levels.
Universities accept a range of different qualifications, from IB to BTEC, Access to Higher Education courses and many other diplomas.
Some universities also offer foundation years to prepare you for your desired degree course.
However, it’s important to do your research first to make sure that your chosen uni and course will accept the qualifications you’re working towards, as all degrees are different.
Is failing A Levels the end?
No! Failing your A Levels certainly isn’t the end. In fact, it’s only the beginning!
Many students find that failing their A Levels forces them to rethink their plans – and in doing so, it opens up new possibilities that they would never have considered otherwise.
Alternatively, if you’re desperate to stick with your original plans, you’ll still have the option of retaking your A Levels and reapplying for your top-choice university next year.
