Whether you’ve failed your Maths GCSE or you were just hoping for a better grade, you won’t be the first student to be disappointed on results day – and you certainly won’t be the last!
Luckily, retaking your Maths GCSE is totally possible. And there’s nothing to stop you from nailing it next time around with the right preparation and support.
Here’s all you need to know about GCSE Maths retakes. But first, make sure to find an experienced tutor to help you get the grade you deserve next results day.
Do you have to retake Maths GCSE?
If you got less than a grade 4 in your Maths GCSE then yes, you’ll have to retake it (or get an equivalent qualification).
Why?
Well, the government has two subjects that it wants to make sure you pass – these are English and Maths.
With that in mind, they’ll require you to study and retake GCSE Maths and English if you fail them until you get at least a grade 4 – unless you turn 18 before that.
If you get a grade 4 or above in your Maths GCSE, you won’t have to retake it. But there’s nothing to stop you from resitting the exam if you’re disappointed with your results.
Is it worth retaking Maths GCSE?
If you’re asking the question, the answer is probably yes!
Maths is an important subject that will help you to develop skills you’ll use in everyday life – whether it’s budgeting for your weekly shop or filling out your accounts.
It’s also well-regarded by schools, colleges, universities and even employers.
Most colleges and universities – and even many employers – will want to see that you have at least a grade 4 in the subject.
But some courses and universities will want even higher grades – especially if you’re hoping to study a closely-related subject.
With that in mind, we would always recommend retaking your Maths GCSE if you think you haven’t reached your full potential.
After all, there’s no harm in getting better grades and you may even find that this opens up more doors for you in later life.
When can I retake GCSE Maths?
GCSE resits take place twice a year for Maths and English – once in the autumn (usually November) and once in the summer at the usual exam time.
How long do you have to retake Maths GCSE?
There’s no limit to how long you have to retake your Maths GCSE.
So, if you’re not happy with your results, you can apply to retake the subject at any point – even as an adult.
You can also retake your GCSEs as many times as you like.
That said, it’s usually best to retake your Maths GCSE as soon as possible. That way, you’ll still have all the knowledge fresh in your mind, so you won’t be starting from scratch when it comes to preparing for the exam.
“My advice regarding English and maths resits is to book them as soon as possible and seek appropriate tutor support to fill the gaps where necessary.
“A lot of the English or maths you have learned will still be fresh in your mind so the sooner they are resat – the better!”
– Matthew B, GCSE Maths and English tutor
Retaking Maths GCSE for adults
If you haven’t passed your Maths GCSE by the time you turn 18, you’ll no longer be obliged to retake it.
However, retaking your Maths GCSE as an adult can open up many doors that may otherwise be closed to you – whether it’s further education or the chance of your dream job!
If you’d rather not go back to college, you can apply to retake your Maths GCSE as a private candidate. Which brings us onto…
How to retake GCSE Maths
It’s not hard to arrange a GCSE Maths retake.
If you’re currently studying, the best way to book your resit is to ask your school or college – although you can also book to retake your Maths GCSE privately.
The most important thing is to remember to prepare thoroughly.
This can be especially hard if you’re focused on your post-16 studies. But without putting in the proper preparation time, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to perform better next time around.
That’s one reason why we’d always recommend getting the help of an experienced GCSE Maths tutor who you click with.
They’ll be able to work with you to create a tailored plan that takes into account your strengths, weaknesses and learning style, to help you get where you want to be.
Can you retake Maths GCSE privately?
Yes! If you’re still at school or college, it probably makes sense to retake your Maths GCSE there. But anyone can choose to retake it as a private candidate if it suits them better.
This makes sense if you’ve moved on with your life and you’re hoping to study for your Maths GCSE retake in your own time, alongside other commitments like work.
To do this, you just need to contact local exam centres such as schools and colleges to see if they accept private candidates.
Can you retake GCSE Maths online?
No, you can’t retake GCSE Maths online – although you can study for it with the help of online tutoring!
That said, you might be eligible to take a functional skills qualification in maths instead of retaking your Maths GCSE.
Functional Skills Level 2 is an online qualification that’s equivalent to GCSE Maths and is offered by exam boards on demand.
Anyone can take the qualification to brush up on their maths skills. But in some circumstances, if you’ve failed your Maths GCSE, you may be eligible to take a functional skills qualification instead.
Usually, this is only an option if you got a grade 2 or below in your Maths GCSE, or if you won’t be studying full-time next year. However, once you’re 18, the government can no longer require you to resit your Maths GCSE. So, it’s your choice which qualification you’d prefer.
As a general rule, functional skills tends to be better suited to students who’ve failed their Maths GCSE (although it’s not necessarily any easier). This is because it focuses more on the practical skills that you’ll need in everyday life and work, rather than the academic side of the subject.
If you choose to go down this route, a Functional Skills Level 2 tutor can help you prepare.
Just bear in mind that functional skills qualifications won’t be accepted by many universities, and some employers may also prefer you to have GCSE Maths under your belt. So, while this alternative qualification has its uses, it won’t open up as many doors as a Maths GCSE.
How much does it cost to retake GCSE maths?
Retaking your Maths GCSE could cost anywhere from £0 to £100+. It all depends on where you resit the exam and whether or not you resit it as a private candidate.
Usually, you can retake your Maths GCSE for free if you do so at the same school or college within a year of your first attempt.
This is because your school will generally cover the cost for you.
However, some schools may have exceptions. For instance, they may only cover the cost if you failed your first GCSE Maths attempt.
Similarly, you’ll need to cover the cost yourself if you’re retaking your Maths GCSE as a private candidate.
In this case, you could pay anywhere from £30 to over £100, depending on your exam centre.
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of a Maths tutor too! The average GCSE tutor charges £35.86 per hour. But this can vary hugely depending on your tutor’s level of experience and whether you choose to learn in-person or online.
Regardless, it’s worth it for the chance to open up doors in your studies and career!
Head over to our guide on how much a tutor costs to learn more.
Retaking GCSE Maths is easier with the help of a tutor
Decided to retake your Maths GCSE? You got this!
But remember: preparation is key if you want to get a better grade this time around.
Luckily, our expert tutors can help to make sure you’re fully prepared for your GCSE Maths retake.
From week-by-week plans to practice exams, they’ll give you the dedicated time and one-on-one attention you need to help you reach your full potential.
FAQs
Can you retake Maths GCSE for free?
Yes, you can usually retake your Maths GCSE for free if you retake it within a year of your first attempt at the same school or college.
However, if you retake your Maths GCSE as a private candidate, you’ll need to pay somewhere between £30 and £100+.
What percent of people fail Maths GCSE?
In Summer 2023, 31.8% of students failed their Maths GCSE (according to Statista) – meaning they failed to obtain at least a grade 4.
So, if you fail your GCSE in Maths, you’re certainly not alone!
Can you go to uni if you fail Maths GCSE?
Most universities and courses will require at least a grade 4 in GCSE Maths. However, some will be happy to accept a functional skills qualification in maths instead.
Just bear in mind that there aren’t many – so, it will limit your choice of universities and courses significantly.
Do universities care about GCSE retakes?
Some universities will care about GCSE retakes, but most won’t.
With that in mind, it doesn’t matter too much if you fail your Maths GCSE and have to retake it – as long as you get a grade 4 under your belt eventually.
That said, it’s always worth asking the individual university how they view retakes, to make sure you’re a good fit for them before applying.
