A-level Retakes: Could They Be Your Child’s Best Next Step?
Every year, many students find that their A-level grades aren’t quite what they hoped for, and this can feel like a major setback. But it doesn’t have to be. A-level retakes can transform your child’s options, opening up new academic and career opportunities. At Ashbourne, we specialise in supporting students who want a fresh start, whether that’s to secure a place at their dream university, change subject direction, or simply prove to themselves what they’re truly capable of.
Why Consider Retaking A-levels?
The reality is that A-level grades stay on a CV for life. If your child is aiming for competitive courses or careers, stronger results can make a real difference. Retaking may feel like a big decision, but with the right environment and support, it can be one of the most valuable investments in their future.
Retakes also offer flexibility. Your child doesn’t need to stick with exactly the same subject combination as before. Many students use this opportunity to replace a subject that wasn’t the right fit, giving them a new academic pathway and opening doors to different degree options.
Changing Subjects: A Real Success Story
One Ashbourne student originally received a B in Economics, a C in Maths, and an E in Computer Science. Understandably, he felt anxious about retaking, especially since he would be moving onto a different exam board for Maths. However, he quickly discovered that, for STEM subjects, the core knowledge remains the same, even if question styles differ.
The real turning point came when he replaced Computer Science with Politics, a subject that better suited his strengths and interests. With renewed motivation and Ashbourne’s tailored support, his results improved dramatically: the C in Maths became an A, the B in Economics an A*, and instead of an E in Computer Science, he achieved an A in Politics.
That’s an extraordinary eight-grade improvement across three subjects. While the average Ashbourne student improves by around 1.5 grades per subject, this story shows what’s possible when determination meets the right teaching environment. In the end, he secured a place to study Engineering at UCL, one of the top ten universities in the world.
What About Exam Boards?
Parents often worry that switching exam boards will make retaking harder. In reality, it’s not as daunting as it seems. For Maths and Sciences, the fundamental concepts remain consistent, even if assessment styles vary. In humanities subjects, such as History, a different exam board might mean studying a new time period or text, which can feel like a bigger shift. At Ashbourne, we guide students through these differences and provide a clear plan so that no time is wasted.
Why Ashbourne for A-level Retakes?
A-level retakes provide the opportunity to find the right environment for your child to succeed. At Ashbourne, your child will benefit from small class sizes that allow for personalised attention, flexible timetables designed to fit individual learning needs, and specialist teachers who know exactly how to prepare students for success. Our results speak for themselves: on average, Ashbourne students improve by 1.5 grades per subject when retaking.
One Final Insight
A-level retakes are about more than improving grades, they’re about rebuilding confidence and unlocking opportunity. Whether your child is aiming for a top university, considering a new subject path, or simply determined to achieve the grades they deserve, retaking could be the best next step. At Ashbourne, we’ll support your child every step of the way, turning disappointment into opportunity and helping them secure the future they’re capable of.
1. What are A-level retakes?
A-level retakes allow students to resit their exams after their first results, giving them the chance to improve grades, change subjects, or strengthen their university applications. Many parents choose this option to help their child unlock new academic and career opportunities.
2. Why should my child consider retaking A-levels?
A-level grades remain on a CV for life and can make a big difference when applying for competitive universities or future careers. Retaking A-levels gives your child the chance to achieve stronger results and move forward with confidence.
3. Can my child change subjects during A-level retakes?
Yes, many students use A-level retakes to replace a subject that wasn’t the right fit. This flexibility allows them to pursue areas that better match their strengths and interests, opening new pathways to degree courses.
4. Will switching exam boards make A-level retakes harder?
Not usually. For STEM subjects, core knowledge stays the same across boards, even if the exam style differs. Humanities may involve new topics or texts, but with the right support, students adapt successfully.