Is It Worth It for My Child to Retake Their A-levels?
As a parent, deciding whether your child should retake their A-levels is difficult, but it can be the right move. It’s not an easy decision. Retaking requires commitment, emotional resilience, and the right support system. But under the right conditions, it can be a genuinely worthwhile investment in your child’s future. You can find out more about how our A-level Retake Programme is structured and what it offers.
At Ashbourne, we’ve worked with many students who have retaken their A-levels, made significant improvements, and secured places at competitive universities. In recent years, our retake students have achieved 75% A*A and improved their A-level results by an average of 1.5 grades per subject. That would turn BBB into A*AA or better!
Why Do Students Retake?
There are many reasons for underperformance, illness, lack of motivation, poor teaching, or just misjudged exam strategy. Whatever the cause, A-level retakes give your child a second chance to achieve results that better reflect their ability. For many students, this isn’t about “doing it over”, it’s about doing it differently.
A Structured, Supportive Environment
Success the second time around often depends on the right environment. At Ashbourne, students benefit from small class sizes (typically fewer than ten), close academic monitoring, and highly personalised teaching. Each student receives detailed progress reports every half term, following mock examinations in all subjects. This frequent exam practice helps students become more confident and comfortable under timed conditions, leading to improved performance.
Every student is also assigned a personal tutor who supports both academic development and emotional wellbeing. In addition, a dedicated UCAS tutor provides expert, step-by-step guidance throughout the university application process. This high level of support is one of the key reasons why students who may have struggled elsewhere often thrive at Ashbourne. We also encourage parents to stay actively involved and to contact the College whenever they need support or advice.
Confidence and Strategy Go Hand in Hand
Retaking A-levels is not just about revisiting the syllabus; it’s about changing the way your child approaches their studies. At Ashbourne, we help students rebuild confidence through structured planning, targeted exam technique training, and consistent personal feedback. For practical guidance on study habits and revision strategies, read our top tips for A-level success.
Many students develop significantly during a retake year. Having experienced setbacks, they often return with greater maturity, a clearer sense of purpose, and renewed motivation. This can lead not only to stronger academic results but also to increased resilience and self-belief.
In some cases, students may decide to change one or more of their A-level subjects. If there is a clear rationale for this change, and it aligns with the student’s strengths and goals, we will fully support the transition.
What Will Universities Think?
Universities are often more open to retake students than many people realise, especially when improved grades are supported by a strong personal statement that outlines the student’s development and renewed focus. What matters most is demonstrating growth, determination, and insight into what has changed.
Ashbourne offers comprehensive UCAS support to help students tell their story with clarity and confidence. They won’t apply alone. Together, we’ll develop a tailored, strategic plan that gives them the best possible chance of success. In some cases, this may include refining university choices or considering closely related degree programmes to maximise the likelihood of securing a place at a competitive institution. We will only propose such changes if they make sense for the student and align with their interests and ambitions. At Ashbourne, we explore every route to help students succeed.
Is It Worth the Extra Year?
If your child is motivated to improve and still has goals that depend on higher grades, then yes, it is worth it. A strong retake year can open doors that felt closed, rebuild confidence, and give your child a fresh start on a better path.
Ashbourne’s approach is both ambitious and nurturing. We believe in students who want to try again, and we support them to do so with structure, care, and realistic ambition.
Final Thoughts
Retaking A-levels isn’t just a second attempt, it’s often a turning point. With the right mindset and environment, it can lead to significantly better outcomes, not just in grades, but in maturity, clarity, and self-worth.
Ashbourne is here to help students start that journey with honesty, strategy and support. If your child believes they can do better, we’re ready to help them prove it.