A-level Retakes: Could They Be Your Best Next Step?
Many students each year discover that their grades aren’t what they hoped for, and that’s where A-level retakes can change everything. At Ashbourne, we work with students who want a fresh start, whether that’s to secure a place at their dream university, change direction, or simply prove to themselves what they’re really capable of.
Why Consider Retaking A-levels?
The first thing to know is that your A-level grades will stay on your CV forever. If you’re aiming for competitive courses or careers, stronger grades could make a huge difference. Retaking can feel like a big decision, but if you can afford to invest the time and energy, it may be the smartest option.
Retaking also opens doors. You don’t have to stick to the exact same subject mix as before. Some students take the opportunity to replace a subject that wasn’t the right fit, giving them a new pathway both academically and at university.
Changing Subjects: A Real Success Story
One Ashbourne student had originally come away with a B in Economics, a C in Maths and an E in Computer Science. They were understandably anxious about retaking, especially since they would be moving onto a different exam board for Maths. What they quickly discovered, though, was that the switch wasn’t as daunting as they expected. For STEM subjects, the core knowledge remains largely the same, even if the style of questions changes slightly. The situation can be trickier in some humanities subjects, like History, where changing exam boards might mean studying an entirely new time period. But with the right support, even that challenge can be managed.
For him, the bigger breakthrough came when they decided to replace Computer Science with Politics, a subject that suited his strengths and interests much better. With renewed focus and Ashbourne’s tailored support, his grades rose dramatically. The C in Maths turned into an A, B in Economics into an A*, and instead of an E in Computer Science, they secured 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, his story shows just how far you can go when hard work meets the right environment. In the end, they secured a place at UCL, one of the top ten universities in the world, to study a branch of Engineering.
What About Exam Boards?
One common worry with retaking A-levels is switching exam boards. The truth is, this isn’t as big a problem as many fear. For STEM subjects like Maths and Sciences, the key concepts remain the same even if the question styles differ. For humanities subjects, the differences can be more significant since topics, texts, or time periods may change entirely. At Ashbourne, we’ll help you understand the differences and create a clear plan to adjust.
Why Ashbourne for A-level Retakes?
Retaking isn’t just about sitting the exams again, it’s about finding the right environment to succeed. At Ashbourne, you’ll benefit from small class sizes where you can receive personal attention, flexible timetables designed around you, and specialist teachers who know exactly how to get you exam-ready. Our proven results speak for themselves, with students on average improving by 1.5 grades per subject entry.
One Final Insight
A-level retakes aren’t just about improving grades, they’re about moving forward with confidence. Whether you want to boost your chances at a top university, change direction with your subjects, or simply prove what you’re capable of, retaking could be your best next step. At Ashbourne, we’ll support you every step of the way, turning disappointment into opportunity and helping you secure the future you deserve.
1. What are A-level retakes?
A-level retakes give students the chance to sit their exams again after their initial results. They are a valuable opportunity to improve grades, change subject choices, or strengthen applications for competitive universities and careers.
2. Why should I consider retaking A-levels?
If your original grades don’t reflect your potential, A-level retakes can help boost your chances of securing a place at your dream university. Stronger grades also enhance future career prospects, as they remain on your academic record.
3. Can I change subjects when retaking A-levels?
Yes, students often use A-level retakes to switch to subjects that better suit their strengths and interests. This flexibility can open new academic pathways and improve university application outcomes.
4. Is it difficult to retake A-levels with a different exam board?
For STEM subjects, the core content is usually consistent across boards, so the adjustment is minimal. Humanities subjects may require learning new topics or texts, but with structured support, students can manage the transition successfully.