Should My Child Retake Their A-levels or GCSEs? What Parents Need to Know

When exam results do not turn out as your child had hoped, it can be an emotional and uncertain time for both them and you. Feelings of disappointment, confusion, and self-doubt are natural, and questions about the right next step often follow. Should they accept a different path, take a backup option, or pause and try again?

At Ashbourne, we have guided many students through this decision-making process. It is important to weigh all factors carefully before choosing a course of action. In many cases, if current A-level grades prevent entry to your child’s chosen university, we would encourage retaking. At Ashbourne, retake students improve their results by an average of at least 1.5 grades per subject entry, demonstrating how powerful a second chance can be when combined with the right mindset and support. Rather than being a step backward, retaking often becomes a significant step forward, both academically and personally.

Whilst each case needs to be weighed up carefully, for GCSE students, our general view is that if there is a viable route into A-levels, it is usually better to complete them over three years by repeating Year 12, rather than spending two years redoing Year 11 before beginning A-level studies. Of course, students will need to ensure they have passes for both GCSE English Language and Mathematics but we doubt the merit of improving GCSE Science from a 3 to 6 when your child intends to study humanities focused A-levels.

Why Retaking A-levels Might Be the Right Choice
There are many reasons a student may not get the grades they were hoping for. It might be that they were only a few marks away from a higher grade. Sometimes unexpected challenges like illness, family pressures, or mental health issues get in the way. In other cases, a student simply is not in the right headspace during exam season.

None of these scenarios mean your child is not capable. It just means they did not get the chance to perform at their best. Retaking offers a chance to reset. It allows your child to build on what they have already learned, improve the areas they found challenging, and return to their studies with a clearer head and stronger focus.

Most importantly, choosing to retake shows strength. It means your child is willing to take responsibility, keep going despite setbacks, and remain committed to their goals. These are qualities that universities and employers value deeply.

What Retaking A-levels Actually Involves
The experience of retaking will vary depending on the subject, previous performance, and your child’s future ambitions. At Ashbourne, we design tailored GCSE and A-level retake programmes that address the specific needs, goals, and learning styles of each student. With small class sizes, focused one-to-one support, and regular progress tracking, every learner receives the individual attention they need to make meaningful progress.

Our teachers take time to work closely with each student, identifying exactly where things went wrong the first time, whether that’s gaps in knowledge, weak exam technique, or ineffective study habits, and creating a fresh, targeted approach. This ensures that students are not simply going over old ground, but developing a deeper understanding, stronger skills, and renewed confidence. The aim is not to repeat the past, but to lay a new and more resilient foundation for long-term academic success.

What Retaking Can Lead To
For many students, retaking opens the door to opportunities they thought were closed. Higher grades can mean gaining a place at a university that was previously out of reach, especially for competitive subjects like Medicine, Law, or Engineering.

Beyond the academic benefits, retaking also offers personal growth. It teaches resilience, perseverance, and self-awareness. Your child learns that one setback does not define them, and that they have the ability to change their outcome through effort and determination.

Although completing A-levels the first time and applying straight to university is ideal, a retake year does not need to be a disadvantage. If your child can clearly explain their journey and demonstrate how they have grown from the experience, it can help to strengthen their application rather than weaken it.

Is It Worth the Time and Commitment?
Only you and your child can make that final decision. But it is worth considering what one more year of focused study could do for their future. If the goals they originally set still matter to them, then retaking is not a delay, it is an investment in getting back on track.

Retaking does require discipline and consistent effort, but many students find they are better prepared emotionally and academically the second time around. At Ashbourne, we have seen countless students turn difficult results into exceptional outcomes with 73% of our retake students achieving A*A in the academic year 23/24. Some went on to gain places at leading universities in the UK and abroad. Others discover new interests and pathways during the process. All gain confidence, maturity, and pride in knowing they did not give up.

To Summarise
If your child is considering retaking their A-levels, it is not about going backwards. It is about giving themselves the opportunity to move forward with clarity, courage, and renewed purpose. With the right support and structure, like the one we provide at Ashbourne, this second chance can help them realise their true potential.

With GCSEs, a different approach is required. You need to think carefully about whether retaking the GCSE year is in fact the right decision. Of course, GCSE provide the foundation for A-level but we have taken the view that it is far better to spend 3 years to complete A-levels than repeat Year 11 and continue to A-levels for two years.

As a parent, your encouragement and perspective can make a world of difference. When your child knows you believe in their ability to try again, they are far more likely to believe in themselves. And that belief, more than anything, is what will help them move forward.