A Levels: What Happens If You Fail?

What happens if you fail A Levels after all the hours of studying, the pain of the exams, and the agonising wait for results, and they aren’t what you hoped for?

Keep in mind that it’s not the end of the world if you miss your place at university or even if you fail altogether. It’s heartbreaking, but try to keep an open perspective on the future ahead. Understanding what happens if you fail your A Levels can help you stay prepared and resilient in the face of disappointment.

Here are some things you can do right now instead of beating yourself up:

Table of Contents

• UCAS Track
• Understanding A Level Grading and University Entry
• Starting the Appeals Process
• Consider Clearing
• Retaking A Levels: A Second Chance
• Alternative Paths: Beyond A Levels
• University Admissions: Exploring Flexible Entry Requirements
• Support Systems For A Level Students
• Strategies For Improving Study Habits
• Resit Your A Levels Online

UCAS Track

At this point, you’re probably quite familiar with UCAS, as you will have used it to submit your applications to your university choices. Head over to the site after you’ve received your results, as sometimes universities will still offer you a place even if you fail an A Level. Alternatively, they may offer you a place on a different course. Think carefully before accepting or rejecting any offers! Don’t rush into any decisions based on your disappointment with yourself. Knowing what happens if you fail your A Levels can guide you in making these crucial decisions.

If your choices have rescinded your offer and cited your marks as the reason, there’s likely very little you can do to change their minds. Occasionally, you’ll hear a success story of admissions staff letting a begging student in. We won’t tell you it’s not worth a try, but make sure not to get your hopes up too much (or harass staff!) as you’ll likely have better luck attempting entry through the clearing process. This process is especially relevant when you consider what happens if you fail A Levels and need to find an alternative route.

Understanding A Level Grading and University Entry

The A Level grading system plays a crucial role in determining your university options, particularly if you’re worried about what happens if you fail A Levels. Each grade translates into UCAS points, which universities use to assess your eligibility for their courses. Understanding how these points align with university entry requirements can help you navigate your next steps more effectively, especially if you’re concerned about what happens if you fail your A Levels.

Read this guide on Everything You Need to Know About UCAS Points.

Starting the Appeals Process

If you disagree with your marks, the best thing you can do initially is discuss it with your teachers. Book a time with them to go over your marks and discuss whether they agree they reflect your work in the subject throughout the course. You might find that they don’t disagree much, or maybe they’ll encourage you to contest the score. Regardless, the choice is up to you, and chatting about it will give you a sense of your potential for a successful appeal, particularly if you’re thinking about what happens if you fail an A Level and want to improve your grades.

You can then request an appeal from the exam board. You’ll have to contact your school or college to find out what their appeals process is, as many of them will contact the exam board on your behalf. It’s important to know your rights during this process, including the grounds for appeal and the necessary steps to take if you fail an A Level.

Consider Clearing

You may believe you’ve already found your perfect universities—the ones you applied to initially. However, more students than you think end up at their university through clearing, and nearly all of them love their experience, even if it wasn’t their original goal.

So if you’re dead set on attending university this year, clearing is your best bet! Start by using the UCAS search engine to find courses that suit you (and will accept your marks). Reach out to the institutions offering the course and ask if they’ll accept you even if you fail your A Levels. If they say yes, be sure to confirm how long they’ll hold that place open. Usually, universities will extend an offer for two days, giving you some time to consider your options.

Open UCAS Clearing Search Tool here.

The good news is that you can collect as many verbal offers as you want. So have a sift through and explore all your options. It’s a bit like window shopping for a degree! Once you’ve made a decision, update UCAS Track using the codes given to you by the university, and voilà! Congratulations! You’re going to university. This step is crucial, especially if you’re considering what happens if you fail A Levels but still want to pursue higher education.

Retaking A Levels: A Second Chance

If your heart is set on a particular university or course, and your current results don’t meet the entry requirements, retaking your A Levels could be a viable option, especially if you’re concerned about what happens if you fail A Levels.

Resitting A Level exams allows you to improve your grades and potentially gain the UCAS points needed for your desired course. Timing and costs vary, so it’s important to plan accordingly. This second chance can be especially beneficial if you believe you didn’t perform to the best of your ability the first time around.

Learn How to Resit Your A Levels here.

Alternative Paths: Beyond A Levels

If university doesn’t seem like the right fit anymore, or if you’re looking for something different, there are plenty of alternative routes available.

Vocational courses, apprenticeships, or even taking a gap year can offer valuable experiences and lead to fulfilling careers.

Explore Summer jobs that can turn into great careers here.

Exploring these options can open up new opportunities that you may not have considered before.

University Admissions: Exploring Flexible Entry Requirements

Some universities offer flexible entry requirements, including foundation years or access courses, which are designed to help students who may not meet traditional A Level requirements.

Additionally, international students or those with non-traditional qualifications might find alternative pathways into higher education.

Support Systems for A Level Students

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. There are numerous support systems available to help you, whether you’re dealing with the stress of exams or struggling with mental health.

Counselling services, study skills advice, and peer support can make a significant difference in how you cope during this challenging time.

Strategies for Improving Study Habits

If you’re planning to retake your A Levels or even if you’re continuing your education in another form, improving your study habits can make a big difference.

Focus on developing effective learning techniques, time management skills, and exam strategies to ensure you’re fully prepared for whatever comes next.

Explore Top Revision Tips here.

Resit Your A Levels Online

If you still have your heart set on your original university choices or need specific A Level marks for other opportunities, there are many options for you to resit them. You can contact your school or college and ask them to talk you through their resit process, and they will help you.

If you’re feeling a sense of dread about returning to college without your classmates or want to start working alongside your studies, you’re able to study online.

Here at Association of Learning, we make sure our students are supported throughout their online A Level course and guide them to achieve the best A Level results possible for them. Our team of dedicated exam experts takes the time to give you in-depth feedback and tips you can use during exam season, and we’ll even help you book your exams at the most convenient location for you.

Studying online gives our students the flexibility to study on their own terms, alongside full-time jobs, gap years, and whatever else they set their minds to. Without the stress of classrooms, deadlines, or set schedules. We truly believe that learning doesn’t have to be stressful and that the best marks come from being supported and moving at your own pace.

To find out more about studying A Levels online, check out our online A Level courses.

Have any questions? Reach out using our contact form, and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

For more A Level advice, student success stories, and help guides, head to our blog.