Why retake an A level?
Common reasons: missed a university offer by a grade, changing course, or improving a Russell Group application.
Qualifications · A levels
You can retake an A level online in the UK by studying with a distance provider and sitting your exams at an approved centre. AQA, OCR and Pearson Edexcel boards available.
A level retakes online combine self-paced distance study with an in-person exam at an Ofqual-approved centre. The qualification you get is identical to a school-sat A level.
Get these right and the rest of the process is mechanical.
Common reasons: missed a university offer by a grade, changing course, or improving a Russell Group application.
AQA, OCR and Pearson Edexcel all have online-friendly specifications. Match the board to your nearest exam centre.
May/June is the main series. Some subjects also offer an October/November series for resits.
A level retakes are most commonly taken by students who did not achieve the grades needed for their university place, those who deferred entry and want to improve their profile, and adult learners who studied A levels years ago and want to upgrade their grades for career or educational purposes. Online distance learning makes it possible to prepare for retakes without returning to a sixth form or college in person.
Pearson Edexcel and AQA are the two main awarding bodies offering A level qualifications that are accessible to private candidates and distance learners in England. Both are regulated by Ofqual.
When selecting an online A level course, confirm that your provider is using a specification from an Ofqual-regulated awarding body and check whether you are enrolled on a UK A level or an International A level, as the sitting patterns and entry routes to UK universities can differ.
Standard AQA and Pearson Edexcel A levels are examined once per year in the summer series (May and June). Unlike GCSE maths and English, most A level subjects do not have a November resit series. This means planning around a single annual sitting is important for distance learners.
Pearson Edexcel International A levels are structured into units and offer more frequent examination windows, including January and June sittings for many units. This modular approach can suit adult learners who want to spread the qualification over a longer period.
As a private candidate or distance learner, you will need to register with an approved examination centre to sit your A level papers. Your online learning provider may have a network of approved centres, or you can search for local centres that accept private candidates directly through the relevant awarding body's website.
Costs vary by centre and subject. Some centres charge an administration fee on top of the exam entry fee. It is advisable to confirm your exam centre and entry deadlines well in advance of the sitting, as late entry fees apply.
Online A level courses provide access to study materials, tutor support, and marked practice assessments through a virtual learning environment. The quality and depth of support varies by provider. Look for providers who offer:
Resources that pair with this guide.
Add up your A level grades to see your UCAS Tariff total.
GuideMany university courses ask for GCSE maths or English — here is how to retake them.
GuideThe routines adult learners use to stay on track through a distance A level.
Request a callback. A UK Lift College adviser will help you map the right qualification to your goal in a short, no-pressure chat.
Most learners studying online for an A level retake require approximately one academic year to work through the course content and prepare for examinations. If you are retaking from a previous partial study, a more intensive preparation period may be sufficient.