What To Do If You Fail A Levels

Ucademy Team

July 22, 2025

Facing the prospect of failing A Levels can be daunting. If you’ve found yourself staring down this dark tunnel, you’re not alone. Each year, thousands of students sit the hardest A Levels and discover that, despite their best efforts, they’ve fallen short in one or more subjects. If this happens to you, it’s only natural to feel stressed and anxious about what happens next. However, this guide will help you take a step back, breathe, and calmly assess your options. Here, you’ll learn what to do if you fail A Levels, so you can feel reassured and empowered as you explore your next steps.

When it comes to understanding the situation, online tutoring UK can offer invaluable support. Ucademy’s tailored online lessons can help you get back on track so that you can achieve your desired A Level outcomes and move on to the next stage of your academic journey.

7 Things To Do If You Fail A Levels

student looking sad - What to do if You Fail A Levels

Not achieving the A Level grades you had hoped for can feel daunting, but it does not mean all options are closed to you. Many students face setbacks on results day, and there are several constructive steps you can take to recover and move forward. Failing your A Levels is not the end of your academic or career ambitions. Instead, it presents an opportunity to explore alternative paths and determine what best fits your goals and strengths.

From appealing grades and considering a gap year, to seeking vocational training or professional qualifications, a range of choices can put you back on track. It’s essential to take some time to process your results, seek guidance, and gather accurate information before making any decisions.

With the right approach and support, you can find a route that leads to university, employment, or personal growth, even if the journey looks different from what you first imagined. Here are seven things to do if you fail A Levels to help you plan your next steps.

1. Check Your UCAS Track Status Immediately

The very first step after receiving your A Level results is to log in to UCAS Track to review your university application status. It’s possible that even if you missed the exact grades required in your offers, you may still have been accepted. Some universities offer flexibility, especially if you are close, just a few marks off, and might propose a place on a related or alternative course that better matches your actual results.

If your UCAS Track status shows your application was unsuccessful because of your grades, it’s important to acknowledge this outcome rather than ignore it. Accepting the decision allows you to move forward and explore other opportunities quickly. For example, you can focus your efforts on Clearing, a process where universities look to fill remaining places on courses. This can be a valuable option for students who did not meet their initial offers.

If your UCAS Track has not updated yet, don’t worry immediately. Some universities may still be finalising decisions. In such cases, it’s helpful to contact the admissions office directly to enquire about your application status. Bear in mind that response times vary, so patience is key, as each institution has its timetable for processing results.

2. Consider Appealing Your A Level Grades

If you suspect that your A Level results don’t accurately reflect your performance or there has been a grading error, you are entitled to appeal your grades. The appeal process begins with your school or college submitting a formal request for a grade review to the exam board on your behalf. For private candidates who sat exams independently, you can either get in touch directly with the exam board or consult the institution that facilitated your exam entry to help manage your appeal.

Before initiating an appeal, it’s crucial to consult the latest official guidance to ensure you follow the correct procedure. Reliable information is available on the UK government website, as well as from the main exam boards, such as Pearson Edexcel and AQA, along with helpful resources like the Ofqual Student Guide.

While appealing might be time-consuming and does not guarantee a better grade, it remains a valid and sometimes necessary route if you genuinely believe your results were unfair or mistaken. Taking this step can change your outcome, aiding in your university application or career progression.

3. Find a University Place Through Clearing

If your A Level results do not meet your original university offers, UCAS Clearing offers an effective route to still start university in 2025. Clearing enables students to find and apply for courses with available places after the main application deadlines have passed. Clearing opens on 5 July 2025 and runs until 20 October 2025. However, the majority of students begin using it from A-Level results day, which is 14 August 2025, as this is when most course vacancies are updated. If you have not received or accepted any university offers, or if you applied after 30 June, you are eligible to enter Clearing.

How to Use Clearing Effectively

Search for Course Vacancies: Start by using the UCAS Clearing search tool. This is regularly updated with new course openings, and nearly every university in the UK participates, offering thousands of options.
Consider Your Options: You may need to look at courses or universities that you had not previously considered. This is a good chance to reassess your choices and find a suitable alternative.
Contact Universities Directly: Once you have identified a course of interest, phone the university admissions office as soon as possible. Have your UCAS personal ID and grades ready. Admissions staff will confirm if there are vacancies and may offer you a place based on your conversation.
Clarify Offer Details: If a university provides you with an informal offer over the phone, always ask how long they can hold the offer. This typically takes up to 48 hours, but timeframes may vary, so it’s essential to double-check.

After receiving an informal offer you wish to accept, add your Clearing choice to your application on UCAS Hub. Only one Clearing choice can be added at a time. Once the university confirms your place through UCAS, your place is secured. Remember, Clearing operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so act promptly to maximise your chances.

Clearing provides a real opportunity to secure a university place, even if your initial plans change. Approach the process with flexibility and speed, and check for new vacancies regularly to give yourself the best chance of finding a suitable course.

4. Resit Your A Levels

If your A Level grades were not what you hoped for, resitting your exams is a practical way to give yourself another chance at achieving the results you need. This approach can open the door to your preferred university course in the following year.

Options for Resitting

Resit at School, Sixth Form, or College: You can repeat your A Level courses at your current school, sixth form, or college. Speak with your teachers or advisors to determine if your current institution can accommodate retakes. If they cannot, they will usually be able to recommend local sixth forms or colleges where you can register as a resit student for the upcoming academic year.
Resit Your A Levels Online: For students who need more flexibility due to work, volunteering, or gaining other experiences, online A Level courses offer a suitable alternative.

These courses allow you to study at your preferred pace and schedule, access support from a personal tutor whenever needed, and combine study with other commitments. Even if you study online, you must still book and sit your A Level exams at an approved exam centre. It’s advisable to arrange your exam booking at least six months in advance, as places at exam centres can be limited.

Why Consider Resitting?

Regardless of the path you choose, whether traditional classroom learning or online courses, resitting your A Levels provides an opportunity to improve your grades, expand your university options, or meet specific course requirements. It demonstrates resilience and the ability to persevere in the face of setbacks, both of which are valued qualities within further education and employment.

5. Take a Gap Year

Taking a gap year can be a wise decision if your A Level results did not go as planned. Rather than panicking or reacting hastily, a well-structured gap year allows you to pause, recharge, and consider your future options with clarity and confidence.

Why Consider a Gap Year?

Time to Reflect: A gap year gives you the breathing space to assess your interests and next steps. You can consider whether you want to resit your A Levels, reapply for university through UCAS, or even explore a completely different path.
Gain Work Experience: Securing a job or an internship related to your interests can be highly beneficial. Not only does this strengthen your future university application, but it also helps you build practical skills and insight into specific industries.
Volunteering Opportunities: Take advantage of the year to volunteer, either locally or internationally. Volunteering can develop valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication, all of which are attractive to employers and university admissions teams.
Travel and Cultural Experience: If travelling appeals to you, a gap year presents the perfect chance to experience new cultures. Completing a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course allows you to travel and even earn money by teaching English abroad. Just ensure you research and meet the relevant visa and qualification requirements for any country you consider.

A gap year does not mean putting your future on pause. With good planning, you can make yourself a stronger candidate for university or employment. Practical experiences, whether through work, volunteering, or travel, build valuable skills and confidence, giving you an edge when you decide to take your next step.

6. Study for a Professional or Vocational Qualification

Exploring professional or vocational qualifications after A Levels can be a practical and rewarding alternative to traditional university routes.

A recognised professional body awards a professional qualification and focuses on developing the skills and knowledge needed for specific careers. Employers highly value these qualifications and may be necessary to progress in your chosen field.

For instance, a CIPD qualification in human resources is often preferred by employers and could make your job applications stand out. In accountancy, an AAT qualification can quickly set you on the path to becoming a Chartered Accountant, and in some cases, allows you to bypass the first year of a related university course.

Vocational qualifications are designed to give you practical, hands-on experience in specific trades or industries. They focus on preparing you for direct entry into the workforce. Examples include qualifications in areas such as plumbing, childcare, or construction. Options like a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) can either lead straight to employment or provide a stepping stone to continue your education in the second or third year of a degree course.

Key Benefits

Tailored to prepare you for precise roles in various sectors.
Often lead directly to employment or advancement in your chosen industry.
Can be studied alongside work, offering flexibility.
Frequently associated with higher earning potential and better job security.

Unlike many academic degrees, professional and vocational qualifications have a clear career focus. To understand how different routes compare, the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is an excellent resource for exploring possibilities in professional and vocational education.

7. Become an Apprentice

Becoming an apprentice is a practical and rewarding pathway if you did not achieve the A Level grades you hoped for. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn, blending real workplace experience with formal study to gain a recognised qualification.

What Makes Apprenticeships Unique?

Work and Study Together: Apprenticeships combine hands-on job training with classroom-based learning. You gain crucial skills, industry knowledge, and a wage, all at the same time.
A Range of Levels and Roles: Apprenticeships aren't limited to entry-level positions. Today, they are available for all stages of your career, from junior roles to advanced leadership posts such as team leaders, managers, and even executive roles like Directors and CEOs.
Industry and Career Flexibility: With programmes available in sectors as varied as business, finance, healthcare, engineering, and technology, you’re not limited to one career path. No matter your interests, there’s likely an apprenticeship to match.

Benefits of Choosing an Apprenticeship

Immediate Earnings: Unlike traditional routes, you will start earning a salary from your first day as an apprentice.
Recognised Qualifications: On completion, you’ll gain nationally recognised qualifications, valued by employers across the UK.
No University Needed: Apprenticeships provide a direct route into skilled professions, meaning you can avoid the often substantial costs and commitments of a university degree.
Career Progression: Gaining experience during an apprenticeship can accelerate your progression into more senior, higher-paying roles.

If you’re motivated to start working, ready to learn in a practical setting, and keen to gain industry connections, an apprenticeship could be an excellent choice. It’s a chance to build a strong foundation and work your way up, all while earning and learning.

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Ucademy takes the confusion out of navigating GCSEs, A-levels, 11+, and university applications by creating a personalized roadmap explicitly tailored to your child's goals and learning style. We provide the structured accountability framework that busy parents need, ensuring your child stays on track to reach their full academic potential and secure their place at a top university. Don't let your child struggle through critical academic years without expert guidance and a clear path to success. Book your free consultation today to get your free university readiness audit and action plan.

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ucademy - What to do if You Fail A Levels

Ucademy takes the confusion out of navigating GCSEs, A-levels, 11+, and university applications by creating a personalized roadmap explicitly tailored to your child's goals and learning style. We provide the structured accountability framework that busy parents need, ensuring your child stays on track to reach their full academic potential and secure their place at a top university. Don't let your child struggle through critical academic years without expert guidance and a clear path to success. Book your free consultation today to get your free university readiness audit and action plan.