Hundreds of thousands of teenagers will receive their GCSE results on Thursday, August 20, after sitting their exams earlier this summer. While many will be celebrating the grades they need to move on to sixth form, college or an apprenticeship, others may be considering retaking one or more subjects.
Students who narrowly miss entry requirements may find some sixth forms, colleges and apprenticeship providers are flexible, while many colleges allow GCSEs to be retaken alongside A-levels or T-levels. Those aged under 18 who do not achieve at least a grade 4 in English or maths will need to continue studying the subjects. However, being required to continue studying English or maths does not necessarily mean a pupil has to resit the GCSE exam itself.
When can you resit GCSE exams?
Students wanting to retake English or maths have an earlier opportunity than those resitting many other GCSE subjects. Both AQA and Pearson Edexcel hold English and maths GCSE resit examinations in November, as well as during the usual annual exam period in May or June.
Students aged 16 to 19 who are on a study programme and do not hold a grade 4 or higher in either English or maths must continue studying the subject at GCSE level. However, they are not required to actually resit the GCSE examination as part of that requirement. Some schools and colleges may instead offer a Functional Skills qualification in English or maths. This is a Level 2 qualification focused on learning how English or maths can be applied in real-life situations.
How much does it cost to resit a GCSE?
The amount students pay to retake a GCSE can depend on their previous grade and where they sit the examination. Many schools, colleges and sixth forms allow students who received below a grade 4 to resit the exam free of charge in the year following their first attempt. However, students who have already achieved a grade 4 or higher but want to improve their result will often face a fee.
Where education centres do charge for a resit, the cost is usually between £75 and £150 for each exam. Private candidates can face considerably higher costs when booking through third-party agencies or private exam centres. According to the Mirror, these candidates could be charged between £150 and £500.
How and where can you resit GCSE exams?
For pupils who have recently left school, one of the main options for arranging a GCSE resit is to contact the school they previously attended. Those moving on to sixth form can also approach the sixth-form centre they are due to attend. Further Education colleges offer some GCSE subjects, with English and maths particularly likely to be available. This means students may be able to work towards their next qualification while also retaking a GCSE they need to improve.
People who are no longer in education also have the option of taking an examination as a private candidate. Private exam centres accept external candidates, allowing people who are not enrolled at a school or college to sit GCSE examinations.
