GCSEs are arguably one of the most important sets of examinations for teenagers, setting them up for college or sixth form and their A-Levels. This can lead on to university and eventually their jobs afterwards. The weight that the exams carry is therefore huge, so GCSEs are definitely a make-or-break point in a student’s life. However, not all students pass or get their expected grade and from there, the options can seem limited. This is why some students choose to resit their exams.
If you are in this position and want to know how you can resit GCSEs after leaving school, read through this article to find out about your next options.
Can You Resit GCSEs After You Have Left School?
Contrary to the beliefs of many people, you can actually resit your GCSEs at any age and as many times as you want. No matter your age or previous education, you are always permitted to resit GCSE exams. You can also send your papers off for a remark if you are close to a grade boundary. It’s possible it could come back as the grade you desire.
Maths and English are compulsory subjects, so must be taken again if failed the first time. You must either reach a grade 4 or turn 18. Check out this article to find out more about compulsory GCSEs.
With the weight GCSEs could hold in terms of career and job applications, it is definitely recommended to have at least a few of the qualifications. After completing the resits, you have a greater chance of securing your place in a role.
There are many different options for you to explore, with everything from learning at home to going back to college. This article describes the ages at which you can take GCSEs and how to do this. We’ll explore three of the most popular methods for adult education below.
How Can You Take GCSES as a School Leaver?
The most popular way to take GCSEs as an adult is through resits. In this section, we will explore how to resit GCSEs and what your options are. You should note that a lot of the options noted below carry fees, which you may wish to factor into the decision.
1. Can You Take Online GCSEs as an Adult?
You can resit your GCSEs by learning through online courses and self-booking external exams. This is very simple to do, making it a great option. Online GCSEs allow you to be flexible with your course, so you are not tied to a schedule. If you want to work from home with a busy social life, this is made easier by this option.
It also allows you to study at your own pace, spending longer on harder topics and working quickly through easier ones. Most courses giving you a 1-to-1 online tutor to boost the personalised element of learning.
However, the actual exam must be taken in person at a registered exam centre. This is crucial to note as although you can learn the curriculum online, you must have access to an in-person test centre as well. You should consider a few factors before choosing a provider:
- Make sure the course is accredited by a recognised exam board – This is really important, as you don’t want to learn an entire GCSE course, only to find out you’ve been following the wrong curriculum.
- Look out for a tutor – 1-on-1 tutors are generally much better than online classrooms. They are almost always on hand to help when you get stuck which makes all the difference as a remote student.
- Take note of extra support – Some courses provide unlimited access to a tutor or online classroom whenever you need.
- Make sure the exam fits into your timetable – You need to have enough spare time to get the right amount of work in. Make sure you’re prepared to make this commitment.
There’s a very wide range of websites offering adult GCSE courses online, the Open Study College being one of them. Click here to visit their website.
2. Can You Go to Sixth-Form College as an Adult?
There are colleges who accept both sixth formers and adults, where you can learn and retake your exams. Attending a college is the traditional way to learn, where you attend a set timetable of classes throughout the week. The only problem is these may not always suit your schedule.
You can only go into college during term times and get support during these hours. Outside of that, the work is up to you. However, if you like structured learning and following a timetable, this is the perfect option for you. This is ideal to separate yourself from the home life. Adult courses at college come with monthly fees, but it can definitely be worth paying in terms of setting up your future.
3. Can You Learn GCSEs Privately and Take Resits as an Adult?
If you do not like the classroom environment, or sitting in large exam hall, you can receive private tuition. There are many tutoring services that specialise in adult education and resits, some of which have flexible hours as well.
This is the perfect option if you aim to keep your learning private and personalised. Unfortunately, with this method of education, you will have to get in contact with a local exam centre to book a private exam yourself. Your tutor may be able to help you with this process.
Private Learning is often before for people who aim to avoid socialising, and more importantly, are uncomfortable being involved in a distracting classroom. For more details on how to complete resits privately, click here.
Where Can You Go After Retaking GCSEs?
Another lesser-known fact is that you can retake your A-Levels at any age as well. This is perfect preparation for further education and if you never went to university, this is the perfect opportunity. This article provides more information about the age at which you can attend university.
On the other hand, if you’re getting tired of being in education, the other option is to get a job. With your new GCSE grades, you have a broader range of options career-wise. No matter what you choose to do, there are always plenty of options available.
Should You Retake Your GCSEs as an Adult?
Many jobs and industries require applicants to have a minimum number of GCSEs with the threshold pass grade, especially in English and Maths. So, to advance to the next steps in your career, resits are generally a necessity.
Returning to learning and education as an adult may seem scary and challenging. You may find it harder to recall answers or simply get used to the environment in general. However, this is not something to worry about. You will have more life experience than the other students, and if nothing else, the joy of learning should keep you interested.
By taking GCSEs, you’re not only increasing your job prospects, but also opening the door to lots of options surrounding further education and university.
What Can You Do at the Time if You Fail Your GCSEs?
If you are still in school and have recently failed your GCSEs, it may seem like the end of the world. However, most schools and colleges would allow you to resit your GCSEs if you failed the first time around. As a student who has recently failed, there are several things you can do:
- Speak to your teacher – This is always the first step you should take. They will be able to give you a list of your options and recommend your next steps. Your teacher is the best place to go first before making any decisions.
- Ask for your exams to be remarked – What many people don’t know is that it’s possible to ask for your GCSE exams to be remarked. It’s important to remember your grade could go up or down. There is also a fee involved, which is only refunded if your grade goes up. This idea could be risky, but if you genuinely believe there’s an error, remarks are a genuine option.
- Make an appeal – If you’ve received a remark and still think there is an error, you can submit an appeal. To see your appeals options, click here and view the AQA appeals page (appeals information may vary between exam boards).
So, whether you have failed your GCSEs recently, or if you are an adult many years after first sitting your GCSEs, there are options available for you to resit your GCSEs.