How to retake GCSE exams including costs and what dates resits take place

Pupils need at least a grade 4 in certain subjects before they pursue higher education

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Across the country, students will be receiving their GCSE results on Thursday for the exams they sat in the summer. A grade 4 is the minimum required to progress in certain subjects, meaning some will face having to retake exams – or the subject entirely.

Schools will soon release grades for pupils for their GCSE exams. Those under the age of 18 must achieve at least a grade 4 to progress, and will either need to continue studying subjects or will have the chance to resit the exam by the end of the year or the following summer.

Some colleges, sixth forms or apprenticeships have some flexibility over entry grades, especially if they were only narrowly missed. Many will allow their students to retake GCSEs alongside studying A level or T levels.

When are Maths and English GCSE resits?

Both AQA and Pearson Edexcel for Maths and English GCSE resit exams take place in November. This is in addition to the standard annual exam dates which take place either May or June.

Some pupils, such as students on a 16 to 19 study programme and who have not achieved a grade 4 or above in English or Maths will have to continue to study the GCSE and will not be required to resit the exam.

Alternatively, some colleges and sixth forms offer a functional skills qualification instead of the GCSE. This is a level 2 qualification based on learning how to apply English or Maths in real life.

How much does it cost to resit GCSE exams?

Most education centres allow students to resit their exams for free in the following year after their first attempt if their grade was below a 4.

For those who achieved a grade 4 or above but want to resit for a higher grade, there is often a fee.

Schools can charge between £75 to £150 per exam. Private candidates can be charged between £150 to £500 by third party agencies and exam centres.

Where do resits take place?

For most going on to Sixth Form, the best option to resit their exam would be in their former school or in the college they are planning to attend. Further education colleges will offer some GCSE subjects, like English and Maths. Some private exam centres may also accept resits for external candidates.