Bad A-level Grades? What to Do Next (Without Panicking)

Published 26th August 2025

Introduction

Results day can feel overwhelming, especially if the envelope doesn’t hold what you expected. Many students worry that poor A-level grades mean doors have closed for good. The truth is, are more options than you might think. It truly is not the end of the world!

In this guide, we’ll suggest practical steps to take after disappointing results – from retakes to remarks to exploring university clearing – so you can move forward without panic.

First Things First: Take a Breath

It’s natural to feel shock or frustration if things have not gone to plan. However, exam results don’t define your intelligence or future success. Many students with lower results than expected still go on to thrive at university or in careers they love.

Give yourself space to process the news before making any major decisions. Once the initial emotions have settled, you’ll be in a better headspace to look at your next steps. Talking openly with family or a trusted teacher can also help clear your head.

Your Options

If your A-level grades were not what you were expecting or hoping for, and you still wish to pursue higher education, there are three main roads ahead:

• Exam remarks
• Exam retakes
• Clearing

Which option is best for you will depend on your specific circumstances.

Should You Get Your Papers Remarked?

Asking for a review of the results is generally recommended in two instances:

• If your results are close to the grade boundaries
• If you believe there is a very real chance a mistake was made during grading

Exam boards allow you to request a review of marking, and sometimes marks do change.

Speak to your school or college first, as teachers can advise whether a remark is realistic. There is usually a fee, which is generally refunded if your grade does change. For some, this step alone can make the difference between securing a university place and missing out.

It’s also worth noting that remarks can lower a grade as well as raise it, so make the decision carefully. It is rare, but it can happen.

The Option of Retaking Exams

Retakes are a standard route for students who want to improve their A-level grades. Most retakes take place the following summer, though some subjects offer January sittings. This gives time to reflect on what went wrong and prepare.

With the proper guidance, many students achieve marked improvements the second time around. This is where tutoring can help. If you’re preparing for resits, a tutor can provide structure, targeted support, and encouragement.

You can explore options on our Find a Tutor page.

Exploring The Clearing Process

For students hoping to start university immediately, clearing can be an important pathway. Clearing matches students with available places on courses that still have spaces after results are released.

It may feel daunting, but universities are often keen to fill places and may offer flexibility. Clearing gives you the opportunity to explore new courses and institutions. The UCAS Clearing Guide is an excellent place to start.

Many students enter clearing with uncertainty but end up finding a course that’s a perfect fit. Sometimes, students discover an unexpected course that leads them to a career they’d never considered before – and that is perfect for them!

Alternative Routes Beyond University

Not every student chooses to go to university straight away, and that’s perfectly valid. Apprenticeships, gap years, or vocational training can all provide valuable skills and experiences.

Some students use a year to gain work experience, build confidence, and retake exams alongside part-time work. Others discover that apprenticeships offer a more practical way into their chosen career. The important thing is recognising that lower A-level grades don’t mean the end of future ambitions.

Gap years can be a lot more than just a year off. They give students time to reflect on what they want and develop independence. You may learn new skills, a new language, and find a calling in life you did not even know you had!

Talking to Universities Directly

If you’ve just missed out on the required A-level grades, don’t assume the offer is gone forever. Contacting universities directly can sometimes open doors.

Admissions tutors may take into account more than just grades. This may include:

1. Personal statements
2. Interviews
3. Extenuating circumstances

While there is no guarantee, a call to explain your situation is always worth it. Plus, some universities even offer foundation year entry for students who narrowly miss requirements!

Staying Positive While Making a Plan

It’s easy to focus only on the setback, but keeping perspective matters. Take it as a different kind of test. Employers and universities value resilience, problem-solving, and determination just as much as exam results.

Breaking your options into steps makes the situation feel less overwhelming:

• Step 1: Decide whether a remark is worth pursuing.
• Step 2: Explore retake opportunities if you want to improve results.
• Step 3: Look at clearing and alternative pathways.

Once you have a plan, even if it’s only temporary, the future feels more manageable.

How Parents Can Support Their Teen

For parents, it can be difficult to know what to say when your teen receives lower A-level grades. The most important thing is reassurance. Let them know that their future isn’t defined by one set of exams.

Practical help matters too:

• Research options together
• Make calls to universities
• Weigh up retakes carefully
• Remember, teachers and career advisers can also provide helpful guidance

When Tutoring Can Help

If you decide to retake exams, going over the subjects again may feel like hitting their head on the same wall, to no avail. Extra support makes the difference between repeating mistakes and making real progress. A tutor can:

1. Focus on problem areas
2. Explain tricky concepts
3. Build exam technique

With expert help, disappointment can turn into determination. The reassurance that they’re not tackling it alone can be just as valuable as subject knowledge.

Next Steps

Disappointing A-level grades can feel like the end of the world, but they’re really just a fork in the road. There are always routes forward.

What matters most is staying calm, exploring options, and making choices based on the future. With the right support, this setback can become a stepping stone to new opportunities.