Resitting GCSE English
Results day has just passed, and if your GCSE English grade wasn’t what you needed, it’s worth knowing there’s a clear way forward. At QTS Literacy Tutor, we know how important a strong grasp of English can be, and plenty of adult learners have been exactly where you are now before going on to sit an English GCSE exam resit and getting the grade they needed. If you’re not sure whether you need to resit GCSE English, or have questions on how to book it, our friendly team can guide you through your options.
Should I resit if my grade wasn’t right?
It’s generally worth it. Your best-ever grade always stays on your record no matter how a resit goes, so there’s no downside to trying again if you didn’t get what you needed. Deciding to take GCSE English again simply gives you another shot at hitting your target grade.
How do I register for a resit?
You’ll register as a private, external candidate through an approved exam centre rather than through a school. The next available series after summer results is in November, and spaces tend to fill up quickly, so it’s worth booking in early if you’ve decided to have another attempt at GCSE English.
What’s the best way to prepare?
A course for English GCSE resiit with video lessons, topic-by-topic practice questions and full timed mock papers is worth looking at, since it means your revision time goes towards the areas where marks were actually lost last time, rather than covering everything again from scratch.
When can I sit my resit, and what’s actually assessed?
The AQA timetable for resits gives you the exact paper dates once you’ve registered, so you can plan your revision around a firm deadline. The guidance on resitting GCSE English published by the government also sets out exactly what every exam board’s syllabus covers.
Are there alternatives to a GCSE resit?
If GCSE English has proven difficult across more than one attempt, it’s worth exploring alternatives. Functional Skills Level 2 is widely accepted by colleges, employers and apprenticeship providers as equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 pass, and unlike a GCSE it can be completed entirely online, with results often available within around ten working days. It’s always worth checking your specific college or employer accepts it before enrolling, but most do. Take a look at a Functional Skills Level 2 online exam to see how it compares to a traditional resit. If you’re not sure whether a GCSE resit or Functional Skills Level 2 is the right fit for you, our friendly team can talk you through your options.
Will resitting affect my applications?
Generally, no. Colleges, employers and course providers are almost always more interested in whether you meet the grade they need than in how many attempts it took or how long ago you originally sat the exam.
QTS Literacy Tutor Team
We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.
