The thought of failing your GCSEs is scary. It's not just the grades you're worried about, but what it would mean for your future and how people will perceive you if they find out. However, failing your GCSEs is not the end of the world (but we get that it can feel like it).
The first thing you should know is that it's not the end of your education path, and there are plenty of options available to you. You can still go on to further education or apprenticeships. You can also find work in specific fields with no GCSE requirements.
But the preferred thing to do is retake your GCSE. And the best part? You can do it in your own time and in your own space by choosing to study online with Oxbridge.
So what happens if you fail your GCSE as an adult?
Retaking your adult GCSE courses can be a little daunting. After all, you’re out of the studying groove, and your number one priority is putting food on the table. It’s a reality that over a third of individuals fail their GCSE. While this might leave you feeling like you’re far from your dream job, you’re not as far as you may feel.
You always have the chance to retake your adult GCSE courses. With industries becoming more competitive and the likelihood of bouncing between industries becoming more common, furthering your studies or retaking GCSEs has become the norm. Therefore, there are plenty of options for retaking their GCSE courses.
There is no penalty for failing your GCSEs, but you won’t be able to complete your A-levels without it. There’s also the fact that specific jobs require GCSEs, which would mean that failing your GCSEs will set you back.
How many times can you retake your GCSEs?
There is no limit to the number of times you can retake your GCSEs, nor is there an age limit for taking your GCSEs.
However, it is a requirement to receive a minimum grade of 4 on the compulsory subjects: maths and English. You are required to retake your GCSEs as many times as needed to pass. This is usually the process of taking GCSEs in school.
Adults may consider resitting their GCSE courses to obtain a higher grade to improve their chances of employment. Retaking your GCSEs will also provide you with the opportunity to complete your adult a-level courses.
While it is not necessary to obtain a grade higher than 4 for core GCSE subjects, it can open up more employment opportunities.
What happens if you do worse on your retakes?
If you are resitting your GCSEs to qualify for A-Levels or to gain university entrance, you will need to obtain a minimum grade of 4; ideally, grades should be above 5. Therefore, if you do worse than a grade 4, you will need to retake your exams until you receive a grade 4 or higher.
Studies have shown that 60% of people who retake their GCSEs don’t improve their grades, and 10% of retakers will receive lower grades.
Don’t let this figure alarm you because there are many ways you can improve your GCSE results. Past students have recommended:
- Make mind maps to group your ideas and create a logically thought-pattern
- Take regular breaks to avoid stress and fatigue
- Create a revision timetable
- Take advantage of Oxbridge tutor support
- Consider taking different GCSE courses
On average, Oxbridge students gain 20% higher grades when retaking their GCSEs with us and pass 30% quicker than they would at an in-person college.
Oxbridge has a 97% pass rate. Of the 97%, 80% of our students achieve grades 7, which is the equivalent of A-A+, and 38% achieved grade 9, which is the equivalent to A+. We’re also proud that 98% of our students achieve a grade for and above, equivalent to a C.
What happens if you fail your GCSEs twice?
You can fail your GCSEs every time, but each time you fail, you will still have the option for a rewrite. But this is a challenge for individuals given the logistics, time constraints, money aspect and emotional toll.
Each exam cost varies depending on the subject and who you book with. Booking exams can feel like a huge task for most adults with responsibilities of child care, rent, food, health insurance and the list goes on and on. Whether you take your courses online or in person, you will be required to pay a fee for each year you redo the course.
This is why it’s essential to take the time between rewriting, as it increases your chance of passing.
Can I retake all my GCSEs?
You can retake all your GCSEs, but it is essential to remember that non-core subjects like GCSE Psychology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Sociology don’t require you to rewrite until you receive a grade above 4. If you find yourself failing a number of your GCSEs, it would be ideal to focus on the core subjects first to get better grades and reduce your feelings of stress and burnout.
Retaking non-core subjects will better your chances of further education and employment. So once you’re satisfied with your core subjects, you can then take the time to add in additional subjects.
You should only focus on retaking GCSEs that align with your future goals and career requirements. To ensure you’re making the right choice, feel free to contact us or your future or current employer so that you are well-versed with the requirements.
How Oxbridge can help you retake your GCSEs
Oxbridge's award-winning platform is designed by experts who are passionate about their teaching, with each subject focusing on how best students can achieve the grades and qualifications they deserve.
With our online GCSE courses, you have the freedom to study and complete assignments in your own time. Plus, our online tutors are always around to help you navigate through your studies and provide a shoulder to lean on.
Deciding on the right course can be daunting, so our learning advisers are here for you. With their help and expertise in finding a program perfect just as it should fit your needs!