What to Do If You Failed Your A Levels | A Level Results 2026

A Level results day 2026 is just around the corner, with grades set to be released on Thursday, 13th August.

After all the effort you've put in, it can feel incredibly disheartening if the results you receive aren’t quite what you’d hoped for.

Whether you didn't get the grades you needed for university or you’ve failed one or more subjects, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed.

But here’s the good news: there are still plenty of ways forward and, with the right plan, you can easily get back on track.

So, instead of getting stuck on what didn’t go to plan, here’s what you can do next! 

1. Check UCAS Track for Updates on Your A Level Results

Before anything else, the first thing you should do after receiving your A Level results is to check UCAS Track. Even if you didn’t quite meet the conditions of your offer, you might've still been accepted – especially if you were only a few marks off the required grades. Some universities may also offer you a place on a similar course if they feel it’s a better fit based on your results.

However, if your UCAS Track status shows that your application has been unsuccessful due to your A Level grades, it’s important to accept this decision and start looking at your next steps.

It's a good idea, for instance, to focus your time and energy on finding a place through Clearing, where universities are actively looking for students to fill available courses (but more on that later!).

If UCAS Track hasn’t updated your application status, don’t panic! There’s still a chance your chosen university is finalising their decisions. In this case, it’s worth giving the admissions office a quick call to check on your application progress (but remember, each university has its own process, so response times can vary).

2. Consider Appealing Your A Level Grades

If you believe there’s been a mistake or that you’ve been graded unfairly, you have the right to appeal your A Level results. To begin the process, you’ll need to ask your school or college to submit a formal grade review request to the exam board on your behalf.

If you’re a private candidate, you can either contact the exam board directly or reach out to the school or college that handled your exam entry to support your appeal.

Before deciding to appeal, it’s a good idea to check the latest guidance to make sure you're following the correct steps. You can find up-to-date information on:

• The UK government website
• Pearson Edexcel
• AQA updates
• Ofqual Student Guide

Appealing your A Level grades can take time and doesn’t always result in a higher mark, but if you truly feel your result doesn’t reflect your performance, it can be a worthwhile option to explore.

3. Find a University Place Through Clearing

If your A Level results didn’t go as planned, UCAS Clearing is one of the best ways to secure a place at university in 2026. Clearing helps you apply for university courses that still have spaces available after the main application cycle.

While you may need to consider studying a different course or attending a university you hadn’t originally planned for, Clearing is a great opportunity if you’re committed to starting university this year. 

To get started, use the UCAS Clearing search tool to have a look at available courses. Once you figure out the options you're interested in, contact the universities directly to discuss the course and check if they’re willing to make you an offer.

If a university gives you an informal offer over the phone, make sure to ask how long they can hold the place for you. This is usually around 48 hours, but always double-check to avoid missing out! 

A few Clearing tips:

1. Get as many verbal offers as you like before deciding
2. Keep track of any offer expiry dates
3. Once you’ve made your choice, enter the course details in the "Add Clearing choice" section of UCAS Track using the codes the university provides
   
   

Remember, you can only add one Clearing choice at a time, but if the university doesn’t confirm your place, you’re free to add another option.

If your Clearing choice is confirmed, congratulations! You’ve secured your place at university.

By staying proactive and flexible, UCAS Clearing can help turn disappointing A Level results into an exciting new opportunity.

4. Retake Your A Levels

If you didn’t get the grades you were hoping for in your A Levels, you might decide to resit your exams and aim for a better result. A Level resits can give you a second chance to boost your grades and apply for your dream university course next year.

There are a couple of ways you can retake your A Levels:

a) Retake at school, sixth form, or college

If you want to repeat your A Level course in the same setting, you can check if your current school offers resits. If not, they should be able to recommend local sixth forms or colleges where you can enrol for the year.

b) Retake your A Levels online

Want more flexibility while you work, volunteer, or gain experience? An online A Level course could be the ideal option. With online learning, you can:

• Study at your own pace, on your own terms 
• Get support from a personal tutor whenever you need help

Just remember, even if you study online, you’ll still need to book and sit your A Level exams at an approved exam centre. It’s best to arrange your exam booking at least 6 months in advance to secure your spot.

Whether you choose classroom learning or online study, resitting your A Levels can open up doors to new opportunities and help you reach your goals.

5. Take a Gap Year 

If you’ve failed your A Levels or didn’t quite get the grades you needed, taking a gap year can be a smart move. A gap year gives you time to reflect, recharge, and decide on your next steps without rushing into something you’re unsure about.

Here’s why a gap year after A Levels might be right for you:

1. You can take some time to decide whether to retake your A Levels, reapply through UCAS, or explore a different path.
2. You can gain valuable work experience through a role or internship that aligns with your interests, which can significantly strengthen your university application.
3. You can volunteer in your local community or abroad to build new skills and expand your interests.
4. It could give you the chance to travel overseas and experience new cultures. If you complete a TEFL course, you might even earn money teaching English (just be sure to check local visa and qualification requirements).

A gap year doesn’t have to mean putting your future on hold. With the right planning, it can strengthen your application, give you real-world experience, and help you feel more confident about whatever comes next! 

6. Study for a Professional or Vocational Qualification 

If you’re considering alternatives to university, studying a professional or vocational qualification could be a great option! 

A professional qualification is designed to develop specific skills and knowledge for a particular career or industry, often awarded by a recognised professional body. For example, in HR, many employers prioritise candidates with a CIPD qualification over a traditional HR degree.

Alternatively, an AAT qualification can fast-track you to becoming a Chartered Accountant and even allow you to skip the first year of some university courses, depending on your plan.

A vocational qualification, on the other hand, focuses on practical, hands-on skills for a specific trade or job, such as plumbing, childcare, or construction. Qualifications like a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) can lead directly into work or allow you to progress to the second or third year of a degree.

Unlike some degrees with flexible career outcomes, these qualifications are designed to prepare you for specific roles, offering both the knowledge and practical skills that employers are looking for.

If you're unsure how a professional qualification compares to traditional academic routes, check out the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) to explore your options.

7. Become an Apprentice 

Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn, combining on-the-job experience with a recognised qualification. You'll gain valuable skills, industry knowledge (and get paid!), all while launching a new career in your chosen field. 

Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers starting out in junior roles either. 

Today, there are apprenticeships for all levels, including advanced positions like team leaders, department managers, and even Directors and CEOs.

Whether you want to work in business, finance, healthcare, or technology, there are apprenticeship opportunities available across a wide range of industries, making them a fantastic route into your dream career without the need for a university degree.

So, what's next? 

Failing your A Levels or not getting the grades you expected can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that this is just one part of your journey – not the end of it.

There are so many alternative paths to success, whether that’s through Clearing, resitting your A Levels, taking a gap year, starting a professional qualification, or beginning an apprenticeship.

Whatever your next step looks like, there’s a route that can work for you – and with the right mindset and support, you can still build the future you’ve been dreaming of.

Interested in retaking your A Levels online with us? Contact our course advisors today!