You can retake your GCSEs as many times as you like and at any age, whether you're an adult returning to education or a student still at school. If you find yourself in this position, it's often the best route forward, whether you are moving into further education, an apprenticeship, or a job.
Some GCSE resits are compulsory. For example, if you are under 18 years old and didn't achieve a grade 4 in GCSE Maths and English, you'll need to retake these subjects. The way to resit a GCSE varies if you're still at school or if you are an adult learner, who normally has to enter as a private candidate.
This guide to GCSE resits will examine who can apply, when the exam windows are open, how to book for the exam, and the cost of booking. Preparing for your GCSE exams is crucial to achieving your desired results on the second attempt. We have given subject-specific tips to help you hit your expected GCSE results.
If you need help resitting GCSEs, TeachTutti has experienced, DBS-checked tutors who can support your preparation. Follow the link to learn how tuition works with TeachTutti.
Who can do a GCSE retake?
If you want to retake a GCSE, there is no upper age limit and no cap on the number of attempts. There are a variety of reasons for resits: it could be to reach a grade 4, to meet the entry requirements for a sixth-form course, or to be approved for an apprenticeship.
You may need to resit as one of the following:
- School or college student - Talk with your exams officer about entry and support.
- Adult - Sign up for adult GCSE courses or study independently if you prefer. You will need to enter as a private candidate.
- Home-educated - Book as a private candidate through an approved exam centre.
Key points:
- English and Maths - If you’re under 18 and your mark is below grade 4 in either subject, you are required to retake the subjects until you pass or turn 18.
- Exam windows - English and Maths resits normally take place in November and in the summer. The other subjects are usually confined to the summer exam period.
- Entry route - If you are at school or college, you can enter through your educational institution. You need to contact the exam centre directly if you are a private candidate, such as when home-schooled or an adult.
Do you have to retakes GCSEs?
Resit GCSE Maths and English
Retaking Maths and English is compulsory if you're under 18 years old and didn't get a grade 4 or above in either subject. In this situation, you'll need to continue these subjects alongside your sixth-form education, apprenticeship or job.
It's possible to do a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification instead of a core subject resit. This is a more accessible exam that focuses on real-world scenarios and can be taken online with flexible exam dates. They are alternatives to GCSEs and are considered equivalent by most universities, employers and companies that offer apprenticeships. Talk with your school/college for more details.
These are the main points:
- English Language resit - You need at least a grade 4 in your English Language GCSE. This does not apply to English Literature.
- Infinite resits - There is no limit to how many times you can retake the exam to pass GCSE English or any other subject.
- Lower grade on resit - In the rare event that your grade is lower when you retake an exam, the provider will normally consider the better mark. Always check the policy of your target educational institution, apprenticeship, or employer.
- Where do you resit GCSEs? You can study online or in person, such as online GCSE courses. The exams themself will be in person at an approved centre.
Your next step should be to talk with your school or college about the next exam window. If you're home-schooling or retaking GCSEs as an adult, register early as a private candidate and check exam deadlines.
When are GCSE resits?
You can take GCSE exams yearly in the summer, between May - June. The exception is if you need to retake GCSE English and Maths - there is an additional exam window in November for these subjects, giving you an earlier resit in the autumn.
Key points about deadlines:
- Entrance - The deadline to enter your exam resist will be well before the exam window. It is normally early autumn for November entries and late window/early spring for summer entries.
- Late fees - If you miss the normal deadline for entrance, the exam centre may charge late fees.
- Private candidates - Be proactive and contact the centre in advance to secure your place. This is partly because registration will be more complex, including ID checks and coursework evidence.
When you have booked the exam window, work back to prepare effectively and maximise your GCSE grade. This includes planning revision, mock tests, and any tutoring support.
How to book a GCSE resit (private candidate, school or college)
If you need to resit a GCSE, there is a process to book your exam. This varies depending on whether you resit your GCSE as a private candidate, such as if you are home-schooling or an adult learner, or through your school or college.
As a general rule, booking through a school or college is the easiest way to retake your exams.
Retake GCSE course with a school/college
- Talk with your exams officer. Ask when the next window will be. This is the summer for most subjects, and November if you want to resit Maths or English specifically.
- Your educational institution will arrange for you to resit the exam. Check the entry deadlines, entrance and admin fees. Be sure to specify any special access arrangements if needed.
- Keep proof of entry and the timetable they issue.
A private candidate
- Find your local exam centre. Make sure they are contact-approved and ask if they accept private candidates.
- Ask the centre for written confirmation of the fees, deadline dates, and any required ID. You may be expected to submit forms and payment months in advance.
- Always book early. Some centres operate late entry surcharges.
- If your exam includes practical or spoken components, specify these with your exam centre when you first get in touch to secure a seat.
When you have registered for your GCSE subject, prepare a study plan. Start with the grade you are targeting. Lean on the results from your unsuccessful paper - look for topics you struggled with. Schedule in time for weekly practice, including a timed question. Plan at least one mock test before the exam, with time to react to your results.
If you want help with revision, Teachtutti has qualified tutors in your subject, like English Literature GCSE tutors. Every tutor is DBS checked, and you can learn virtually or in person.
The cost to retake a GCSE course
The cost if you want to resit an exam depends for many students, on where you enter, whether it is a school/college or at a private centre, the exam board, and when you enter during the year. We have given a clear breakdown of pricing below to help you build an approximate budget.
The price ranges below are typically for retaking a subject at a UK private centre in 2025. Always confirm with the centre before you pay.
Resit GCSEs as a private candidate (per subject)
- Exam board entry fee | normally £40 - £90.
- Exam centre/admin fee | This covers processing, invigilation, and secure storage. It is normally £60 - £150.
- Total price | A private candidate will pay £120 - £130 per GCSE if the entrance is before the standard deadline.
- Language speaking tests | An additional £20 - £60 may be added by the exam centre to schedule and assess the oral component.
- Late entry surcharge | An additional £20 - £80 is charged if you miss the standard deadline. This varies by the board and the delay in registration.
- Amendment fees | An additional £10 - £40 admin charge is incurred if you need to change the subject or exam board after entrance.
- Special access arrangements | This varies widely, but the centre may charge an additional £20 - £60 for processing evidence and timetabling to fit the student's specific arrangements.
The practical components of GCSE Science are assessed in the written papers. You don't need to sit a practical section for this exam and the fees will be the same as other subjects.
Retake GCSE through a school or college
- Enrolled students - your school or college will normally cover the entrance fee for GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths if it's the first retake attempt. This isn't guaranteed, so always check with your educational institution.
- Improve a pass - If the grade is already on a pass, you may need to pay for the entrance fee. This is regardless of whether you're enrolled at a school or college. For example, if you're on grade 4 and want to aim for grade 6.
- Adults - If you're learning through a funded in-person or online course, the entry fee may be waived for English and Maths GCSE resits. Check the funding terms for your course for full details.
The effect of timing on the price
- Standard deadline - If you book early and within the normal deadline, the fee will be the cheapest.
- Late deadline - An additional flat late fee will be included for the additional admin, or a higher all-in price.
- Very late/last-minute - It's possible your application will be rejected if it's too late. If it is accepted, some centres may charge significantly more.
Resitting GCSE subjects - Multiple scenarios
- Maths - standard deadline | The total fee is approximately £150 (a board fee of £55 and a centre fee of £95).
- Maths and English - standard deadline | Total fee is approximately £270 (a board fee of £55 and a centre fee of £90, with a £20 discount for multiple subjects ).
- Maths - Late entry to sit Maths in November with a speaking slot required | The total fee is £240 (a board fee of £60, a late fee of £40, and a speaking fee of £30).
Hidden costs when you resit a GCSE
- If you change exam boards, you will need to buy new materials, such as switching from AQA to Edexcel. If possible, stick to the same exam board.
- You can usually get past papers and online resources for free when preparing for your resit. However, there are plenty of paid revision guides, which normally range from £10 - £20.
- If you are close to your desired grade after retaking your exam, you may need to have your paper remarked. Post-results services can be £35 - £60. A refund is unlikely, unless your mark is positively altered.
In summary, if you book early and ask the relevant questions of your exam board, the cost per subject for most candidates will be £120 - £230. Always try to avoid late bookings, partly due to a "late fee shock" and the accompanying stress.
Improve your GCSE grade - Support from a tutor
Retaking Maths
- Core fluency - Focus on the fundamentals: numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios and algebra.
- Exam technique - Use past papers. Always show your workings clearly. Estimate first and check units carefully to avoid unnecessary mistakes.
- Daily practice - Frequent practice in short times is far more effective than a one-off cram session.
- Tuition - A tutor can help you by spotting patterns in your errors, such as non-calculator methods.
Pass GCSE English Language
- Reading questions - Look for purpose, audience and tone. Look out for inference phrases, such as "this suggests…". Try to compare viewpoints when possible.
- Writing tasks - Plan in a few bullet points. Control the paragraphs and vary the length of sentences.
- Timing - Make sure to practice sections A and B under timed conditions. Check your exam pacing is even across both sections.
- Tuition - A specialist will tighten the structure and suggest variations to your vocabulary. They can also polish SPaG without unnecessary padding.
Science (Combined or Separate)
- Memorise - Equations, definitions, and required practicals. To test your understanding, try applying them in different circumstances, both in a laboratory and a real-world setting.
- Calculations - Keep a list of all the formulas and practice unit conversions. Make sure to show each step in your workings.
- Graphs and data - Annotate axes, state trends, and link to science ideas, e.g. "as the temperature increases, the rate increases. This is because ...".
- Tuition - You can learn with a specialist tutor in science if you struggle with specific topics in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
Conclusion - Resitting a GCSE exam
You can retake your GCSEs as many times as you want. If it's a subject other than English or Maths, there is no specific requirement to do so. The best approach is to prepare early and pick your target exam window - the sooner the better to maintain momentum. It isn't inexpensive to resit an exam, so avoid late fees by booking within the standard deadline. Prepare thoroughly by reviewing past mistakes and weak topics. You can receive extra support from tutors at TeachTutti, such as GCSE Science tutors. They will tailor lessons to your specific needs, such as making revision notes.
If you want to learn more about retaking GCSE exams, read Ofqual's 2025 guide to exams and assessment. If you are interested in an alternative to retaking your GCSE, you can read LearnDirect's FAQ on functional skills.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. There's no age limit and no restriction on the number of attempts. You could be a student in full-time education looking to get the grades for your preferred A Level subject, or an adult and retaking your GCSEs could improve your prospects.
You can attempt to improve the grade in the subject you're retaking as many times as you want. There is no limit. Many students retake the exam in the next window. This is summer for most subjects, while November resits are available for Maths and English. A quick turnaround ensures that momentum isn't lost.
You need a pass in English or Maths when you are 16-18 years old. This means your mark was below grade 4. Most students will resit GCSE Maths and GCSE English if needed. However, some prefer to take Functional Skills, which is a GCSE equivalency qualification.
There are plenty of options to learn online, particularly if you are an adult. For example, you can study maths courses online with learning platform such as Udemy. The exams themselves will be taken in-person under exam conditions. If you're a private candidate, you'll need to make arrangements personally, meeting deadlines and providing ID verification when needed.
Your exam record will list all attempts. Schools/colleges/employers will normally consider the highest grade you achieved. However, this varies depending on the institution, so be sure to check.
Yes. However, it's not advisable unless absolutely required. The specifications and material are different for each exam board. Avoid changing board unless you have good reason.
You only need to retake English Language if you are below grade 4. You can still choose to retake English Literature as a GCSE in order to pursue this subject at A Level. However, it isn't a requirement in normal circumstances.
First, find your local, approved centre that accepts private candidates. Contact the centre directly and ensure it caters for your subject, exam board and specifics, such as any special access arrangements. Always remember to book in advance to avoid late fees and unnecessary stress.
You can usually retake any GCSE exam for £120 - £230 as a private candidate. This is based on applying by the standard deadline and having a normal, written exam. Late fees or extras, such as spoken assessment in a language exam, will increase the cost.
Look at your results from your original GCSE. You can also test yourself with past papers. Both options will show the gaps in your knowledge. You can also learn with a tutor to develop your exam technique in the subject you want to retake. For example, TeachTutti has experienced GCSE Maths tutors who can help you to prepare for the full GCSE curriculum.
