Question about Retaking GCSEs and University Applications

Hi All,

I have a question regarding my academic plans. I’m hoping to take my A-levels in May/June 2025, but I also want to retake two of my GCSEs. Initially, I planned to retake them this November, but now I’m considering doing them next year alongside my A-levels.

My concern is how this might affect my university application to study law, as I would have pending GCSE grades. How should I inform the university that I’m retaking my GCSEs while also completing my A-levels?

Thank you.

Reply 1

maryvisha24

Original post by Anonymous2882

Hi All,
I have a question regarding my academic plans. I’m hoping to take my A-levels in May/June 2025, but I also want to retake two of my GCSEs. Initially, I planned to retake them this November, but now I’m considering doing them next year alongside my A-levels.
My concern is how this might affect my university application to study law, as I would have pending GCSE grades. How should I inform the university that I’m retaking my GCSEs while also completing my A-levels?
Thank you.

Im not sure if you have to specifically notify them since you add all of your certificates at the same time, I uploaded both A-levels and GCSEs in the same PDF. If youre worried however you could call your university choices to get some advice. Good luck with your exam!

Reply 2

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Anonymous2882

Hi All,
I have a question regarding my academic plans. I’m hoping to take my A-levels in May/June 2025, but I also want to retake two of my GCSEs. Initially, I planned to retake them this November, but now I’m considering doing them next year alongside my A-levels.
My concern is how this might affect my university application to study law, as I would have pending GCSE grades. How should I inform the university that I’m retaking my GCSEs while also completing my A-levels?
Thank you.

You don’t need to notify them, you just list them twice in your education history.

Once with your achieved grades. Then again as pending with a future date.

The majority of unis don’t care about GCSE retakes so it won’t affect your chances.

Reply 3

Anonymous2882

Original post by Admit-One

You don’t need to notify them, you just list them twice in your education history.
Once with your achieved grades. Then again as pending with a future date.
The majority of unis don’t care about GCSE retakes so it won’t affect your chances.

Yes, but the problem is I didn’t pass one of my GCSEs, and I’m worried I won’t get an offer. I’d like to show that I am retaking it. I’m aiming to study law at UCL, Durham, Manchester, or KCL, which are tough to get into.

Reply 4

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Anonymous2882

They’ll know that you are taking from the info on your application. As above, the vast majority of unis don’t care about GCSE retakes at all.

Reply 5

Anonymous2882

Original post by Admit-One

They’ll know that you are taking from the info on your application. As above, the vast majority of unis don’t care about GCSE retakes at all.

I hope you're right because I'm applying to some top universities, and I don't want to take any chances. Thanks for reassuring me. Do you mind telling me where you got your information from? I'd like to check it out. Thanks!

Reply 6

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Anonymous2882

I work in admissions at a RG uni. We don’t disadvantage GCSE retake candidates for any courses.

You can reach out to the undergrad admissions team at any of your potential choices to confirm their stance. Make sure you’re clear that you’re referring to GCSE retakes when you speak to them., (as AL retakes are a different kettle of fish).

Reply 7

Anonymous2882

Original post by Admit-One

I work in admissions at a RG uni. We don’t disadvantage GCSE retake candidates for any courses.
You can reach out to the undergrad admissions team at any of your potential choices to confirm their stance. Make sure you’re clear that you’re referring to GCSE retakes when you speak to them., (as AL retakes are a different kettle of fish).

Thanks you! - I appreciate it :smile:

Reply 8

PS Reviewer

Are the retakes for English or maths to meet a minimum requirement for the course?

If so I would STRONGLY recommend resitting in November instead of the summer. You'd still need to list them in your education section the same but you wouldn't be waiting for a week later than A level results to find out if you've met an offer conditional on your GCSE results and if you didn't get the grades needed in November then you would have the option to resit again in the summer sitting.