My Path to A-Level Success: Retaking Exams as a Private Candidate

Hi everyone,
I wanted to share my experience to help anyone who didn’t get the grades they hoped for on A-level results day and is considering a retake. This post is specifically for private candidates—those who won’t be sitting exams at their old sixth form for any reason.
On A-level results day in 2023, I received a B in AQA Chemistry when I was aiming for an A. Since I had specific universities in mind that required an A, I decided against going through clearing and chose to take a gap year to resit AQA A-level Chemistry. My old sixth form didn’t allow retakes.
Using the JCQ website, I searched for local schools and private institutions that accept external and mature students for A-level retakes. I found Campbell Harris Tutors in High Street Kensington, London. They responded promptly to my inquiries and directed me to their website to complete the registration form.
To register, you’ll need your ULN, exam specification, exam board, and subject details. I paid £350 at the end of August—note that exam prices increase the later you leave it. The £350 covered sitting the three A-level papers only. Since I had already passed the practical component of A-level Chemistry the previous year, I was able to carry that forward to this year’s exam.
For UCAS predicted grades and references, I used an online tutoring platform called Sherpa. I explained my situation to the tutors and had an introductory meeting to discuss my goals and determine if they could assist. Some tutors may ask you to complete practice papers to assess your current grade level. I worked with my tutor once a week, focusing on challenging exam questions to ensure I achieved an A this time. After about three months, my tutor had a solid idea of what grade I could be predicted. I paid £30 per hour-long lesson and had around 20 lessons before feeling confident enough to continue independently.
I submitted my UCAS application in early December for the MPharm course. Some universities may contact you directly for proof of your previous A-level grades and any additional information they require. The person providing your reference will also be contacted.
One crucial thing to keep in mind when looking for tutors is to ensure they have a professional business email. Otherwise, there’s a risk that universities may reject your reference. For example, UCL accepts references from personal emails like Gmail, Hotmail, or Outlook, while KCL required me to resend my reference from a business email, which caused unnecessary hassle and stress. So, double-check this with any tutors you find online to avoid complications.
Once my application was sorted, I had my interviews and entrance exams, and everything went smoothly.
Regarding Campbell Harris Tutors, the exam venue was excellent. It was held in a church centre away from the busy high street, which helped minimise noise. The invigilators were kind and helpful, providing necessary equipment and ensuring everyone had the correct exam papers, as we were sitting different exam boards. Due to varying paper timings, there was a staggered exit from the exam hall, which caused some distraction due to the squeaky floors, but it was manageable. The school did a great job staying organised despite having multiple subjects in the same room.
The headteacher is very approachable and communicative. He sent out the statement of entry around May, including all exam regulations and the venues for each exam date.
As a private candidate, you must bring a form of ID, such as a passport or driving license, along with your statement of entry, which includes your candidate and centre number, to each exam.
Overall, the process went smoothly, and it felt much like taking exams last year, so there’s no need to worry The only downside of retaking exams privately is the cost. I worked during my gap year to fund my tuition, and I also made time to travel. I started intense revision from March to June, which allowed me to balance my retake preparation with other activities and still enjoy myself. If you’re determined to improve your grade or have a specific university in mind, don’t let the challenges deter you. Money comes and goes, but your university experience and future are invaluable. It required a lot of discipline and mental strength, but in the end, it was all worth it. I had the flexibility to study whenever I wanted and developed a manageable routine for myself. Although there were times when it felt daunting and draining to go over chemistry repeatedly, the effort paid off in the end.
I’m now off to study Pharmacy at King’s College London, and I couldn’t be happier. Everything happens for a reason. Don’t be too hard on yourself—everything will work out in the end.
If you have any questions, feel free to message me. I apologise for the lengthy read, but I hope this has been helpful. I’m happy to share more insights if it would benefit anyone

hey thank you for sharing your story, i am in a similar situation and am just wondering how to structure my self/independent learning since i've always struggled with revision in general, any advice would help!

Hi everyone,
I wanted to share my experience to help anyone who didn’t get the grades they hoped for on A-level results day and is considering a retake. This post is specifically for private candidates—those who won’t be sitting exams at their old sixth form for any reason.
On A-level results day in 2023, I received a B in AQA Chemistry when I was aiming for an A. Since I had specific universities in mind that required an A, I decided against going through clearing and chose to take a gap year to resit AQA A-level Chemistry. My old sixth form didn’t allow retakes.
Using the JCQ website, I searched for local schools and private institutions that accept external and mature students for A-level retakes. I found Campbell Harris Tutors in High Street Kensington, London. They responded promptly to my inquiries and directed me to their website to complete the registration form.
To register, you’ll need your ULN, exam specification, exam board, and subject details. I paid £350 at the end of August—note that exam prices increase the later you leave it. The £350 covered sitting the three A-level papers only. Since I had already passed the practical component of A-level Chemistry the previous year, I was able to carry that forward to this year’s exam.
For UCAS predicted grades and references, I used an online tutoring platform called Sherpa. I explained my situation to the tutors and had an introductory meeting to discuss my goals and determine if they could assist. Some tutors may ask you to complete practice papers to assess your current grade level. I worked with my tutor once a week, focusing on challenging exam questions to ensure I achieved an A this time. After about three months, my tutor had a solid idea of what grade I could be predicted. I paid £30 per hour-long lesson and had around 20 lessons before feeling confident enough to continue independently.
I submitted my UCAS application in early December for the MPharm course. Some universities may contact you directly for proof of your previous A-level grades and any additional information they require. The person providing your reference will also be contacted.
One crucial thing to keep in mind when looking for tutors is to ensure they have a professional business email. Otherwise, there’s a risk that universities may reject your reference. For example, UCL accepts references from personal emails like Gmail, Hotmail, or Outlook, while KCL required me to resend my reference from a business email, which caused unnecessary hassle and stress. So, double-check this with any tutors you find online to avoid complications.
Once my application was sorted, I had my interviews and entrance exams, and everything went smoothly.
Regarding Campbell Harris Tutors, the exam venue was excellent. It was held in a church centre away from the busy high street, which helped minimise noise. The invigilators were kind and helpful, providing necessary equipment and ensuring everyone had the correct exam papers, as we were sitting different exam boards. Due to varying paper timings, there was a staggered exit from the exam hall, which caused some distraction due to the squeaky floors, but it was manageable. The school did a great job staying organised despite having multiple subjects in the same room.
The headteacher is very approachable and communicative. He sent out the statement of entry around May, including all exam regulations and the venues for each exam date.
As a private candidate, you must bring a form of ID, such as a passport or driving license, along with your statement of entry, which includes your candidate and centre number, to each exam.
Overall, the process went smoothly, and it felt much like taking exams last year, so there’s no need to worry The only downside of retaking exams privately is the cost. I worked during my gap year to fund my tuition, and I also made time to travel. I started intense revision from March to June, which allowed me to balance my retake preparation with other activities and still enjoy myself. If you’re determined to improve your grade or have a specific university in mind, don’t let the challenges deter you. Money comes and goes, but your university experience and future are invaluable. It required a lot of discipline and mental strength, but in the end, it was all worth it. I had the flexibility to study whenever I wanted and developed a manageable routine for myself. Although there were times when it felt daunting and draining to go over chemistry repeatedly, the effort paid off in the end.
I’m now off to study Pharmacy at King’s College London, and I couldn’t be happier. Everything happens for a reason. Don’t be too hard on yourself—everything will work out in the end.
If you have any questions, feel free to message me. I apologise for the lengthy read, but I hope this has been helpful. I’m happy to share more insights if it would benefit anyone

Hi! I totally understand how disheartening it can be to think about retaking exams, especially when starting out. Here’s some advice that helped me:
For Chemistry specifically, focus on understanding core concepts and practicing past papers. Use resources like Dalton Chemistry Tutors and Chemsheets for targeted practice and clarification.
Believe in yourself, and take it one step at a time. You’ve got this!

Hi everyone,
I wanted to share my experience to help anyone who didn’t get the grades they hoped for on A-level results day and is considering a retake. This post is specifically for private candidates—those who won’t be sitting exams at their old sixth form for any reason.
On A-level results day in 2023, I received a B in AQA Chemistry when I was aiming for an A. Since I had specific universities in mind that required an A, I decided against going through clearing and chose to take a gap year to resit AQA A-level Chemistry. My old sixth form didn’t allow retakes.
Using the JCQ website, I searched for local schools and private institutions that accept external and mature students for A-level retakes. I found Campbell Harris Tutors in High Street Kensington, London. They responded promptly to my inquiries and directed me to their website to complete the registration form.
To register, you’ll need your ULN, exam specification, exam board, and subject details. I paid £350 at the end of August—note that exam prices increase the later you leave it. The £350 covered sitting the three A-level papers only. Since I had already passed the practical component of A-level Chemistry the previous year, I was able to carry that forward to this year’s exam.
For UCAS predicted grades and references, I used an online tutoring platform called Sherpa. I explained my situation to the tutors and had an introductory meeting to discuss my goals and determine if they could assist. Some tutors may ask you to complete practice papers to assess your current grade level. I worked with my tutor once a week, focusing on challenging exam questions to ensure I achieved an A this time. After about three months, my tutor had a solid idea of what grade I could be predicted. I paid £30 per hour-long lesson and had around 20 lessons before feeling confident enough to continue independently.
I submitted my UCAS application in early December for the MPharm course. Some universities may contact you directly for proof of your previous A-level grades and any additional information they require. The person providing your reference will also be contacted.
One crucial thing to keep in mind when looking for tutors is to ensure they have a professional business email. Otherwise, there’s a risk that universities may reject your reference. For example, UCL accepts references from personal emails like Gmail, Hotmail, or Outlook, while KCL required me to resend my reference from a business email, which caused unnecessary hassle and stress. So, double-check this with any tutors you find online to avoid complications.
Once my application was sorted, I had my interviews and entrance exams, and everything went smoothly.
Regarding Campbell Harris Tutors, the exam venue was excellent. It was held in a church centre away from the busy high street, which helped minimise noise. The invigilators were kind and helpful, providing necessary equipment and ensuring everyone had the correct exam papers, as we were sitting different exam boards. Due to varying paper timings, there was a staggered exit from the exam hall, which caused some distraction due to the squeaky floors, but it was manageable. The school did a great job staying organised despite having multiple subjects in the same room.
The headteacher is very approachable and communicative. He sent out the statement of entry around May, including all exam regulations and the venues for each exam date.
As a private candidate, you must bring a form of ID, such as a passport or driving license, along with your statement of entry, which includes your candidate and centre number, to each exam.
Overall, the process went smoothly, and it felt much like taking exams last year, so there’s no need to worry The only downside of retaking exams privately is the cost. I worked during my gap year to fund my tuition, and I also made time to travel. I started intense revision from March to June, which allowed me to balance my retake preparation with other activities and still enjoy myself. If you’re determined to improve your grade or have a specific university in mind, don’t let the challenges deter you. Money comes and goes, but your university experience and future are invaluable. It required a lot of discipline and mental strength, but in the end, it was all worth it. I had the flexibility to study whenever I wanted and developed a manageable routine for myself. Although there were times when it felt daunting and draining to go over chemistry repeatedly, the effort paid off in the end.
I’m now off to study Pharmacy at King’s College London, and I couldn’t be happier. Everything happens for a reason. Don’t be too hard on yourself—everything will work out in the end.
If you have any questions, feel free to message me. I apologise for the lengthy read, but I hope this has been helpful. I’m happy to share more insights if it would benefit anyone

for your sherpa tutor, was it a uni student or a qualified teacher. also, im also thinking of applying to kings but my tutor doesnt have a professional email. what did u do? 😭

Hi everyone,
I wanted to share my experience to help anyone who didn’t get the grades they hoped for on A-level results day and is considering a retake. This post is specifically for private candidates—those who won’t be sitting exams at their old sixth form for any reason.
On A-level results day in 2023, I received a B in AQA Chemistry when I was aiming for an A. Since I had specific universities in mind that required an A, I decided against going through clearing and chose to take a gap year to resit AQA A-level Chemistry. My old sixth form didn’t allow retakes.
Using the JCQ website, I searched for local schools and private institutions that accept external and mature students for A-level retakes. I found Campbell Harris Tutors in High Street Kensington, London. They responded promptly to my inquiries and directed me to their website to complete the registration form.
To register, you’ll need your ULN, exam specification, exam board, and subject details. I paid £350 at the end of August—note that exam prices increase the later you leave it. The £350 covered sitting the three A-level papers only. Since I had already passed the practical component of A-level Chemistry the previous year, I was able to carry that forward to this year’s exam.
For UCAS predicted grades and references, I used an online tutoring platform called Sherpa. I explained my situation to the tutors and had an introductory meeting to discuss my goals and determine if they could assist. Some tutors may ask you to complete practice papers to assess your current grade level. I worked with my tutor once a week, focusing on challenging exam questions to ensure I achieved an A this time. After about three months, my tutor had a solid idea of what grade I could be predicted. I paid £30 per hour-long lesson and had around 20 lessons before feeling confident enough to continue independently.
I submitted my UCAS application in early December for the MPharm course. Some universities may contact you directly for proof of your previous A-level grades and any additional information they require. The person providing your reference will also be contacted.
One crucial thing to keep in mind when looking for tutors is to ensure they have a professional business email. Otherwise, there’s a risk that universities may reject your reference. For example, UCL accepts references from personal emails like Gmail, Hotmail, or Outlook, while KCL required me to resend my reference from a business email, which caused unnecessary hassle and stress. So, double-check this with any tutors you find online to avoid complications.
Once my application was sorted, I had my interviews and entrance exams, and everything went smoothly.
Regarding Campbell Harris Tutors, the exam venue was excellent. It was held in a church centre away from the busy high street, which helped minimise noise. The invigilators were kind and helpful, providing necessary equipment and ensuring everyone had the correct exam papers, as we were sitting different exam boards. Due to varying paper timings, there was a staggered exit from the exam hall, which caused some distraction due to the squeaky floors, but it was manageable. The school did a great job staying organised despite having multiple subjects in the same room.
The headteacher is very approachable and communicative. He sent out the statement of entry around May, including all exam regulations and the venues for each exam date.
As a private candidate, you must bring a form of ID, such as a passport or driving license, along with your statement of entry, which includes your candidate and centre number, to each exam.
Overall, the process went smoothly, and it felt much like taking exams last year, so there’s no need to worry The only downside of retaking exams privately is the cost. I worked during my gap year to fund my tuition, and I also made time to travel. I started intense revision from March to June, which allowed me to balance my retake preparation with other activities and still enjoy myself. If you’re determined to improve your grade or have a specific university in mind, don’t let the challenges deter you. Money comes and goes, but your university experience and future are invaluable. It required a lot of discipline and mental strength, but in the end, it was all worth it. I had the flexibility to study whenever I wanted and developed a manageable routine for myself. Although there were times when it felt daunting and draining to go over chemistry repeatedly, the effort paid off in the end.
I’m now off to study Pharmacy at King’s College London, and I couldn’t be happier. Everything happens for a reason. Don’t be too hard on yourself—everything will work out in the end.
If you have any questions, feel free to message me. I apologise for the lengthy read, but I hope this has been helpful. I’m happy to share more insights if it would benefit anyone

Hi , I admire your determination as I am in a similar situation . I am planning to retake my A levels Maths , Biology and Chem to achieive A*AA . I will be looking to use Sherpa to gind a good teacher / examiner to help. Also want to work a bit . I am a bit stressed as it's hard to be disciplined and organise but it's worth it . Doing past paper , online ressorces do you have advice on how to organise yourself to ace the A levels . I wonder if in your personal statement you stated that you are resiting your A levels and doing a gap year.

your story is really inspiring and i'd like to congratulate you on your success, i wanted to personally ask with your exam process, when would it be the ideal time to apply for a private exam entry? for example, i am in year 12 and will be doing my a levels in may-june 2026, and i am considering taking further maths privately and to do the exam at that time as well, so i was wondering what date is ideal to apply for the 2026 exam entry, the same way you applied for this years entry

Hi everyone,
I wanted to share my experience to help anyone who didn’t get the grades they hoped for on A-level results day and is considering a retake. This post is specifically for private candidates—those who won’t be sitting exams at their old sixth form for any reason.
On A-level results day in 2023, I received a B in AQA Chemistry when I was aiming for an A. Since I had specific universities in mind that required an A, I decided against going through clearing and chose to take a gap year to resit AQA A-level Chemistry. My old sixth form didn’t allow retakes.
Using the JCQ website, I searched for local schools and private institutions that accept external and mature students for A-level retakes. I found Campbell Harris Tutors in High Street Kensington, London. They responded promptly to my inquiries and directed me to their website to complete the registration form.
To register, you’ll need your ULN, exam specification, exam board, and subject details. I paid £350 at the end of August—note that exam prices increase the later you leave it. The £350 covered sitting the three A-level papers only. Since I had already passed the practical component of A-level Chemistry the previous year, I was able to carry that forward to this year’s exam.
For UCAS predicted grades and references, I used an online tutoring platform called Sherpa. I explained my situation to the tutors and had an introductory meeting to discuss my goals and determine if they could assist. Some tutors may ask you to complete practice papers to assess your current grade level. I worked with my tutor once a week, focusing on challenging exam questions to ensure I achieved an A this time. After about three months, my tutor had a solid idea of what grade I could be predicted. I paid £30 per hour-long lesson and had around 20 lessons before feeling confident enough to continue independently.
I submitted my UCAS application in early December for the MPharm course. Some universities may contact you directly for proof of your previous A-level grades and any additional information they require. The person providing your reference will also be contacted.
One crucial thing to keep in mind when looking for tutors is to ensure they have a professional business email. Otherwise, there’s a risk that universities may reject your reference. For example, UCL accepts references from personal emails like Gmail, Hotmail, or Outlook, while KCL required me to resend my reference from a business email, which caused unnecessary hassle and stress. So, double-check this with any tutors you find online to avoid complications.
Once my application was sorted, I had my interviews and entrance exams, and everything went smoothly.
Regarding Campbell Harris Tutors, the exam venue was excellent. It was held in a church centre away from the busy high street, which helped minimise noise. The invigilators were kind and helpful, providing necessary equipment and ensuring everyone had the correct exam papers, as we were sitting different exam boards. Due to varying paper timings, there was a staggered exit from the exam hall, which caused some distraction due to the squeaky floors, but it was manageable. The school did a great job staying organised despite having multiple subjects in the same room.
The headteacher is very approachable and communicative. He sent out the statement of entry around May, including all exam regulations and the venues for each exam date.
As a private candidate, you must bring a form of ID, such as a passport or driving license, along with your statement of entry, which includes your candidate and centre number, to each exam.
Overall, the process went smoothly, and it felt much like taking exams last year, so there’s no need to worry The only downside of retaking exams privately is the cost. I worked during my gap year to fund my tuition, and I also made time to travel. I started intense revision from March to June, which allowed me to balance my retake preparation with other activities and still enjoy myself. If you’re determined to improve your grade or have a specific university in mind, don’t let the challenges deter you. Money comes and goes, but your university experience and future are invaluable. It required a lot of discipline and mental strength, but in the end, it was all worth it. I had the flexibility to study whenever I wanted and developed a manageable routine for myself. Although there were times when it felt daunting and draining to go over chemistry repeatedly, the effort paid off in the end.
I’m now off to study Pharmacy at King’s College London, and I couldn’t be happier. Everything happens for a reason. Don’t be too hard on yourself—everything will work out in the end.
If you have any questions, feel free to message me. I apologise for the lengthy read, but I hope this has been helpful. I’m happy to share more insights if it would benefit anyone

Hi everyone,
I wanted to share my experience to help anyone who didn’t get the grades they hoped for on A-level results day and is considering a retake. This post is specifically for private candidates—those who won’t be sitting exams at their old sixth form for any reason.
On A-level results day in 2023, I received a B in AQA Chemistry when I was aiming for an A. Since I had specific universities in mind that required an A, I decided against going through clearing and chose to take a gap year to resit AQA A-level Chemistry. My old sixth form didn’t allow retakes.
Using the JCQ website, I searched for local schools and private institutions that accept external and mature students for A-level retakes. I found Campbell Harris Tutors in High Street Kensington, London. They responded promptly to my inquiries and directed me to their website to complete the registration form.
To register, you’ll need your ULN, exam specification, exam board, and subject details. I paid £350 at the end of August—note that exam prices increase the later you leave it. The £350 covered sitting the three A-level papers only. Since I had already passed the practical component of A-level Chemistry the previous year, I was able to carry that forward to this year’s exam.
For UCAS predicted grades and references, I used an online tutoring platform called Sherpa. I explained my situation to the tutors and had an introductory meeting to discuss my goals and determine if they could assist. Some tutors may ask you to complete practice papers to assess your current grade level. I worked with my tutor once a week, focusing on challenging exam questions to ensure I achieved an A this time. After about three months, my tutor had a solid idea of what grade I could be predicted. I paid £30 per hour-long lesson and had around 20 lessons before feeling confident enough to continue independently.
I submitted my UCAS application in early December for the MPharm course. Some universities may contact you directly for proof of your previous A-level grades and any additional information they require. The person providing your reference will also be contacted.
One crucial thing to keep in mind when looking for tutors is to ensure they have a professional business email. Otherwise, there’s a risk that universities may reject your reference. For example, UCL accepts references from personal emails like Gmail, Hotmail, or Outlook, while KCL required me to resend my reference from a business email, which caused unnecessary hassle and stress. So, double-check this with any tutors you find online to avoid complications.
Once my application was sorted, I had my interviews and entrance exams, and everything went smoothly.
Regarding Campbell Harris Tutors, the exam venue was excellent. It was held in a church centre away from the busy high street, which helped minimise noise. The invigilators were kind and helpful, providing necessary equipment and ensuring everyone had the correct exam papers, as we were sitting different exam boards. Due to varying paper timings, there was a staggered exit from the exam hall, which caused some distraction due to the squeaky floors, but it was manageable. The school did a great job staying organised despite having multiple subjects in the same room.
The headteacher is very approachable and communicative. He sent out the statement of entry around May, including all exam regulations and the venues for each exam date.
As a private candidate, you must bring a form of ID, such as a passport or driving license, along with your statement of entry, which includes your candidate and centre number, to each exam.
Overall, the process went smoothly, and it felt much like taking exams last year, so there’s no need to worry The only downside of retaking exams privately is the cost. I worked during my gap year to fund my tuition, and I also made time to travel. I started intense revision from March to June, which allowed me to balance my retake preparation with other activities and still enjoy myself. If you’re determined to improve your grade or have a specific university in mind, don’t let the challenges deter you. Money comes and goes, but your university experience and future are invaluable. It required a lot of discipline and mental strength, but in the end, it was all worth it. I had the flexibility to study whenever I wanted and developed a manageable routine for myself. Although there were times when it felt daunting and draining to go over chemistry repeatedly, the effort paid off in the end.
I’m now off to study Pharmacy at King’s College London, and I couldn’t be happier. Everything happens for a reason. Don’t be too hard on yourself—everything will work out in the end.
If you have any questions, feel free to message me. I apologise for the lengthy read, but I hope this has been helpful. I’m happy to share more insights if it would benefit anyone