Okay, so, we’re going to throw a few names at you: Richard Branson, Simon Cowell, and Deborah Meaden.
What do they have in common? They all left school without any A Levels!
Where are they today? All super rich and so famous they get the honour of being featured in this blog post.
The point is, failing your A Levels isn’t the end of the world. If you’ve just received disappointing results, or you’re anxiously waiting and wondering what happens if things don’t go to plan, don’t panic. There are plenty of options available that can help you achieve your goals.
What to do if you fail A Levels
Firstly, take some time to process your emotions.
Disappointing results can be a shock to the system. You may feel angry, upset, or even frustrated, and that’s okay.
Talk to someone you trust, whether it’s a friend, a family member, or teacher. Expressing how you feel can help you gain perspective and begin to move forward.
There are all sorts of reasons why people don’t pass their A Level exams and, often, it has nothing to do with raw ability. Everybody has their own way of doing things, and maybe the structured school environment didn’t suit your style of learning.
What matters now is focusing on your next steps. This is your opportunity to pursue your goals, your way. There are plenty of alternative options available, and it’s about finding the one that works best for you.
You may want to consider:
Re-taking A Levels at school or college
If you’re thinking about giving your A Levels another shot, some schools and colleges let you re-take them the following year.
This time around, you’ll know what to expect and you can focus your efforts on areas that tripped you up before and tackle them with a fresh perspective.
Start by speaking to your school or college to find out what re-enrolment options are available.
Re-taking A Levels at home
If you’re sick of the traditional school system, more and more students are turning to distance learning as a flexible alternative.
Studying from home means that you can work at your own pace, on your own schedule, without the distractions of a classroom.
If this approach sounds like a better fit, at Open Study College we offer a range of fully accredited online A Level courses that are exactly the same as those studied in a traditional school or college.
Access to HE courses
Not everyone takes the traditional route to university, and you don’t have to either. One of the most popular and effective alternatives is the Access to HE Diploma.
These courses are designed specifically for people who want to pursue university study but don’t have traditional qualifications. Here’s why they’re a great option:
- Exam-free and the equivalent to three A Levels
- Completed over a two-year period from home
- Focusing on one course instead of three often provides relief for many students.
- UCAS-eligible and accepted by many UK universities
Each year, around 20,000 students apply for university with an Access to HE Diploma.
Take Kacie for example: after leaving school without any A Levels but then changing her mind about going to university, she enrolled on an Access to HE Health course and went on to study a nursing degree at university.
Vocational qualifications
If you already have a clear idea of the career you want to pursue, vocational qualifications can offer the quickest and most direct path to get there.
These qualifications are more practical, career-focused and tailored to specific industries, meaning you’ll gain the exact skills employers are looking for without the need for traditional academic routes.
For instance, you can become a fully-fledged accountant by completing an AAT qualification, or an Active IQ course can qualify you as a personal trainer in a matter of months!
Feeling a bit better?
Failing an exam can feel like the end of the world. But it’s not. Not even close.
In the words of TV presenter and proud A Level failure, Jake Humphrey: “Remember, results don’t/won’t define you.”
What matters is what you do next, and who knows, that detour might even lead you somewhere better.
It’s important to remember that there are practical options that can help you get back on track fast.
After all, there’s no one-size-fits-all route to success. Just the right one for you.
Need help figuring out your next steps? We’ve helped thousands of students bounce back stronger than ever. If you’d like to chat through your options, give our friendly advisers a call on 0121 329 4656.
Alternatively, if one of the routes mentioned in this post has piqued your interest, check out our options below: