Didn’t get the grade you hoped for in A Level History?

The good news is, you can resit your A Level History exam as a private candidate and aim for a better result.

How Do A Level History Resits Work?

You can resit any or all of your A Level History exam papers in the next available exam series.

Most A Level History exams are held once per year, usually in May or June.

You’ll need to book your resit at an approved exam centre—these can include schools, colleges, or private exam centres.

Search for approved exam centres with JCQ

What Should I Know About History Resits?

• You can choose to resit one or more written papers, or the full qualification—check your exam board’s rules.
• Coursework (NEA): Many boards allow you to carry forward your NEA mark to a future series, or you can choose to redo it. Availability varies by centre, so confirm this early.
• Some exam centres have limited capacity for supervising and authenticating NEA for private candidates—book early and check requirements.
• Your highest grade will count for university or job applications.
• You’ll need to pay exam entry fees, and private candidates must book well in advance—places can fill up quickly.

How do you book and sit A Level exams as a private candidate?

How to find an A Level History exam centre

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I resit A Level History?

There’s no official limit—you can resit as many times as you wish.

Can I carry forward my coursework (NEA) mark?

Often yes—many exam boards allow NEA marks to be carried forward to a future series. Check with your board and chosen centre.

Will universities know I’ve resat?

Universities may ask, but most accept resits—especially if you improve your grade.

How much does it cost to resit?

Fees vary by centre—expect roughly £100–£200 per written paper; centres set their own prices and NEA handling may incur extra fees.

See more about A Level exam fees

Ready to Try Again?